Fluffy Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallow and Pecans Recipe
Irresistible gatherings call for mouthwatering sweet potato bites with marshmallow and pecans that instantly spark joy at any table.
Seasonal comfort transforms into bite-sized deliciousness with this simple yet elegant recipe.
Rich, caramelized sweet potatoes complement the gooey marshmallow topping and crunchy pecan texture.
Each morsel delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty warmth that melts in your mouth.
The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend of flavors that feels like a culinary celebration.
Serving these delectable appetizers will earn you instant praise from everyone around the table.
These little bites promise to become your new go-to party favorite that leaves guests asking for the recipe.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 193 kcal
Servings: 9
Sweet Potato Bites Ingredient Essentials
For Sweet Potato Base:
Sweet Potatoes: Vibrant orange roots packed with nutrients, choose firm potatoes with smooth skin and no blemishes.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps crisp the potato edges, select high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
For Topping and Sweetness:
Marshmallows: Fluffy cloud-like toppers that create a delightful caramelized layer, pick large, fresh marshmallows for perfect melting.
Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that brings warm, woodsy notes, opt for pure maple syrup instead of artificial substitutes.
For Crunch and Texture:
Pecans: Buttery and crisp nuts that provide a delightful contrast, select fresh, whole pecans without any rancid smell.
What to Use for Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallow
Baking Sheet Pan: Essential for roasting and broiling sweet potato rounds evenly.
Knife: Needed to slice sweet potatoes into rounds and halve marshmallows.
Pastry Brush or Spoon: Perfect for drizzling melted butter and maple syrup over sweet potatoes.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like butter and maple syrup.
Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot sheet pan and protecting hands.
Spatula or Tongs: Useful for flipping sweet potato rounds during roasting.
Cooling Rack (optional): Can help if you want to transfer sweet potato bites after cooking.
How to Bake These Sweet Potato Pecan Treats
Oven Preparation Kitchen warmth begins with setting the stage for these delightful sweet potato bites. Crank up the oven to a toasty 425°F and grab a sheet pan, giving it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.
Sweet Potato Placement Arrange those beautiful orange discs across the pan, creating a colorful landscape ready for transformation. Drizzle melted butter generously, ensuring each slice gets a luxurious coating.
Roasting Magic First roasting session brings out the potato's natural sweetness. Let them sizzle for about 20 minutes, then flip each round to reveal golden-brown perfection. Continue roasting until fork-tender and edges crisp up beautifully.
Maple Syrup Touch Remove the pan and switch the oven to broil. Splash maple syrup over the potatoes, gently tossing to create a glistening, caramelized surface that promises incredible flavor.
Marshmallow Crowning Top each potato round with a halved marshmallow, watching closely as they transform under the broiler. In just 1-3 minutes, they'll turn golden and puffy, adding a cloud-like decadence.
Pecan Finale As soon as the marshmallows reach perfection, press a pecan half into each one. Serve immediately while warm, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that celebrates autumn's rich flavors.
Tasty Switch-Ups for Sweet Potato Bites
Roast sweet potato rounds earlier in the day and reheat before adding marshmallows to save time during party preparation.
Replace maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar for different sweet undertones that complement the potatoes.
Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, or toasted pumpkin seeds for varied crunch and nutritional diversity.
Sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice over sweet potatoes before roasting to elevate the warm, seasonal flavor profile.
Use vegan marshmallows and coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based version of this delightful appetizer that everyone can enjoy.
How to Plate and Present Sweet Potato Bites
Craft a Holiday Party Platter: Arrange these sweet potato bites on a festive wooden board surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs for a stunning presentation that'll wow your guests.
Pair with Creamy Dip: Whip up a quick cinnamon-vanilla yogurt dip that complements the sweet and nutty flavors, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to each bite.
Create Appetizer Elegance: Serve these bites as a sophisticated starter during Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, letting guests enjoy a perfect blend of sweet, crispy, and gooey textures.
Make Kid-Friendly Snacks: Cut the sweet potatoes into smaller rounds for bite-sized treats that children will love, making them perfect for family gatherings or after-school snacking.
Storing Sweet Potato Bites for Later Nibbles
Maximize Freshness: Store leftover sweet potato bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
Quick Reheat Trick: Warm the bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy edges and gooey marshmallow topping.
Prep Ahead Strategy: Roast sweet potato rounds and store separately from toppings up to 2 days in advance, allowing for easy last-minute assembly and serving.
Freezing Option: Wrap individual sweet potato bites tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Homemade sweet potato bites offer delightful autumn flavors from Southern cuisine. Crispy pecans, golden marshmallow topping, and creamy potato base combine for a memorable holiday side dish you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
4 sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds, about 2 lbs / 907 g)
24 pecan halves
12 regular-sized marshmallows, halved
¼ cup (4 tbsps / 57 g) salted butter, melted
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or non-stick spray.
Roasting: Spread sweet potato rounds evenly on the baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, ensuring uniform coating. Roast for 20 minutes until bottom sides turn golden-brown, then flip and continue roasting for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Seasoning: Remove from oven and switch to broil. Drizzle pure maple syrup over the rounds, tossing gently to create a glistening coating.
Marshmallow Topping: Place a halved marshmallow on each sweet potato round. Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until marshmallows become golden and puffy.
Finishing Touch: Immediately press a pecan half into the center of each toasted marshmallow. Serve warm, showcasing the delectable blend of crispy, sweet, and nutty flavors.
Notes
Prevent Burning Carefully: Watch marshmallows closely during broiling to avoid charring or turning completely black.
Strategic Spacing Matters: Arrange sweet potato rounds with slight separation to ensure even roasting and crispy edges.
Butter Coating Technique: Use hands or spatula to guarantee uniform butter coverage, creating rich, caramelized surfaces.
Temperature Control Essential: Use medium-high heat for perfect caramelization without drying out sweet potato rounds.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.