Sweet Potato Patties for Babies: An Easy BLW Recipe Babies Can Hold and Self-Feed

A cozy fall finger food for baby-led weaning

When fall arrives, sweet potatoes really shine — soft, vibrant, naturally sweet, and loaded with nutrients. They’re one of the most versatile vegetables for babies starting solids, whether you’re offering spoon-fed purées, transitioning into thicker textures, or leaning into baby-led weaning with soft, graspable pieces.

These Sweet Potato & Cilantro Patties bring together everything we love about fall produce: warmth, color, and simple ingredients that support your baby’s developmental skills. The mixture turns into tender, easy-to-hold patties that gently encourage self-feeding while still being soft enough for beginners. And if you’re not ready for finger foods yet, you might still enjoy offering this same base mashed or as a smooth purée.

Best part? They take just a few minutes to make and freeze beautifully, which is exactly the kind of parent-friendly win we’re always aiming for.

Why sweet potato patties for babies work so well when you’re starting solids

Sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweet flavor that babies tend to love, and when cooked, they mash into a smooth, velvety consistency. That softness allows them to be shaped into patties that hold together without becoming too firm — a balance that works beautifully for early eaters.

Here’s why many families enjoy starting with sweet potatoes:

Nutrient-rich and gentle for new eaters

Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin C, sweet potatoes support immunity and digestive comfort — always welcome during fall and winter.

Versatile across baby feeding stages

You can start smooth, then gradually offer more texture through patties or mixed dishes. Sharing different textures of the same food can help babies get comfortable exploring new sensations at their own pace.

A great BLW sweet potato recipe for beginners

When cooked in a thin layer of oil, these patties stay soft and squishable — ideal for tiny hands learning to pick up food and bring it to their mouths.

Flavor-building with herbs

Cilantro adds a fresh, bright note. Herbs are safe from the very beginning and can gently expand your baby’s flavor world.

How you might serve sweet potatoes for babies at different ages and stages

Babies can begin exploring sweet potato during their first weeks of solids, typically around 5–6 months once they’re showing readiness cues like sitting with support and showing interest in food. These patties can be adapted depending on your baby’s age, confidence, and comfort.

5–6 months (new to solids)

• Offer as a smooth purée or soft mash
  
  

• Try preloaded spoons to support independence
  
  

• You can also crumble a super-soft patty for sensory play if that feels right for your family
  
  

6–9 months (BLW-friendly stage)

• Shape patties into longer, easy-to-grip strips
  
  

• Offer as a soft finger food for BLW
  
  

• Try mixing small crumbles into yogurt or ricotta for added texture
  
  

9–12 months (developing pincer grasp)

• Offer small, easy-to-pick-up pieces
  
  

• Introduce dips like yogurt, hummus, or mashed avocado
  
  

• Add to simple lunch plates with fruit or soft veggies
  
  

12 months+ (toddler-friendly meal idea)

• A great snack plate option
  
  

• Easy for daycare lunches
  
  

• Pair with gentle herbs, mild spices, or yogurt-based sauces
  
  

Sweet Potato & Cilantro Patties Recipe

Warm, savory-sweet, and perfect for self-feeding. Makes 4–6 small patties.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Best For: babies 6 months+
Consistency: soft, squishable patties

Ingredients

• ½ cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
  
  

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
  
  

• 1 tbsp rice flour
  
  

• 1 egg yolk, or ¼ cup mashed banana for an egg-free version
  
  

• 1 tsp olive oil
  
  

Directions

1. Combine the sweet potato, cilantro, and rice flour in a small bowl.
   
   

2. Stir in the egg yolk or mashed banana.
   
   

3. Shape into small patties (about 2 inches across).
   
   

4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium and cook patties for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly golden.
   
   

5. Let cool before serving.
   
   

Ways to make BLW sweet potato patties feel safe and manageable for early eaters

Soft finger foods that help babies practice self-feeding skills

The patties should squish easily between your fingers — that softness can help babies feel confident as they explore.

Shaping patties so babies can grasp, gum, and explore comfortably

Longer strips often work well for beginners learning how to hold food in their palms.

An easy egg-free option if your family prefers it

Mashed banana binds the patties nicely and adds natural sweetness.

Storing and freezing sweet potato patties for easy meals later on

You can safely freeze and store extras for later. Freeze in a single layer and warm gently before serving. A little meal prep goes a long way on busy days.

Gentle dips for texture exploration (9–10 months+)

Some families like offering dips such as yogurt or mashed avocado once babies show interest.

FAQ about sweet potato baby recipes

Is cilantro safe for babies?

Yes — herbs like cilantro are safe from the beginning and offer gentle flavor exposure.

Do sweet potatoes cause constipation?

Not usually. Their fiber can support comfortable digestion.

How long do patties keep?

Up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

Sweet potato patties can be such a comforting addition to your baby’s early meals — especially if you’re exploring baby-led weaning or looking for soft finger foods that feel manageable for tiny hands. They offer a warm fall flavor, a tender texture, and a simple way for babies to practice holding, gumming, and exploring at their own pace.

Like most parts of starting solids, there’s room to make this recipe your own. Some families offer the patties in longer BLW-style strips, while others break them into softer pieces for babies who are still getting used to handling food. There’s no perfect version here — just what feels right for your baby today.

And if your little one spends more time squishing than eating? That’s still meaningful practice. Every exposure helps build familiarity, coordination, and confidence. Feeding isn’t about getting it “right”; it’s about showing up, staying curious, and letting your baby lead the way.

 

Written by Jenny Janov, MPH, RD

Pediatric Dietitian & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

 

Jenny is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in pediatrics. She studied nutrition at UNC Chapel Hill and worked in hospitals and clinics across California, including UCSF and Stanford. Passionate about helping families, she guides them in making positive nutrition choices and setting achievable goals. As Bébé Foodie’s pediatric dietitian, she helps create expert-backed guidance for parents navigating their child's food journey. Now based in Bend, OR, she enjoys the outdoors, running, snowboarding, paddleboarding, cooking, and time with her husband and two boys.

 

This blog post is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be used as personal, health, nutritional, or medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child's health or readiness for various foods.