If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that effortlessly blends sweet and nutty flavors, you are going to absolutely adore this Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe. These delightful little bites are the perfect balance of soft, tender sweet potatoes mixed with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans, all baked to a golden perfection. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday meal, this dish brings smiles and satisfaction with every bite. The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar adds just the right cozy spice, making these bites a standout side or a sweet snack that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to creating the unique flavor and texture of this dish. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s enhancing sweetness, adding crunch, or creating that perfect melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- 2 cups sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a rich sweetness with a hint of caramel that deepens the flavor.
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma to complement the soft potatoes.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: A magical touch of gooey, melty sweetness that balances the earthy flavors.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Lends warmth and spice, elevating the dish to cozy comfort food status.
- 2 tbsp butter (melted): Enriches the mixture and helps bind everything together for smooth bites.
How to Make Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when your bites are assembled. While the oven warms up, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Draining right away ensures they don’t get soggy and keeps the bites perfectly creamy.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Once drained, mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to infuse the mixture with rich sweetness and warm spice. This creates the flavorful base that makes these Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe truly shine.
Step 3: Fold in Pecans and Marshmallows
Gently fold half of the chopped pecans and mini marshmallows into the mashed sweet potatoes. This folding step is key because it distributes the texture and gooey bits evenly, creating a delightful bite every time.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then scoop dollops of the sweet potato mixture onto it. For each dollop, sprinkle the remaining pecans and marshmallows on top — this adds a beautiful toasted finish when baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bites in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown and the edges of the bites start to caramelize a bit. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Want to add an extra touch of elegance and flavor? Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon or a few fresh chopped pecans on top just before serving. A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also elevate the sweetness, if you like things a little more decadent.
Side Dishes
These sweet potato bites pair wonderfully with savory mains like roasted turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken. Their natural sweetness complements hearty dishes, creating a balanced plate that’s satisfying and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve these bites on a festive platter with little toothpicks or cocktail forks. They also make excellent additions to a holiday buffet or potluck spread. You can even use mini muffin tins to create perfectly portioned individual bites that are easy to grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them chilled to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and defrost quickly in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the marshmallows regain their toasty goodness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunchy pecans crisp.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Just chop the regular marshmallows into smaller pieces before folding them in to ensure they distribute evenly and melt nicely without overwhelming the bites.
Is there a substitute for pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Each nut will add its own unique flavor and crunch.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Use a plant-based butter substitute, and make sure to use vegan marshmallows (available in many stores) so you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this recipe.
What if I want it less sweet?
Simply reduce the brown sugar by half or skip the drizzle of extra honey or syrup. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes still shines beautifully without being too sugary.
Can this dish be served cold?
While it’s best enjoyed warm to experience the gooey marshmallows and soft texture, you can serve it at room temperature if necessary. Just expect the marshmallows to be a bit firmer.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe is such a treasure to keep in your recipe collection. It brings together simple ingredients into a dish full of warmth, sweetness, and delightful textures that are sure to please everyone at your table. Once you try these bites, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, turning ordinary moments into something special with every delicious forkful. Give it a go, and watch how these little bites become a big favorite in your home!
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Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans, a cozy and sweet side dish perfect for festive occasions or comforting family meals. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are blended with warm cinnamon, buttery richness, and brown sugar, then topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (divided)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a hot environment for baking the sweet potato bites.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water. Cook them until fork-tender, about 15 minutes, then drain off the water.
- Mash and Mix: Transfer the hot sweet potatoes to a bowl and mash until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to combine all flavors evenly.
- Add Pecans and Marshmallows: Gently fold half of the chopped pecans and half of the mini marshmallows into the mashed sweet potato mixture to distribute flavor and texture throughout.
- Prepare for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spoon to scoop dollops of the sweet potato mixture onto the sheet, spacing them evenly. Top each dollop with the remaining chopped pecans and mini marshmallows.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the marshmallows turn golden brown and crispy on top.
Notes
- For evenly cooked sweet potatoes, cube them uniformly.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Toasting pecans beforehand can enhance their flavor.
- Serve warm for the best gooey marshmallow texture.
