Baked Sweet Potato Balls: A Festive Side Dish Recipe

Introduction

Baked sweet potato balls are a delightful and festive side dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special meal. Crispy on the outside with a soft, flavorful center, these bites combine sweet potatoes, spices, and crunchy pecans for a mouthwatering treat.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh sweet potatoes
• 6 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups finely chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into half-inch pieces. Place them in a covered pot with 6 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are soft, about 20-25 minutes.
2. Step 2: Drain the cooked potatoes and let them cool and dry for a few minutes. Mash them with a fork or potato masher—avoid using a mixer or blender to keep the texture right.
3. Step 3: Season the mashed potatoes with ½ teaspoon salt and a dash of cayenne pepper.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or greasing it well.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together 2 egg whites, 1 teaspoon water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until frothy. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper until combined.
6. Step 6: Spread the finely chopped pecans on a plate or piece of wax paper for easy coating.
7. Step 7: Using a spring-loaded ice cream scoop or clean hands (gloves help), form sweet potato balls about ⅛ to ¼ cup in size. Dip each ball into the egg white mixture, coating it fully with a slotted spoon, then roll it in the chopped pecans to cover.
8. Step 8: Arrange the coated balls on the prepared cookie sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter.
9. Step 9: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the pecans are toasted and the balls are heated through. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Using gloves while forming the balls helps keep your hands clean and shapes consistent.
• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred or to add variety.
• Make smaller balls for bite-sized appetizers, or larger ones for hearty sides.

Storage

Store leftover sweet potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these sweet potato balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the balls and keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just cover them well to prevent drying out.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a similar depth of flavor, though the taste will vary slightly.

Baked Sweet Potato Balls: A Festive Side Dish Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 110 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 sweet potato balls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Baked Sweet Potato Balls make a delightful and festive side dish perfect for holiday meals or special occasions. Made from tender sweet potatoes flavored with a blend of spices, egg whites, and Worcestershire sauce, then coated in crunchy pecans and baked to golden perfection, they offer a delicious combination of creamy interior and nutty, crispy exterior.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Mixture

• 2 pounds fresh sweet potatoes
• 6 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Dash of cayenne pepper

Egg White Mixture

• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Coating and Finishing

• 2 cups finely chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into half-inch slices. Place them in a covered pot with 6 tablespoons of water and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are soft, about 20-25 minutes.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and let them cool and dry for a few minutes. Mash them with a fork or potato masher, avoiding electric mixers to maintain a good texture. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and a dash of cayenne pepper.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or grease it thoroughly.
4. Make Egg White Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the 2 egg whites, 1 teaspoon water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar until frothy. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
5. Prepare Pecans: Spread the finely chopped pecans on wax paper or a plate for easy coating of the potato balls.
6. Form and Coat Sweet Potato Balls: Using a spring-loaded ice cream scoop or your hands (gloved for easy handling), form sweet potato balls sized between ⅛ to ¼ cup. Dip each ball in the egg white mixture using a slotted spoon to coat thoroughly, then roll to cover completely in chopped pecans.
7. Arrange and Butter: Place each coated sweet potato ball on the prepared cookie sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter for added flavor and browning.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pecans are toasted and the balls are heated through.

Notes

• Using fresh sweet potatoes ensures the best texture and flavor.
• Do not use a food processor or blender when mashing the potatoes to prevent them from becoming too soft and losing structure.
• Spring-loaded ice cream scoops and gloves make forming and coating the balls easier and less messy.
• You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to your desired level of spiciness.
• These sweet potato balls can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
• If you want a crispier exterior, bake a few minutes longer but watch closely to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sweet potato balls, baked sweet potatoes, festive side dish, pecan crusted sweet potatoes, holiday side