Nut Covered Sweet Potato Balls
Sweet potato balls coated with chopped pecans and topped with caramelized pineapple slices offer a delightful blend of sweetness and crunch, perfect for festive gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season hot cooked, mashed sweet potatoes with butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add crushed cornflakes and sugar.
- Shape the mixture into 8 balls and roll them in chopped pecans.
- Chill the formed balls for at least 30 minutes.
- Arrange pineapple slices in a buttered baking dish and place the potato balls on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Combine butter, honey, and water in a small saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until boiling.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Spoon the honey-butter mixture over the potato balls.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of vanilla extract into the sweet potato mixture. If you don't have pecans on hand, walnuts or almonds can serve as a suitable substitution. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed nuts instead of cornflakes. Make sure to chill the balls thoroughly to help them hold their shape during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these nut-covered sweet potato balls as a delightful side dish or a unique appetizer at your next gathering. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside My Moms Potato Soup for a comforting combination that balances flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help retain their crispy exterior while warming the sweet potato filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nut Covered Sweet Potato Balls contains roughly 503 calories, with 6g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sweet potato balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then simply bake them before serving. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining!
Can I freeze these sweet potato balls?
Absolutely! Freeze the shaped, uncooked sweet potato balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of canned pineapple?
If you prefer a different flavor or don't have canned pineapple, consider using fresh pineapple slices or another fruit like peaches or apples. Just ensure the fruit is cut to a similar size to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).