Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer or festive side dish, look no further than Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans. Each bite is a warm, golden round of roasted sweet potato, topped with gooey melted marshmallows, crunchy toasted pecans, and a finishing drizzle of maple syrup. This irresistible combination of flavors and textures is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about making Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans is how simple yet impactful each ingredient is. Every item plays a special role, from lending natural sweetness and color to adding a bit of spice or crunch for the perfect bite.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, these bring gorgeous color, creamy texture, and natural sweetness to every bite.
- Olive oil: Just a bit of oil helps the sweet potatoes roast up golden and tender.
- Salt: A tiny sprinkle enhances all the flavors and keeps the dish from being too sweet.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy note that pairs beautifully with both sweet potatoes and marshmallows.
- Ground nutmeg: This spice gives a subtle depth and nostalgic holiday aroma.
- Mini marshmallows: For that classic, gooey, toasted topping everyone loves.
- Chopped pecans: They add a buttery crunch and earthy flavor that balances out the sweetness.
- Maple syrup: A final drizzle brings everything together with its rich, caramel-like sweetness.
How to Make Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and slicing them into thick, half-inch rounds. Try to keep them as even as possible so they all roast at the same rate. This not only helps with presentation but ensures every bite is perfectly tender.
Step 2: Toss with Olive Oil and Spices
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure every piece is coated; this is where the flavor magic starts! The oil helps them roast up beautifully, while the spices give each bite that unmistakable holiday aroma.
Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potato Rounds
Arrange the rounds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them a little breathing room so they roast instead of steam. Slide them into your preheated oven and roast for 20 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for golden edges and fork-tender centers.
Step 4: Top with Marshmallows & Pecans
Here’s where the “wow” factor comes in! Carefully remove the tray from the oven and top each round with a few mini marshmallows and a generous sprinkle of chopped pecans. The marshmallows will melt and toast up in the next step, while the pecans get delightfully fragrant and crunchy.
Step 5: Toast Until Golden
Return the tray to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye—marshmallows go from golden to burnt quickly! As soon as they’re puffy and lightly toasted, pull them out. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure holiday bliss.
Step 6: Drizzle with Maple Syrup and Serve
Finish your Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans with a luscious drizzle of maple syrup. It adds shine and a lovely pop of extra sweetness that ties all the flavors together. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans
Garnishes
For a pretty finishing touch, sprinkle a few more chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon over the top just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary adds a pop of green and an herby aroma that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
These bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them alongside a holiday roast, with classic green beans, or as part of a vegetarian spread with quinoa salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. They also make a fantastic addition to a Friendsgiving appetizer table.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans in neat rows on a rustic wooden platter or even stack them in a circular pattern on a cake stand for extra visual appeal. Toothpicks or tiny skewers make them easy to grab at parties, turning them into the ultimate finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, and the bites stay deliciously moist.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the roasted sweet potato rounds (before topping them with marshmallows and pecans). Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, reheat and add toppings as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps the marshmallows get gooey again and the pecans regain their crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap regular marshmallows for your favorite vegan brand. Everything else in the recipe is naturally plant-based, so it’s an easy switch.
Can I prepare Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans ahead of time?
You can roast the sweet potato rounds in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat, add the marshmallows and pecans, then toast and drizzle with maple syrup.
What kind of sweet potatoes work best?
Look for large, firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best color and texture. They hold their shape well and provide that signature creamy bite.
How do I keep the marshmallows from burning?
Keep a close eye during the final toasting step. Marshmallows melt quickly, so 3 to 5 minutes is usually perfect. If your oven runs hot, check after 2 minutes just to be safe!
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Definitely! Walnuts or sliced almonds would also be delicious, providing a different twist on the classic Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans are the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet and satisfying. Grab your ingredients, gather some friends or family, and enjoy every cozy, caramelized bite!
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Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows & Pecans Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet and crunchy Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans make a perfect holiday appetizer or side dish. Featuring tender roasted sweet potato rounds topped with toasted mini marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup, these bites are easy to prepare and full of cozy flavors.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Bites
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Toppings
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Toss sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until each piece is evenly coated with the spices and oil for maximum flavor.
- Arrange and roast: Lay the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping for even cooking. Roast for 20–22 minutes, flipping the rounds halfway through to promote even browning and tenderness.
- Add toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully top each sweet potato round with a few mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of chopped pecans to give a contrast of textures and flavors.
- Melt marshmallows: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes or until the marshmallows are melted and lightly toasted on top.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the roasted sweet potato bites with maple syrup for a final touch of sweetness and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute regular mini marshmallows with vegan marshmallows.
- These bites are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven to savor the toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish for any season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 bites
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
