Sweet Potato and Zucchini Nuggets

Written by: Jeanette Blandford | Published on May 28, 2025

Crispy-on-the-outside, soft-in-the-middle sweet potato and zucchini nuggets — a veggie-packed finger food little hands love, and they freeze and reheat brilliantly.

These little sweet potato nuggets are the perfect finger food for little and big kids alike. They're sweet and soft inside but lovely and crispy on the outside. To make them baby friendly from 6+ months, just halve the cooking time so they aren't so crunchy.

To quickly turn these veggie bites from a snack into a balanced meal, offer them with some mashed avocado and sardines. They also freeze well and can be reheated in the oven.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50–60 minutes
Makes: About 12–16 nuggets
Freezer friendly: Yes
Texture: Soft inside, crispy outside (halve cook time for 6+ months)

Age & Texture Guidance

Suitable from 6 months.
6–9 months: Halve the cooking time so the nuggets stay soft, and offer whole for little hands to grab and gum.
9–12 months: Offer in halves or smaller pieces as pincer grip develops.
12 months+: Serve as is, crispier if you like, with a dip.

Allergens Present

Dairy (cheese, optional), egg and wheat (flour and breadcrumbs).

Allergen Substitutions

Dairy free: leave out the grated cheese. Egg free: use a flax egg. Wheat/gluten free: use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Why We Love This Recipe

A veggie-packed finger food little hands love
Soft inside and crispy outside
Freezes and reheats brilliantly
Easily adapted to be dairy and egg free

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Sweet Potato and Zucchini Nuggets

Ingredients

  • 500g of sweet potato, peeled
  • 2 x zucchini
  • ¼ cup of grated cheese (can leave out if dairy free)
  • ¼ cup of flour
  • 1 egg (can use flax egg to make egg free)
  • 2 cups of breadcrumbs (panko work really well for crispy nuggets, but you can use any or make your own)

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius
  • Boil and mash your sweet potato (can do this in the microwave)
  • Grate your zucchini and squeeze out the excess fluid so your nuggets aren't mushy
  • Mix everything but the breadcrumbs together
  • Shape into individual nuggets then roll them in the breadcrumbs
  • Spray or drizzle with olive oil
  • Place on your baking tray and bake for 30 minutes before turning and baking for another 20-30 minutes.
  • Allow to cool a little before serving, as they will firm up to make the perfect finger food!

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These freeze well — freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container or bag. Reheat in the oven until heated through, and cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Nutrition Notes

Sweet potato offers fibre, slow-burning energy and beta-carotene (vitamin A), while the egg and cheese add a little protein and calcium. A great way to serve veggies in a fun, hand-held shape.

Parent Tip

Squeeze as much liquid as you can out of the grated zucchini so the nuggets hold together and aren't mushy. For babies 6+ months, halve the cooking time so they're softer and less crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

From what age can babies have these?

From around 6 months. Just halve the cooking time so they're soft rather than crispy, which is easier for new eaters.

Can I make them dairy free?

Yes — simply leave out the grated cheese.

Can I make them egg free?

Yes — swap the egg for a flax egg.

How do I make them a full meal?

Serve with mashed avocado and sardines, or a yoghurt dip and some fresh fruit.

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