Introduction

Crispy sweet potato rounds with whipped ricotta, fig jam, and toasted almonds are the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and crunchy, all packed into bite-sized appetizers. These gorgeous rounds are ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties, thanks to their visually appealing presentation and complex flavors. The sweetness of the fig jam pairs perfectly with the creamy whipped ricotta, while the crispy, roasted sweet potato base adds a hearty texture. The finishing touch of toasted almonds gives this dish a delightful crunch, elevating it to gourmet status. Whether you’re looking for a stunning appetizer or a snack that will wow your guests, these sweet potato rounds deliver on both taste and presentation.

Ingredients

For the sweet potato rounds:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the whipped ricotta:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the toppings:

• 1/3 cup fig jam (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Rounds

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. Place the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Toss to coat the rounds evenly.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
5. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Whip the Ricotta

1. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Using a whisk or hand mixer, whip the ricotta until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Set the whipped ricotta aside in the refrigerator to keep it cool.

Step 3: Toast the Almonds

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds in a single layer.
2. Toast the almonds, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Sweet Potato Rounds

1. Once the sweet potato rounds are cool enough to handle, spread a small dollop of whipped ricotta onto each round.
2. Top each ricotta-covered round with a teaspoon of fig jam.
3. Sprinkle toasted almonds over the top of the fig jam for crunch.
4. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired, for a pop of color and added flavor.

Step 5: Serve

1. Arrange the crispy sweet potato rounds on a serving platter.
2. Serve immediately, as these appetizers are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Notes

• Choose firm, evenly-sized sweet potatoes for easy slicing and uniform rounds.
• If you prefer a savory twist, you can reduce or skip the honey in the whipped ricotta for a more subtle, savory flavor.
• The fig jam can be substituted with other jams, such as apricot or plum, depending on your preference or what’s available.
• Make it vegan: Substitute ricotta with whipped cashew cream and use a plant-based sweetener like agave or maple syrup instead of honey.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy sweet potato rounds with whipped ricotta, fig jam, and toasted almonds are perfect as appetizers for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or even as a side dish to accompany a larger meal. You can also serve them as part of a charcuterie board, alongside cheese, cured meats, and other small bites. For a larger meal, pair these with roasted meats or salads to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table. Additionally, they make for a delicious snack for any time you’re craving something sweet and savory.

Tips

1. Prep in advance: The sweet potatoes can be roasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before assembling.
2. Experiment with herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary works beautifully for garnish, but you could also try fresh mint or basil for a different flavor profile.
3. Add texture: If you want more texture in the whipped ricotta, fold in a bit of crumbled feta or goat cheese to add a tangy bite.
4. Crispier rounds: For extra crispy sweet potato rounds, consider brushing them with a little extra olive oil and roasting them on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate, making them crispier.
5. Make it gluten-free: These rounds are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that any store-bought ingredients, such as fig jam, are certified gluten-free if needed.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Total Time:

• 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g

Conclusion

Crispy sweet potato rounds with whipped ricotta, fig jam, and toasted almonds are not only visually stunning but also packed with layers of flavor and texture that make them an irresistible bite-sized treat. The contrast between the crispy sweet potato, creamy ricotta, and sweet fig jam, topped with the crunch of toasted almonds, creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether served as an appetizer or a sophisticated snack, these rounds are sure to impress your guests. Plus, they’re simple to make and versatile enough to be tailored to different tastes. Try this recipe for your next gathering and watch how quickly these little bites disappear!

Crispy Sweet Potato Rounds with Whipped Ricotta, Fig Jam and Toasted Almonds Recipe

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the sweet potato rounds:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the whipped ricotta:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the toppings:

• 1/3 cup fig jam (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Rounds

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. Place the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Toss to coat the rounds evenly.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
5. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Whip the Ricotta

1. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Using a whisk or hand mixer, whip the ricotta until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Set the whipped ricotta aside in the refrigerator to keep it cool.

Step 3: Toast the Almonds

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds in a single layer.
2. Toast the almonds, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Sweet Potato Rounds

1. Once the sweet potato rounds are cool enough to handle, spread a small dollop of whipped ricotta onto each round.
2. Top each ricotta-covered round with a teaspoon of fig jam.
3. Sprinkle toasted almonds over the top of the fig jam for crunch.
4. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired, for a pop of color and added flavor.

Step 5: Serve

1. Arrange the crispy sweet potato rounds on a serving platter.
2. Serve immediately, as these appetizers are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sodium: 150mg
• Protein: 4g