Spicy Sweet Potatoes
Sweet and spicy, these roasted sweet potato balls are a delightful treat with marshmallows and graham cracker crust, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash the hot sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Add butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Mix in the egg and 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs until fully combined.
- Chill the mixture if it is not firm enough to handle.
- Form the mixture into balls using 1/3 cup for each, placing three miniature marshmallows in the center of each ball.
- Dredge each ball in the remaining graham cracker crumbs.
- Place the coated balls in a baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream to the sweet potato mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute the butter with coconut oil. You can also replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed oats for a gluten-free version. Ensure your sweet potatoes are still warm when mashing for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These Spicy Sweet Potatoes make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or casual gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats such as turkey or ham. For a complete meal, serve alongside a refreshing salad or browse more American recipes to complement your feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 833 calories, with 14g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh sweet potatoes! Just peel, chop, and boil them until tender before mashing. This will give you a fresher taste and texture. Adjust cooking time as needed, and ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make these sweet potatoes spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sweet potato mixture. You can also drizzle a spicy sauce or sprinkle some chili powder on top before baking for an extra kick.
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just form the balls and bake them the day of serving to ensure they are fresh and warm when enjoyed.
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).