Sweet Potato Crostini

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 24, 2025

Featured in: Appetizers

Sweet Potato Crostini combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced toasted bread with a luscious sweet potato topping, pecans, and gooey marshmallows. This appetizer is perfect for cozy gatherings or festive occasions, offering a delightful blend of textures and sweet-savory notes.

The crisp crostini base provides a satisfying crunch beneath the creamy mashed sweet potatoes and toasted marshmallows, creating an irresistible bite that will charm guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously easy to prepare with ready ingredients like mashed sweet potatoes and baguette slices.
Perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors to impress at any party or brunch.
Quick cooking time ensures fresh, warm crostini in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness to the crostini bread alongside cinnamon for a warm flavor.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a fragrant, spicy note to complement the sweet potato topping.
French bread baguette (24 slices, 1/4 inch thick): Thin, crusty slices that toast to golden perfection creating a sturdy base.
Butter, melted (2 to 3 tablespoons): Brushed on bread to create a rich, crispy texture when baked.
Mashed sweet potatoes (2 cups): Creamy, naturally sweet topping that is rich in flavor and nutrition.
Chopped pecans (1/4 cup): Adds a crunchy, nutty contrast to the smooth sweet potatoes.
Brown sugar, packed (3 tablespoons): Enhances the depth of sweetness in the topping with a molasses undertone.
Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Incorporates richness and moistness into the sweet potato mixture.
Miniature marshmallows, halved (1 1/4 cups): Toasted on top for a gooey, caramelized finish that delights the palate.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Sugar-Cinnamon Mix: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to evenly blend these aromatic ingredients, which will add a delicate sweetness and warmth to the crostini crust.
Toast Bread Slices: Arrange the baguette slices on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush each slice with melted butter, then sprinkle with the sugar-cinnamon mixture. Bake for 5–7 minutes until the bread is lightly browned. This step crisps the bread nicely and infuses it with buttery sweetness.
Preheat Broiler and Prepare Sweet Potato Topping: Remove the crostini from the oven and switch the oven setting to broil. Meanwhile, combine mashed sweet potatoes, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. The pecans add crunch and texture, while the brown sugar and butter enrich the flavor and moisture of the topping.
Spread Topping and Add Marshmallows: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly over each toasted crostini. Top with halved miniature marshmallows, gently pressing them into the mixture so they adhere well. This layering ensures the marshmallows toast evenly without sliding off.
Broil Until Marshmallows Toasted: Place the crostini 3–4 inches from the broiler heat and broil for 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully as the marshmallows toast to a golden brown, developing a caramelized crust while softening the sweet potato layer underneath. Remove promptly to prevent burning.

You Must Know

Keep an eye on the marshmallows while broiling; they toast quickly and can burn easily.
Use day-old or slightly stale baguette slices for better toasting results and texture.
Allow sweet potatoes to be smooth but slightly chunky for the best topping texture balance.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven to restore crispness before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These crostini are excellent served warm alongside a crisp green salad or as a sweet-savory appetizer during holiday meals and brunches. Pair with spiced cider or a light white wine for a complete experience.

Professional Tips

For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the sweet potato mixture.
Use homemade mashed sweet potatoes roasted with a bit of maple syrup for added depth.
Toast bread slices just until golden for a tender interior beneath the crunch.

FAQs

Can I prepare the sweet potato topping ahead of time?: Yes, make the mashed sweet potato mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before spreading.
What can I substitute for pecans?: Walnuts or almonds work well as nutty alternatives, offering a similar crunchy texture.
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones?: Miniature marshmallows toast more evenly on small crostini; cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces before topping.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?: The recipe contains butter and marshmallows which are not vegan. Use vegan butter and marshmallow substitutes to adapt.
How long can I keep leftovers?: Leftover crostini can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days but are best eaten fresh for optimal texture.
Can I use another type of bread?: Baguette works best for its texture, but Italian bread or ciabatta sliced thinly can be alternatives for toasting.
What wine pairs best with these crostini?: A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a sparkling wine pairs beautifully with the sweet and nutty flavors in this appetizer.