Let’s be honest for a second. Thanksgiving is amazing. It is full of family, laughter, and so much good food. But planning the menu can feel like a huge puzzle, right? You have the turkey, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes. The main events are covered. But what about the moments before the big meal?
That’s where the magic of a great appetizer comes in. You need something to wow your guests without adding hours of work to your already busy kitchen schedule. I have just the thing for you. These sweet potato praline bites are incredible. They are one of my favorite Thanksgiving Food Ideas because they hit all the right notes. They are a little sweet, a little savory, and completely delightful.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall head over heels for these little bites. First off, they are unbelievably simple to make. We are talking minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. This makes them one of the best Thanksgiving Appetizers Easy recipes you can find. No special kitchen gadgets are needed. No complicated techniques. Just pure, simple goodness.
The flavor is where this recipe truly shines. Imagine a tender, earthy sweet potato round. Now top that with a buttery, crunchy pecan praline topping. The combination is just fantastic. It is the taste of autumn in a single bite. It feels festive and comforting all at once, which is exactly what you want from your Holiday Appetizers.
Another great thing is their versatility. Are they an appetizer? Yes. Could they also be a side dish? Absolutely. They sit beautifully next to a roasted turkey or ham. You can even make them a bit sweeter and serve them as a light dessert. There are no rules when it comes to delicious food. These bites fit in wherever you need them to.
Finally, this recipe is a lifesaver on a busy cooking day. You can prepare parts of it ahead of time. This frees you up to focus on the main course. Anything that saves time and reduces stress on Thanksgiving is a huge win in my book. These little sweet potato bites will quickly become a staple in your collection of Thanksgiving Appetizers.
Ingredients
The shopping list for this recipe is short and sweet. You probably have some of these items in your pantry already, especially around the holidays. It’s all about simple, quality ingredients coming together to create something special.
- 2 Sweet Potatoes, long and skinny ones are preferred
- 1/2 cup Grass fed Salted Butter, I use Kerrygold
- 1 cup Pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup Cane Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Coconut oil cooking spray
See? Nothing too complicated. These simple components are the building blocks for one of my favorite Thanksgiving Appetizers. The quality of your butter will make a difference, so use a good one if you can.
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking. I’ll walk you through each part of the process. You’ll see just how simple these are to put together. This is a great recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen too. They can help mix the topping or place it on the sweet potato slices. It’s a fun way to make holiday memories.
Step 1: Prep The Sweet Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important. You want the oven to be ready when your sweet potatoes are. While it heats up, give your sweet potatoes a good wash and peel them. The skin can be a little tough for this recipe, so it’s best to remove it.
Now it is time to slice. You want to cut the sweet potatoes into rounds. Aim for about one half to one inch thick. This thickness allows them to cook through and become tender without turning to mush. Using long, skinny sweet potatoes helps you get more uniform, appetizer sized slices.
Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is a non negotiable step for me. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a total breeze. Lay your sweet potato slices flat on the parchment paper in a single layer. Make sure they have a little space between them so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make The Praline Topping
This part is so easy and it smells amazing. Place your butter in a microwave safe bowl and melt it. It usually takes about 30 seconds. You could also melt it in a small saucepan on the stove if you prefer.
Once the butter is melted, add the chopped pecans, cane sugar, and vanilla extract directly to the bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should look like a thick, nutty paste. This praline topping is the star of our Holiday Appetizers show.
Step 3: Assemble And Bake
Head back over to your baking sheet with the sweet potato slices. Lightly spray the tops with a coconut oil cooking spray. This adds a little extra moisture and helps the topping adhere. It’s a small step that makes a nice difference.
Now for the fun part. Spoon the praline mixture evenly onto each sweet potato slice. Don’t be shy here. You want a nice, generous layer on each one. The topping will spread a little as it bakes, creating a wonderful crust.
Carefully place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Let them bake for about 30 minutes. You will know they are done when the sweet potatoes are soft. You can test one by gently pressing it with a fork. It should give easily. The topping should be bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy
Once they are done baking, take them out of the oven. You can serve these fantastic thanksgiving appetizers warm right away. Or, you can let them cool down to room temperature. Honestly, they are delicious both ways. Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear. They are a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare, storing them is simple. First, make sure the sweet potato bites have cooled completely to room temperature. Storing them while still warm can create condensation and make them soggy. Nobody wants a soggy sweet potato bite.
Once they are cool, place them in an airtight container. You can stack them with a small piece of parchment paper in between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. They make a great snack the next day.
When you are ready to enjoy them again, you can eat them cold straight from the fridge. Or you can reheat them. I like to pop them back into a 350 degree oven for about five to ten minutes. This helps crisp up the praline topping again. An air fryer would also work wonderfully for reheating.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? I have a few little tips and tricks up my sleeve. These are some of the things I have learned from making these Thanksgiving Food Ideas over the years.
If you have a serious sweet tooth, you can definitely amp up the sweetness. Before you add the praline topping, try brushing the sweet potato slices with a little bit of honey or maple syrup. This will add another layer of flavor and create an even more dessert like treat.
Don’t be afraid to play with the spices. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little cardamom in the praline mixture can add a lovely warmth. It really enhances the fall flavors. A tiny dash of salt can also balance the sweetness beautifully, especially if you use unsalted butter.
The choice of sweet potato matters. As the recipe suggests, long and skinny ones are best. They give you those nice, round, bite sized pieces that are ideal for Thanksgiving Appetizers. If you can only find large, round sweet potatoes, that’s okay too. Just cut the larger slices in half to make them more manageable as a finger food.
For the pecans, try toasting them lightly before you chop them. Toasting nuts brings out their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake for about five minutes at 350 degrees until they are fragrant. Let them cool before chopping and adding them to the topping.
You can absolutely make this a Thanksgiving Appetizers Easy prep recipe. Feel free to slice the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Just store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent them from browning. You can also mix the praline topping ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. On Thanksgiving day, all you have to do is assemble and bake.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and stress free recipe that is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. These sweet potato praline bites are more than just food. They are a conversation starter and a memorable part of your festive celebration. They prove that the best Holiday Appetizers don’t have to be complicated.
So, as you plan your menu, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of homemade warmth to your table. Enjoy the process, share the love, and have a wonderful, delicious Thanksgiving filled with joy and good company. These are the moments that matter.
FAQ
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, absolutely. To save time, you can slice the sweet potatoes and prepare the praline topping a day in advance. Store the sweet potato slices in cold water in the fridge. Keep the topping in a sealed container. When you’re ready, just drain the potatoes, pat them dry, assemble, and bake.
Are These Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free. All the ingredients listed, including sweet potatoes, pecans, butter, sugar, and pure vanilla extract, do not contain gluten. It’s always a good idea to double check your vanilla extract label just to be sure, but most are gluten free.
What If I Have A Nut Allergy?
If you’re dealing with a nut allergy, you can easily adapt this recipe. Instead of pecans, try using raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture. Toasted oats mixed with a little melted butter and sugar would also make a delicious crumble topping.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sugar?
Of course. While cane sugar works great, you could easily substitute it with light brown sugar. Brown sugar will add a slightly deeper, more caramel like flavor to the praline topping because of its molasses content. Coconut sugar would also be a fine substitute if you prefer it.
How Do I Get Evenly Sized Slices?
The key to even slices is twofold. First, start with the right shape of sweet potato, a long and narrow one. Second, use a sharp knife. A sharp chef’s knife gives you the most control. Take your time and make steady, even cuts. A mandoline slicer can also work, but please be extremely careful and always use the hand guard.
Sweet Potato Praline Bites
These delightful sweet potato praline bites are the perfect easy appetizer for Thanksgiving. Topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan praline, they’re a simple, festive, and flavorful addition to any holiday menu.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash, peel, and slice sweet potatoes into 1/2 to 1-inch thick rounds.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 30 seconds).
- Stir the chopped pecans, cane sugar, and vanilla extract into the melted butter until well combined.
- Lightly spray the tops of the sweet potato slices with coconut oil cooking spray.
- Spoon the praline mixture generously onto each sweet potato slice.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are soft and the topping is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy.
Notes
For extra sweetness, brush sweet potato slices with honey or maple syrup before topping.
Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the praline mixture for extra warmth.
Toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor and crunch.
You can slice the potatoes and mix the topping a day ahead. Store potatoes in cold water in the fridge to prevent browning.
Nutrition
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Sugar
Fat
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