Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can bake the sweet potato nests a day in advance, then add the marshmallow and broil just before serving. They’ll taste freshly made and your kitchen will smell amazing.

I don’t have a spiralizer—can I still make these nests?

Yes! Shred sweet potatoes using a box grater or food processor with a shredding attachment. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious and nest-like.

Are these gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or use almond flour for a gluten-free version without any sacrifice in taste or texture.

What if I over-broil the marshmallows?

If things get a bit dark, simply lift off any overly toasted marshmallows and add a fresh one. Pop under the broiler for a quick melt (but stand by closely)—don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.

Mini Sweet Potato Casserole Nests Recipe

Meet your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes: Mini Sweet Potato Casserole Nests! These adorable little nests pack all the comfort and flavor of classic sweet potato casserole into perfect, hand-held portions. They’re golden, crisp around the edges, and just the right amount of gooey from the toasted marshmallow center. Best of all, they’re speedy and simple enough to whip up even on your busiest weeknight. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist for a holiday table or just want to sneak in some veggie goodness during the week, these mini nests make it easy, tasty, and downright charming.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Minimal chopping, thanks to the magic of spiralized sweet potatoes. No need for fussy techniques—just spiral, mix, and bake.
Delightful Individual Portions: Perfectly sized for snacking, packing in lunchboxes, or impressing guests at brunch. No need to worry about serving or slicing.
Sweet & Savory Comfort: The spiced sweet potato base gets all toasty-crisp, while the marshmallow topping melts to perfection, creating an irresistible contrast.
Flexible & Fun: Customize the spices or swap out the toppings—these nests are all about making them your own with what you have.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweet Potatoes: The star! Choose large or a couple medium ones. Spiralizing brings loads of texture and lets the edges crisp up delightfully.
Egg: Acts as the binder, helping everything stick together for tidy, pick-me-up nests.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure—just enough to set the spirals without making the nests heavy.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These cozy spices bring out the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
Sea Salt: Balances all the sweet, keeping the flavors lively and not cloying.
Marshmallows: The classic casserole topper, cut in half so each nest gets a melty pillow of gooeyness.
Oil: For greasing the muffin tin liberally, ensuring each nest can release easily and gets a crispy base.
Note: Spiralizing the sweet potatoes saves chopping time and gives you those irresistible lacy edges!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Allergen-Sensitive: Substitute a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 2.5 tablespoons water) for a plant-based or egg-free version.
Less Sweet: Leave off the marshmallow, or sprinkle a little finely chopped pecan or walnut on top before baking for a nutty crunch.
Spicy Twist: Add a hint of cayenne or smoked paprika to the spice mix for a subtle heat that’s surprisingly delicious.
Super Savory: Try swapping cinnamon for thyme and adding grated parmesan instead of marshmallow for a savory brunch version.
Fun Toppings: After baking, drizzle lightly with maple syrup, honey, or even a dab of cranberry sauce for a punchy finish.

How to Make Mini Sweet Potato Casserole Nests

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Spiralize peeled or unpeeled sweet potatoes (your call—skin-on adds fiber and rustic charm), using the extra-fine noodle blade if you’ve got one. Pop the spirals into a bowl of ice water with a pinch of salt. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes—this helps them crisp when baked! Drain and pat thoroughly dry with towels.

Step 2: Mix the Nests

In a big mixing bowl, toss the spiralized sweet potato with the egg, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. Make sure every strand gets coated—your hands work great for this step.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Generously oil a standard muffin tin (seriously, use more oil than you think—the crispy bottoms are so worth it!). Twirl a small handful of the spiced sweet potato mixture into each muffin cup, compacting slightly and tucking in any wispy tails to avoid burnt edges.

Bake at 375°F for around 20 minutes. You want the edges beautifully caramelized and the centers just set.

Step 4: Marshmallow Magic

Take the tray out and top each nest with a marshmallow half, cut side down so it sticks. Return to the oven, switch the broiler on, and watch like a hawk—just 1-2 minutes until the tops are golden and puffy. If you love kitchen gadgets, a culinary torch gives extra precision for caramelized perfection!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the nests cool for a few minutes so they firm up, then gently ease them out. Serve warm and bask in the compliments.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t skimp on oiling the muffin tin—it helps create those irresistible crispy bottoms and makes removal easy.
Dry sweet potato spirals thoroughly: Any excess moisture will make the nests soggy. Use paper towels or a clean dishcloth for best results.
Tuck in sweet potato edges tightly: Stray bits tend to burn, so keep everything nestled inside the muffin cup.
Keep an eagle eye on the broiler: Marshmallows brown rapidly; pull them out the second they look golden.
For extra crispy nests: Let them sit in the muffin tin a few minutes after baking before removing; the residual heat crisps the bottoms even more.

How to Serve

Mini Sweet Potato Casserole Nests work as a show-stopping party appetizer, a kid-approved after-school snack, or a delightful addition to a brunch spread. They make a whimsical side for roasted meats or a fun, unexpected swap for dinner rolls at holiday meals.

Pair them with a crisp salad, serve alongside roast chicken or turkey, or plate with tangy cranberry sauce for a stunning visual and flavor contrast. If you’re feeling decadent, a light drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of toasted nuts will take them to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra nests in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll maintain their structure and the marshmallow stays soft and sweet.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked and cooled nests without the marshmallow topping. Add fresh marshmallows and broil after thawing to revive the gooey finish. Freeze nests flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed bag for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop nests into a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until heated through and the marshmallow is once again soft and melty. The air fryer also works wonders for reviving that crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can bake the sweet potato nests a day in advance, then add the marshmallow and broil just before serving. They’ll taste freshly made and your kitchen will smell amazing.
I don’t have a spiralizer—can I still make these nests?

Yes! Shred sweet potatoes using a box grater or food processor with a shredding attachment. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious and nest-like.
Are these gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or use almond flour for a gluten-free version without any sacrifice in taste or texture.
What if I over-broil the marshmallows?

If things get a bit dark, simply lift off any overly toasted marshmallows and add a fresh one. Pop under the broiler for a quick melt (but stand by closely)—don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Sweet Potato Casserole Nests are a joyful, fuss-free twist on a classic—bringing together crunch, gooey sweetness, and irresistible flavor in every tiny bite. They’re easy, inviting, and practically beg for creativity. Give them a try, have fun with the process, and get ready to wow everyone who tastes them!