Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites

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Golden, caramelized sweet potato rounds topped with gooey toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans—these Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or holiday side. Every bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and nutty, with just enough texture contrast to keep things exciting. The maple syrup adds a warm, deep sweetness that perfectly enhances the natural sugars in the roasted sweet potatoes.

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving a cozy winter treat, these bites hit the mark. They’re beautiful on a platter, easy to prep ahead, and can be scaled up effortlessly. One tray of these and they’ll be gone before the main course hits the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites Recipe

• Perfect for the holidays – They make a great finger food for gatherings and special occasions.
• Balanced flavors and textures – Soft sweet potato, melty marshmallow, and a crispy pecan.
• Naturally gluten-free – Great for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Easy to make – Only a few ingredients and simple steps.
• Customizable – Add a touch of cinnamon, swap pecans for walnuts, or use vegan marshmallows.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, set yourself up for success by preparing your tools and workspace. You’ll need:

• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – Crucial for slicing sweet potatoes evenly, which ensures even roasting.
• Baking Sheet – A rimmed sheet pan works best to catch the bubbling maple syrup and marshmallow.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Pastry Brush (optional) – Helps to coat the sweet potato rounds evenly with maple syrup.
• Tongs or Spatula – For flipping the rounds halfway through roasting.

Having the right tools ready not only saves time but ensures even cooking and a polished final result.

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Preparation Tips

To get the best texture, slice your sweet potatoes into rounds that are about ½-inch thick—not too thin or they’ll burn, not too thick or they’ll stay undercooked in the center. If your sweet potatoes have a rough or thick skin, you can peel them, but leaving the skin on adds rustic texture and helps hold the slices together. Roasting the slices on a high temperature encourages caramelization, so don’t skip preheating the oven. And when adding marshmallows, broil briefly to toast the tops, keeping a close eye to avoid burning—they brown fast!

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Ingredients for This Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites Recipe

• 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
• 12–16 large marshmallows (or mini marshmallows for bite-sized appeal)
• 12–16 whole pecan halves
• Cooking spray or parchment paper (for lining the baking sheet)

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

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Step 2: Slice and Season the Sweet Potatoes

Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. In a large bowl, toss the slices with olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, and ground cinnamon if using. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.

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Step 3: Roast Until Golden

Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then flip the slices and roast for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and fork-tender.

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Step 4: Add Marshmallows and Toast

Remove the tray from the oven and carefully place one marshmallow (or a few mini marshmallows) on top of each sweet potato round. Return the tray to the oven and broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching very closely, until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.

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Step 5: Finish with Pecans and Serve

Remove from the oven and immediately press a pecan half onto each toasted marshmallow while they’re still warm and sticky. Let cool for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.

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Step 6: Optional Garnish

Drizzle with a little extra warm maple syrup or a light sprinkle of cinnamon or flaky salt just before serving for added flavor and presentation.

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Notes

For the best flavor, use real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup substitutes—its deep, rich sweetness elevates the dish. You can customize the toppings to your taste; try adding a sprinkle of chopped rosemary, orange zest, or even a dash of cayenne for a spicy-sweet twist. To make these bites vegan, simply swap the marshmallows for vegan-friendly alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Cutting uneven slices – Inconsistent thickness leads to uneven cooking; some may burn while others stay undercooked.
• Skipping the parchment paper – Without it, the maple syrup can caramelize too much and stick badly to the pan.
• Walking away during broiling – Marshmallows go from golden to scorched in seconds. Stay close and watch carefully.
• Using cold pecans – Room temperature or lightly toasted pecans adhere better to the melted marshmallows.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the sweet potatoes soggy and the marshmallows rubbery.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per bite, approximate)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 70mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, roast the sweet potatoes a day ahead, and add marshmallows and pecans just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Fresh sweet potatoes are best for roasting. Canned versions are too soft and may fall apart.

Are there nut-free topping alternatives?

Try pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or a small square of dark chocolate for a nut-free version.

Can I use mini marshmallows instead?

Absolutely. They melt faster and provide better coverage over each bite.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use a conventional oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

It’s optional. The skin adds texture and nutrients but can be removed for a smoother bite.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use vegan marshmallows and swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

What kind of maple syrup should I use?

Use pure Grade A or Grade B maple syrup. Grade B has a stronger flavor, perfect for roasting.

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Conclusion

Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites are the perfect harmony of festive flavor, cozy texture, and elegant presentation. Whether you’re prepping them as a Thanksgiving appetizer or adding a sweet-savory note to your brunch table, these little bites are sure to impress. Easy to make, easy to serve, and endlessly lovable—this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

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