If you’re searching for a delightful autumn appetizer, these Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Whipped Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Pecans are a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The roasted sweet potatoes serve as the base for this dish, creating a crispy yet tender bite-sized treat topped with creamy whipped goat cheese, crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and a drizzle of honey. This dish is ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or simply as a wholesome snack that brings together seasonal ingredients in a creative and delicious way.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp milk (any variety, or substitute with plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- Honey, for drizzling
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready when your sweet potatoes are prepped and ready to roast. Roasting at a high temperature will help achieve crispy edges while keeping the insides tender.
Step 2: Prepare & Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into ¼-inch thick rounds. Make sure the slices are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking. Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to season. Lay the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap. Roasting them in a single layer ensures even browning. Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even crispiness on both sides. They should be golden brown and tender.
Step 3: Whip the Goat Cheese
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the whipped goat cheese. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 4 oz of softened goat cheese with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to whip the goat cheese mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and well-combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The result should be a creamy spread that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
Step 4: Assemble the Sweet Potato Rounds
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Take each sweet potato round and place a generous dollop of the whipped goat cheese on top. Sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans and dried cranberries on each round for texture and flavor contrast. Drizzle lightly with honey for a hint of sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Arrange the assembled sweet potato rounds on a serving platter for a visually appealing presentation. Serve immediately while the sweet potato rounds are warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Variation
Nut-Free Version: If you or your guests are allergic to nuts, you can omit the pecans and replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a crunchy element.
Vegan Option: Substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based alternative such as cashew cream or vegan cream cheese, and use plant-based milk. You can also replace the honey with maple syrup or agave for a fully vegan dish.
Herb Swaps: If rosemary isn’t your favorite, thyme or sage can be used instead. These herbs also pair wonderfully with sweet potatoes and goat cheese.
Add Protein: To make this dish more substantial, you can add crispy prosciutto or bacon bits (for non-vegetarian options) or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
Cooking Note
Roasting Sweet Potatoes: Make sure the sweet potato slices are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Overcrowding them will steam the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy rounds.
Goat Cheese Texture: For the smoothest whipped goat cheese, ensure that it is fully softened before whipping. If it’s too cold, it will not achieve the desired creamy texture.
Toasting Pecans: Toast the pecans beforehand for extra flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
Serving Suggestions
These Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds can be served in various settings:
Appetizers: Serve them as finger foods for a holiday party, fall gathering, or Thanksgiving feast. They pair beautifully with a glass of wine or sparkling cider.
Side Dish: Pair these sweet potato rounds with roasted chicken or turkey for a complete meal that feels festive and flavorful.
Brunch: Add them to your brunch spread alongside quiches, salads, or scrambled eggs for a unique twist on traditional breakfast items.
Snack: Enjoy them as a light, healthy snack any time of day.
Tips
Make-Ahead Tip: You can roast the sweet potatoes in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven before adding the toppings.
Goat Cheese Substitutes: If you aren’t a fan of goat cheese, try using cream cheese or ricotta instead. Both offer a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Cranberry Substitutes: If cranberries are not available, dried cherries or raisins can be used as a substitute for a sweet, chewy addition.
Honey Drizzle: Use high-quality honey for drizzling. You could also experiment with flavored honey, such as lavender or cinnamon honey, for extra flair.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
22 minutes
Total Time:
32 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato rounds in advance and reheat them in the oven when ready to serve. The goat cheese mixture can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed.
2. Can I freeze roasted sweet potatoes?
While it’s possible to freeze roasted sweet potatoes, their texture may become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! You can customize this dish by adding ingredients like pomegranate seeds, caramelized onions, or even a balsamic glaze for extra flavor and texture.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Conclusion
Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Whipped Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Pecans combine an array of flavors and textures, making them the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries, while the honey drizzle adds just the right amount of sweetness. These bites are not only delicious but also visually stunning and nutritious, making them a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more! Enjoy these tasty treats at your next gathering, or treat yourself to a sophisticated yet easy-to-make snack at home.
Print
Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Whipped Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Pecans
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp milk (any variety, or substitute with plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready when your sweet potatoes are prepped and ready to roast. Roasting at a high temperature will help achieve crispy edges while keeping the insides tender.
Step 2: Prepare & Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into ¼-inch thick rounds. Make sure the slices are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking. Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to season. Lay the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap. Roasting them in a single layer ensures even browning. Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even crispiness on both sides. They should be golden brown and tender.
Step 3: Whip the Goat Cheese
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the whipped goat cheese. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 4 oz of softened goat cheese with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to whip the goat cheese mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and well-combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The result should be a creamy spread that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
Step 4: Assemble the Sweet Potato Rounds
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Take each sweet potato round and place a generous dollop of the whipped goat cheese on top. Sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans and dried cranberries on each round for texture and flavor contrast. Drizzle lightly with honey for a hint of sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Arrange the assembled sweet potato rounds on a serving platter for a visually appealing presentation. Serve immediately while the sweet potato rounds are warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
Roasting Sweet Potatoes: Make sure the sweet potato slices are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Overcrowding them will steam the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy rounds.
Goat Cheese Texture: For the smoothest whipped goat cheese, ensure that it is fully softened before whipping. If it’s too cold, it will not achieve the desired creamy texture.
Toasting Pecans: Toast the pecans beforehand for extra flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g