Sweet Potato Marshmallow Surprise Bites

Sweet Potato Marshmallow Surprise Bites

This recipe comes to us from Houston City Beat reader Maria, who swears that the secret to any perfect Thanksgiving isn’t only the turkey, ham, or brisket, it’s the sides that steal the show. And for her family, nothing gets more cheers than these gooey, coconut-pecan-crusted sweet potato balls.

Maria told us that her table has a tradition: every year, there’s a “leading star,” usually a turkey is on the menu, but there must always be a “supporting actor” that people talk about just as much. For years, she searched for a side dish that could hold its own without taking away from the main event. It needed to be fun, unexpected, and full of comforting flavor. When she found a vintage handwritten note calling for sweet potatoes wrapped around marshmallows, she knew she had something special. After experimenting with coconut, a sprinkle of warm spices, and a handful of chopped pecans, the dish finally earned its permanent spot at her table.

Today, her family doesn’t ask whether she’s making them, they ask how many trays she’s bringing. Kids hover around the oven waiting for that first gooey bite, and the adults pretend they didn’t just sneak one before dinner. They’ve become a Thanksgiving tradition of their own, earning “side-stage celebrity” status every year.

Maria says they’re her favorite dish not because they’re fancy, but because they bring joy, especially when someone takes their first bite and looks surprised, like they’ve discovered a secret. And now, that little secret can be part of your holiday story too.

A playful twist on a classic holiday dish! These warm, fluffy sweet potato bites hide a gooey marshmallow center and are rolled in a crunchy mix of coconut and pecans. They’re festive, bite-sized, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

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Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

4 ea medium sweet potatoes baked and mashed
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 large marshmallows
½ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 pinch Nutmeg
¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup finely chopped pecans

Method

Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Bake or microwave your sweet potatoes until soft. Scoop out the flesh, mash well, and let it cool slightly.
Flavor the mash: Stir in brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
Shape the balls: Cut each marshmallow in half. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the sweet potato mixture into your hand, press a marshmallow half in the center, and wrap the potato around it to form a ball.
Add the crunch: Mix coconut and pecans in a shallow dish, then roll each ball to coat it completely.
Bake: Arrange on the prepared pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, just long enough to warm through and soften the marshmallow center.
Serve & Enjoy
TIP: Let them cool slightly before serving (the center will be molten!). These little bites pair beautifully with a ham dinner, Thanksgiving turkey, or even brunch.