• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Mediterranean Latin Love Affair
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Miscellaneous
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Mediterranean Food
  • Albanian Food
  • Latin Food
  • Bolivian Food
  • About
  • Follow Me:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes

    Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites

    Published: Sep 30, 2019 by Sonila · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    • 55
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    As soon as we go past my birthday in September, then we rush into Fall festivities preparations in my house. My kids are crazy about Halloween but I have to admit I’m partial to Thanksgiving. As soon as I think about Thanksgiving, I dream about turkey, stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Homemade Cranberry Sauce etc. While I can’t make Thanksgiving dinner when it is not Thanksgiving yet (hello, 2 days of cooking lol) I can still make these Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites to satisfy my cravings a little bit.

    Jump to Recipe
    Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites topped with pecans and marshmallows.
    Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites

    Some links in my posts may be affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you purchase items by clicking on these links. I will always disclose when a product in a post has been gifted by a company as well as when a post or product is sponsored.

    What Are Phyllo Shells?

    Phyllo (filo) is a dough separated in paper thin layers to make famous dishes like Baklava, Byrek (Borek or Burek), Fli, Spanakopitas etc. The art of rolling each layer by hand is really a skill many women in the Mediterranean, Balkans, Eastern Europe etc learn since their teenage years. However, there are also many automated ways to prepare these layers and since then the production of phyllo desserts and savory dishes has spread around the world.

    Now not only there are phyllo dough sheets but also rolled ones, shells, cups etc. This makes it so much easier to get creative with the phyllo recipes.

    I personally use the below phyllo shells because they are easily available in my local grocery store, but you can definitely try other brands available to you.

    I usually use 2 boxes of 15 shells because I can fit 30 in one sheet pan. Line up the sheet pan with baking paper.

    Phyllo Shells
    Phyllo Shells

    Toppings for Sweet Potato Bites

    My Sweet Potato Casserole is one of the most requested Thanksgiving dishes. I get asked to make it even when we are not having the celebration in my house. I suspect it is because my casserole is loaded, I mean L-O-A-D-E-D with pecans and marshmallows, plus other goodies. I spare nothing when I cook that casserole, carbs and calories don’t count:)). But I also know that some people can’t have pecans or nuts overall and some others can’t have marshmallows. It’s a lot of work to make a 2nd casserole, but I don’t mind making these Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites customized to everyone needs.

    I love pecans and marshmallows over sweet potatoes. But if someone can’t have one or the other, or both I can make some shells without those toppings.

    Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites Recipe Notes

    Here are some extra tips on top of the recipe steps to make a successful Sweet Potato Bites recipe. Serve them at home when you crave Thanksgiving food or at Fall Cocktail Parties. These bites make for perfect appetizer size desserts.

    • Thaw the shells for several hours. If they are not well thawed, they might become mushy with the sweet potato mix and not bake well or hold their shape.
    • You can bake or boil the sweet potatoes, it’s up to you. I prefer to bake them. Also, I tend to bake more than needed and use the rest of the sweet potatoes in salads or other dishes.
    • Cool the sweet potatoes after baking before scooping them out. Keep in mind that even if the surface of the sweet potato has cooled, they might still be really hot in the center. So handle with care so you don’t get burned.
    • I like using cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, brown sugar etc but you can go wrong with some substitutions. So if you crave these bites and don’t have all the seasonings, feel free to swap couple of ingredients out to your liking.
    Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites

    Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites

    Sonila
    If you crave your Thanksgiving dishes but don't feel like putting so much effort into it, you can try these Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites to satisfy your cravings. They're customizable too so you can skip the topping on some of them if someone can't have pecans or marshmallows.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Chilling time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American, Mediterranean
    Servings 10 people
    Calories 116 kcal

    Equipment

    • Toaster Oven
    • Hand Held Electrical Mixer

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 sweet potatoes
    • 3 tbsps butter
    • 1 egg
    • 0.5 cup heavy cream
    • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
    • pinch nutmeg
    • pinch salt
    • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
    • 4 tbsps brown sugar
    • 1 cup pecans (halves)
    • 30 mini marshmallows

    Instructions
     

    • Bake sweet potatoes in a small baking dish at 400 degreed Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes or until you can pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork.
    • Let the sweet potatoes cool then when cool enough to handle, cut them in half and scoop the middle with a spoon. Place whatever you are scooping in a bowl and try to get as close to the skin so you don't waste any part of the sweet potato.
    • Chop half of the pecans and leave about 30 pecan halves un-chopped.
    • Whisk the egg in a bowl with a fork then pour over the sweet potatoes. Add nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, sugar, chopped pecans and heavy cream. Also add melted butter. Mix this all up very well. You can also use a hand held electrical mixer to make a homogenous mix.
    • Line up a sheet pan with baking paper. Arrange the phyllo shells so they don't touch. Fill them up with the sweet potato mix. Top each with a pecan half and a mini marshmallow.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. You don't need to bake this too long since the shells are pre-baked and the sweet potato filling is very thin so it will cook fast. If you don't want the marshmallows to get golden brown on top, then add them during the last 5 minutes.
    • Serve warm or room temperature. They're perfect for Fall cocktail parties.

    Notes

    1. Total cooking time of 1 hr 45 minutes is broken down as follows:
    • bake sweet potatoes for 45 minutes
    • let cool for 30 minutes
    • prep time 15 minutes for the filling 
    • bake again for 15 minutes
     
    2. We don’t like desserts or pies to be too sweet so 4 tbsps of brown sugar was enough for us, but if you like this shells to be sweeter feel free to add more sugar.

    Nutrition Label

    Nutrition Facts
    Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 116 Calories from Fat 45
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 5g8%
    Saturated Fat 3g19%
    Trans Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 2g
    Cholesterol 33mg11%
    Sodium 43mg2%
    Potassium 181mg5%
    Carbohydrates 16g5%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 8g9%
    Protein 2g4%
    Vitamin A 6619IU132%
    Vitamin C 1mg1%
    Calcium 34mg3%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 116kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 43mgPotassium: 181mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 6619IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Phyllo Shells, Sweet Potato Bites, Thanksgiving
    Tried this recipe?Mention @mediterranean_latin_love or tag #mediterraneanlatinloveaffair!

    If you would like to save this recipe for later, please save the below image to Pinterest. Thank you:)

    Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites topped with  pecan halves and mini marshmallows.
    Phyllo Shells Sweet Potato Bites

    Other Phyllo Recipes:

    • Phyllo Dough Pumpkin Pie

    More Recipes

    • A blue salad bowl showing a cucumber shrimp salad, Shrimp, cucumbers, green peas and cilantro are visible on the bowl.
      Cucumber Shrimp Salad
    • Three tall glasses by the pool with mojitos in them. Glasses are garnished with mint and limes.
      Classic Mint Mojito with Limes
    • Vegetable side dishes pictures included in a collage with a title bar in the middle.
      Vegetable Side Dishes
    • A platter with a greens and asparagus salad, showing also radishes, feta and other ingredients.
      Asparagus Salad
    • 55

    Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes Tagged With: Phyllo Dough

    About Sonila

    Mom of 2, wife, engineer, food blogger & recipe creator! Sonila was born in Albania, her heritage inspires her Mediterranean recipes while that of her husband the Latin ones. Sonila has 2 degrees in Engineering from University of Miami.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen (Back Road Journal)

      November 15, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Your sweet potato phyllo cups would disappear quickly after our Thanksgiving meal. Not too sweet and small…that is a perfect ending to a holiday dinner.

      Reply
      • Sonila

        November 18, 2019 at 1:03 pm

        Thank you Karen, I appreciate it!! Yes, they’re small and perfect for after a big meal but still hold the flavor of sweet potato casserole.

        Reply
    2. Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef

      October 07, 2019 at 1:08 pm

      5 stars
      I am always on the hunt for new holiday appetizers and I totally love these! Such a great flavor combination in a single bite, perfect! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Sonila

        October 07, 2019 at 1:36 pm

        Thank you Angela:)) Your compliment means a lot because it comes from a real chef:)

        Reply
    3. Lathiya

      October 03, 2019 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      I love to work with phyllo shells. It is so easy and versatile to make any quick bites and this sweet potato bites looks perfect for the fall season.

      Reply
    4. Shari L Eckstrom

      October 03, 2019 at 9:04 am

      So pretty. These would enhance any fall table.

      Reply
    5. Nart | Cooking with Nart

      October 03, 2019 at 8:13 am

      5 stars
      These look so lovely, I would love to try them! Though phyllo shells don’t seem very easy to make. Anytime I see a Baklava recipe I’m always like, man it looks so good, I want it but I’m afraid I don’t have the skills!

      Reply
    6. Simone

      October 03, 2019 at 3:30 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea for a Fall dessert and also to serve at Thanksgiving!

      Reply
    7. Beth

      October 02, 2019 at 9:35 pm

      5 stars
      These are so clever, and yet so simple! I’m definitely going to make these for an upcoming party.

      Reply
      • Sonila

        October 03, 2019 at 6:11 am

        Thank you Beth:)). I appreciate it!

        Reply
    8. Jacqueline Debono

      October 02, 2019 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      These phyllo sweet potato shells look gorgeous. They’d make a great appetizer for a party!

      Reply
    9. Harriet

      October 02, 2019 at 5:46 am

      This looks like a dessert my family would love, a dessert that’s not to sweet.

      Reply
    10. Erika

      October 01, 2019 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      What a great sweet potato dish, yum!

      Reply
    11. Angela

      October 01, 2019 at 4:35 pm

      I love sweet potatoes, so glad to see this recipe vs all the pumpkin that is over the top on everything this time of year = yeah!

      Reply
    12. Raquel

      October 01, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      These are so cute and perfect for a fall get together!

      Reply
      • Sonila

        October 01, 2019 at 3:33 pm

        Thank you Raquel:), yes they definitely are.

        Reply
    13. Christy Boston

      October 01, 2019 at 2:52 pm

      I love to cook with phyllo dough. It is so versatile. I never would have thought of using it with sweet potatoes, but I love the idea and am going to try this!

      Reply
      • Sonila

        October 01, 2019 at 3:26 pm

        Hi Christy, we use phyllo a lot where I’m from but yeah we don’t use it with sweet potato either. I had been looking for a while for a way to simplify my sweet potato casserole (which i love) but I only make for Thanksgiving and I thought these phyllo shells would be perfect for that.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Sonila Zarate
    Sonila Zarate

    Mom of 2, wife, engineer, food blogger & recipe creator! Sonila was born in Albania, her heritage inspires her Mediterranean recipes while that of her husband the Latin ones. Sonila has 2 degrees in Engineering from University of Miami.

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Chicken drumsticks and rice casserole
      Baked Chicken & Rice
    • Keto/Low Carb Creamy Spinach and Mushrooms Chicken
      Creamy Spinach and Mushrooms Chicken
    • Seared lamb chops in a cast iron
      Cast Iron Grilled Lamb Chops
    • A platter of potato salad, decorated with dill over a bed of green lettuce
      Mediterranean Potato Salad

    Featured In

    As Seen In collage as of Fed 2021

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Contact

    Privacy & Disclaimer Policies

    CCPA

    Do Not Sell My Information

    Weekly Newsletter!

    Please Sign Up for our weekly Newsletter for recipes and more:)

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2025 MediterraneanLatinLoveAffair