Sweet Potato Stacks with Toasted Marshmallow Crème: Your New Favorite Thanksgiving Side

As the crisp air of November sweeps in, a familiar excitement begins to build. The vibrant colors of autumn leaves signal the approach of the most cherished holiday of the year: Thanksgiving. It’s a time for gratitude, gathering with loved ones, and, of course, indulging in a feast that warms the soul. While we all adore the timeless traditions of Thanksgiving dinner, sometimes a little innovation can elevate the experience to new heights. This year, prepare to transform your holiday table with a spectacular twist on a classic: individual Sweet Potato Stacks with Toasted Marshmallow Crème.

Embrace Stress-Free Holiday Planning

Doesn’t it feel like time accelerates as we approach the end of the year? One moment it’s summer, and the next, we’re already planning holiday menus! While the quick pace of November and December can sometimes feel overwhelming, it also brings with it the joy of anticipation. Instead of succumbing to holiday stress, imagine gliding through your Thanksgiving preparations with serene confidence. This season, let’s equip you with recipes that make your celebration flow effortlessly, allowing you to truly savor every moment. With smart planning and delightful dishes, you’ll be able to host like a seasoned pro, perhaps even with a festive beverage in hand, enjoying the company of family and friends as if it were just another relaxed dinner party.

The Sweet Potato Side, Reimagined

For years, the sweet potato casserole has held its rightful place at the Thanksgiving table. It’s a beloved staple, comforting and deliciously sweet. But what if we told you there’s a way to enjoy all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite holiday casserole in a new, exciting, and incredibly elegant format? Enter these adorable and utterly irresistible Sweet Potato Stacks with Toasted Marshmallow Crème. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a statement. Forget scooping from a communal dish; these individual stacks offer a sophisticated presentation that will surely captivate your guests.

Changing up a classic can sometimes feel daunting, but trust us—this is a change you’ll wholeheartedly embrace. The individual portions ensure everyone gets a perfectly composed stack, complete with layers of tender sweet potato, a rich maple-brown sugar glaze, crunchy pecans, and a generous swirl of beautifully toasted marshmallow crème. It’s an instant upgrade that combines convenience with gourmet flair, making your Thanksgiving meal feel fresh and exciting without sacrificing any of the comforting traditions.

Effortless Elegance: Crafting Your Stacks

You’ll be delighted by how straightforward this recipe is, making it perfect even for busy holiday schedules. The secret to these perfectly portioned delights lies in a standard 12-cup muffin pan. Simply slice your sweet potatoes into uniform rounds and layer them into each cup. This method ensures even cooking and creates a charming, cohesive stack. The base of these stacks is then bathed in an irresistible glaze crafted from melted butter, pure maple syrup, packed light brown sugar, a hint of warm cinnamon, and a pinch of fragrant nutmeg. This aromatic mixture seeps into the sweet potatoes as they bake, creating a deeply caramelized and flavorful foundation.

A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans adds a delightful textural contrast and a nutty depth that complements the sweetness of the potatoes and glaze. Once assembled, the muffin pan is covered with foil and baked until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. While the stacks are baking, you’ll whip up the star topping: a luscious, homemade marshmallow crème. This light and airy topping is far superior to store-bought varieties, offering a delicate sweetness and a wonderfully smooth texture. Once the sweet potato stacks emerge from the oven, they are crowned with a generous swirl of this marshmallow crème and then briefly returned under the broiler. This quick step toasts the marshmallow to a beautiful golden brown, creating a smoky, caramelized crust that is simply divine. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a breathtaking new Thanksgiving side dish that’s as delicious as it is impressive!

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Stacks

To ensure your sweet potato stacks are absolutely perfect, consider these helpful tips. Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes and slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be incredibly helpful for achieving consistent 1/4-inch rounds, making your stacks visually appealing and ensuring each bite is perfectly tender. Don’t be shy with the glaze; make sure each layer of sweet potato gets a good coating to maximize flavor. When broiling the marshmallow crème, keep a close watch – ovens vary, and marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. The goal is a light, toasted brown, enhancing the crème’s flavor without overpowering it.

These Sweet Potato Stacks are not just for Thanksgiving; they can be a festive addition to any fall or winter holiday gathering. They pair wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a hearty vegetarian main course. The individual portions also make them ideal for potlucks or buffet-style meals, allowing guests to easily serve themselves a beautiful and delicious side. Prepare to receive rave reviews and requests for this recipe year after year!

Sweet Potato Stacks with Toasted Marshmallow Crème

Author:
MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings:

12 stacks

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Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

26 mins

Total Time

46 mins

Ingredients

• 3 lb. sweet potatoes (about 3 medium sized, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds; use 5-6 slices per muffin cup)
• 4 Tbsp. butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 cup pecans (finely chopped)
• Marshmallow creme:
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Spray a standard 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place the muffin pan on a large baking sheet for easier handling and to catch any drips.
• Carefully arrange 5-6 slices of sweet potato into each muffin cup, trimming slices as needed to fit snugly within the cups.
• In a heavy small saucepan, combine butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar dissolves completely. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of this fragrant glaze over the sweet potatoes in each muffin cup. Sprinkle each stack generously with the finely chopped pecans.
• Cover the muffin pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. While the stacks are baking, begin preparing the marshmallow crème.
• Marshmallow Crème: In a clean metal bowl, combine the egg whites, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons of water. Place this bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water). Using a handheld electric mixer, beat the mixture continuously for 6-7 minutes, until it becomes thick, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks.
• Remove the bowl from the simmering water and continue to beat the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes until it has cooled slightly and is still thick and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Transfer the marshmallow crème to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip (a large star tip works beautifully for a festive look).
• Once the sweet potato stacks are done baking, carefully remove the muffin pan from the oven and discard the foil. Pipe a generous swirl of the marshmallow crème atop each sweet potato stack.
• To toast the marshmallow crème, place the muffin pan back into the oven, directly under the broiler. Broil for 50-60 seconds, or until the marshmallow crème is beautifully browned and caramelized to your liking. Keep a very close watch, as broilers vary and browning can happen quickly. Remove the pan from the oven. Carefully scoop each sweet potato stack out of the muffin pan onto a serving platter. Serve immediately and enjoy with your loved ones!

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We hope these Sweet Potato Stacks with Toasted Marshmallow Crème become a cherished part of your holiday traditions, bringing joy and a touch of modern elegance to your table. Happy holidays!