Sweet Potato Honey Balls
Sweet Potato Honey Balls are a delightful treat combining creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a honey glaze and crunchy pecans. Perfect as a sweet snack or dessert, they offer a comforting, nutty flavor with a touch of sweetness, making them ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked sweet mashed potatoes, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted margarine. Stir in miniature marshmallows.
- Chill the mixture until firm enough to shape.
- Shape the potato mixture into 1/4 cup-sized balls.
- In a heavy skillet, combine 2 tablespoons of melted margarine and honey.
- Add the potato balls, one at a time, quickly coating each with the glaze.
- Roll the coated balls in chopped nuts.
- Place the coated balls in a greased shallow casserole.
- Drizzle with remaining margarine.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the honey with agave syrup and use plant-based margarine. If the mixture is too sticky to shape, add a little more chopped nuts or a bit of flour. To enhance the taste, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet potato honey balls make a delightful dessert or snack. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Nona'S Barbecue Sauce as a unique appetizer at gatherings, or enjoy them as a sweet treat during holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sweet potato honey balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until heated through. This helps retain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Potato Honey Balls contains roughly 567 calories, with 6g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 979mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sweet potato honey balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to shape and bake the balls. Just ensure to chill the mixture properly so it's easy to handle. This makes it convenient for party planning or busy weekdays.
What kind of nuts can I use for rolling?
You can use any chopped nuts you like, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Each type will give a different flavor and texture to the sweet potato honey balls. For a nut-free version, consider using crushed cereal or seeds like sunflower seeds for rolling instead.
Can I freeze these sweet potato honey balls?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped, unbaked sweet potato honey balls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time without thawing.
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).