Baked Sweet Potato Pecan Balls: A Festive Holiday Side Dish

The holidays are a time for family, joy, and, of course, mouthwatering dishes that steal the show. Baked Sweet Potato Pecan Balls bring the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors to your holiday table. With their crispy pecan coating and soft, spiced sweet potato filling, these delightful balls will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast or a festive Christmas dinner, this recipe adds a touch of elegance to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appeal: The nutty, golden coating looks and tastes like the holidays.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
• Bursting with Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet and savory with a hint of spice.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the balls in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and easy to customize to suit milder palates.

Ingredients for Baked Sweet Potato Pecan Balls

Category	Ingredient	Quantity
For the Potatoes	Sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)	2 pounds (907 g)
	Water	6 tablespoons (90 g)
	Salt	½ teaspoon
	Cayenne pepper	Dash
Egg White Coating	Egg whites (large)	2 (66 g)
	Water	1 teaspoon
	Salt	1 teaspoon
	Granulated sugar	2 tablespoons
	Worcestershire sauce	2 teaspoons
	Paprika	1 tablespoon
	Cayenne pepper	1 teaspoon
For the Coating	Pecans (finely minced)	250 g (2 cups)
	Butter (melted)	3 tablespoons (42 g)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Sweet Potato Pecan Balls

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water.
• Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.

2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
• Add 6 tablespoons of water, ½ teaspoon salt, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine.
• Adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Form the Sweet Potato Balls

• Once the sweet potato mixture is cool enough to handle, scoop 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture.
• Roll it into a ball using your hands and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Repeat until all the sweet potato mixture is used up.

4. Prepare the Egg White Coating

• In a small bowl, whisk the egg whites with 1 teaspoon of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, granulated sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper until frothy.

5. Coat with Pecans

• Dip each sweet potato ball into the egg white mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Roll it in the finely minced pecans to coat evenly.
• Place the coated ball back on the baking sheet.

6. Bake the Sweet Potato Balls

• Drizzle the melted butter over the pecan-coated sweet potato balls.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pecan coating is golden and crisp.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Allow the sweet potato balls to cool for a few minutes.
• Serve warm as a festive side dish, or arrange them on a platter as an appetizer.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pecan Balls

1. Use Fresh Pecans

Fresh, finely minced pecans provide the best flavor and crunch.

2. Keep the Balls Uniform

Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized sweet potato balls, ensuring consistent cooking.

3. Adjust the Spice

For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper. To amp up the heat, add a pinch of chili flakes.

4. Prepare Ahead

Roll and coat the sweet potato balls up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.

5. Serve with a Sauce

Pair these balls with a maple glaze or cranberry dipping sauce for extra holiday flair.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (3 Balls)
Calories	220
Protein	4g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	200mg

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dish: Pair with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken.
• Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks at holiday parties.
• Snack: Enjoy them on their own with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

FAQs About Baked Sweet Potato Pecan Balls

1. Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg whites with a flaxseed or aquafaba mixture for a vegan-friendly coating.

2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

You can, but fresh sweet potatoes yield a firmer texture and better flavor. Drain canned sweet potatoes thoroughly before mashing.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover sweet potato balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

4. Can I freeze these?

Yes! Freeze unbaked, coated balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

5. What can I use instead of pecans?

Try walnuts, almonds, or even crushed cornflakes for a crunchy coating alternative.

6. Can I air fry these?

Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Sweet Potato Pecan Balls are a delightful way to bring warmth and festive charm to your holiday table. The crunchy pecan coating paired with the creamy, spiced sweet potato filling creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

Call to Action

Ready to elevate your holiday menu? Gather your ingredients and bake a batch of Baked Sweet Potato Pecan Balls today. It’s a festive treat your guests will rave about!

Print