Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting side that feels like a hug on a plate, then this Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Each bite offers the perfect harmony of tender sweet potatoes, cinnamon-spiced sweetness, crunchy pecans, and gooey marshmallows that toast to golden perfection. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, bringing a festive and playful vibe to your dining table that everyone will be talking about long after the last bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients — each one playing a star role in flavor, texture, and color. These simple components come together to create a dish that’s both nostalgic and fresh, guaranteed to excite your taste buds.
- 2 cups sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed): The creamy, naturally sweet base that makes these bites so comforting.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel sweetness that perfectly complements the earthiness of the sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped): For a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: The secret ingredient that melts into gooey, golden pockets of joy.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the overall flavor profile with a subtle, cozy aroma.
- 2 tbsp butter (melted): Brings a luscious richness and helps bind all the flavors together.
How to Make Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s ready and hot for baking the sweet potato bites, giving you that beautiful golden finish on the marshmallows and pecans later on.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in water until fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. This step is crucial because perfectly soft sweet potatoes mash smoothly and blend well with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and transfer them into a mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth, then stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This combination ensures every bite has a creamy, flavorful base with the right hint of sweetness and spice.
Step 4: Add Pecans and Marshmallows
Fold half of the chopped pecans and mini marshmallows into the mashed sweet potato mixture gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed but still keeping their shape and texture.
Step 5: Shape and Top the Bites
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop dollops of the mixture onto it. Then sprinkle the remaining pecans and marshmallows over the top to create a visually inviting and texturally delightful topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the marshmallows have melted and turned a gorgeous golden brown. This step gives the bites that irresistible toasted sweetness and crunchy pecan topping.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon right before serving for a fresh burst of texture and aroma. If you want to add a splash of color, a few fresh herbs like rosemary can give an unexpected, sophisticated twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with savory mains like roasted turkey or grilled chicken, balancing hearty proteins with its sweetness. It’s also a fantastic compliment to a light, crisp green salad to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these sweet potato bites in mini ramekins or on a festive platter with some decorative autumn leaves or nuts scattered around. Presenting them as individual spoonfuls on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses and fruits turns it into a charming appetizer at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making reheated bites even tastier.
Freezing
For longer storage, these bites freeze well. Arrange the baked bites on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep great for up to 1 month and are perfect for enjoying later without losing any flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your sweet potato bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the marshmallows regain some fluffiness, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispness of the pecans and the marshmallow’s delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes, but you might want to chop the regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces before folding them into the mixture, so they distribute evenly and melt properly on top.
Are there any good substitutes for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully as alternatives, offering a similar crunch and nutty flavor profile that pairs well with sweet potatoes.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows, which are often gelatin-free.
How do I prevent marshmallows from burning during baking?
Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking since marshmallows brown quickly. If you notice them browning too fast, tent the baking sheet loosely with foil to protect them.
Can I prepare the sweet potato mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the mashed sweet potato mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Fold in the marshmallows and pecans fresh before baking to keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe is a little slice of comfort that’s sure to brighten any meal with its warm flavors and delightful textures. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, these bites will quickly become one of those beloved dishes you want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch how it brings smiles around your table!
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Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans are a delightful, bite-sized twist on a classic holiday side dish. Soft mashed sweet potatoes are sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon, combined with crunchy pecans and gooey marshmallows, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a festive appetizer or a fun snack, these bites offer a comforting blend of sweetness and texture in every mouthful.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (half of total)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (half of total)
Topping
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (remaining half)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (remaining half)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potato bites.
- Boil sweet potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in boiling water and cook until they become fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain the water thoroughly.
- Mash and mix: Mash the drained sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you achieve a smooth, well-incorporated mixture.
- Fold in pecans and marshmallows: Gently fold half of the chopped pecans and half of the mini marshmallows into the mashed sweet potato mixture to distribute flavors and textures evenly.
- Form and top bites: On a lined baking sheet, scoop dollops of the mixture spaced evenly apart. Top each scoop with the remaining chopped pecans and mini marshmallows for a crunchy and gooey finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows on top are golden brown and slightly toasted.
Notes
- For easier mashing, use a potato masher or fork if you don’t have a ricer.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or ginger into the sweet potato mixture.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture, as marshmallows may harden upon cooling.
- For a nuttier bite, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
