Sweet Potato Bites

These delightful Sweet Potato Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy. With soft, roasted sweet potatoes, a touch of maple syrup, toasted marshmallows, and a crunchy pecan topping, this dish is ideal for holidays, parties, or even a cozy family dinner. The recipe is simple, taking only 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. It’s an easy way to create a beautiful presentation with minimal effort. This dish offers a blend of textures and flavors that will surely impress your guests.

Prep Time:

• Total time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes (about 1 lb.): The natural sweetness and earthy flavor of sweet potatoes form the foundation of this dish.
• 8 pecan halves: Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the sweetness.
• 4 medium-sized marshmallows: When toasted, these marshmallows bring a gooey, caramelized topping to the dish.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the sweet potatoes develop a golden, crispy exterior during roasting.
• 2 tbsp maple syrup: Enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, caramel flavor.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating ensures that your sweet potatoes roast evenly and develop a golden brown exterior.
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes to remove the skin. Once peeled, slice each sweet potato into four even pieces. This will give you eight thick slices, which will become the base of your sweet potato bites.
3. Coat the sweet potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, pour the melted unsalted butter over the sweet potato slices. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the bowl and toss everything together. Ensure that all the sweet potato slices are well-coated with the butter and salt mixture. This will help them become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside during roasting.
4. Bake the sweet potatoes: Arrange the coated sweet potato slices on a baking tray, making sure they are spread out evenly. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, take the tray out and flip each slice over to ensure even cooking. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. By the end of this time, the sweet potatoes should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
5. Drizzle with maple syrup: Remove the sweet potato slices from the oven and drizzle 2 tablespoons of maple syrup evenly over each slice. The maple syrup will add a deep sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy flavor of the roasted sweet potatoes.
6. Add the marshmallows: Cut each marshmallow in half and place one half on top of each sweet potato slice. The marshmallows will become gooey and toasted under the heat, adding a nostalgic and deliciously sweet topping.
7. Toast the marshmallows: Switch your oven to the grill or broil setting. Place the tray with the marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes under the grill and roast for about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to keep a close eye on the marshmallows during this step, as they can burn quickly. You want them to turn golden brown and slightly toasted, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the gooey center.
8. Add the pecan halves: Once the marshmallows are perfectly toasted, remove the tray from the oven. While the marshmallows are still warm, place a pecan half on top of each marshmallow-topped sweet potato slice. The pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the marshmallow and maple syrup.
9. Serve and enjoy: Serve the sweet potato bites while they’re still warm. The combination of flavors and textures is at its best when freshly made. The soft and tender sweet potatoes, topped with gooey marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup, create a beautiful and delicious bite-sized treat.

Serving Suggestions:

These Sweet Potato Bites are a fantastic addition to holiday feasts, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. They make for an excellent side dish or appetizer and can even be served as a dessert. For a more decadent twist, you could sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the marshmallows before roasting them.

If you want to elevate this dish further, try experimenting with additional toppings such as a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of honey, or a few chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. The sweet and savory balance in this dish is versatile enough to complement a variety of flavors.

Enjoy these sweet, crunchy, and creamy bites with family and friends for a festive and delicious treat!