Sweet Potato Balls
Sweet Potato Balls offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender mashed sweet potatoes coated in brown sugar and spices. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or side dish, they appeal to those who enjoy flavorful, bite-sized treats with a hint of nuttiness and a touch of caramel sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar and flour together in a bowl.
- Combine mashed sweet potatoes, butter, salt, and black pepper, then shape into 2-inch balls.
- Roll the sweet potato balls in the brown sugar and flour mixture.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans, if desired, and dip in melted butter.
- Place the coated balls in a greased casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and slightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. If you want a sweeter touch, you can add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the mixture. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. Ensure that the sweet potatoes are well-drained to avoid a soggy mixture. This dish is a great way to use leftover sweet potatoes, making it perfect for seasonal gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet potato balls make a delightful appetizer or side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. They pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce like a maple mustard or a spicy aioli. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a sweet treat, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but they may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Potato Balls contains roughly 816 calories, with 25g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (217% of the Daily Value), iron (130% of the Daily Value), and calcium (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1794mg per serving (78% 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 make sweet potato balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato balls in advance. After shaping them, place them in the greased casserole dish and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of flour for a gluten-free version?
For a gluten-free alternative, you can use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. This will maintain the texture while catering to gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I freeze sweet potato balls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped but unbaked sweet potato balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).