Description
These Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries are a delightful appetizer or side dish. Sweet potato slices are roasted to tender perfection, then topped with a creamy mixture of ricotta and fresh herbs, crunchy toasted walnuts, tart cranberries, and a drizzle of honey and optional balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sweet Potato Rounds
- 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Herbed Ricotta Topping
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried or fresh cranberries
- Optional: balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides of each round with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even golden color and tenderness.
- Mix Herbed Ricotta: While the sweet potatoes roast, combine the ricotta cheese with chopped fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix until well incorporated.
- Assemble Rounds: Once the sweet potato rounds have cooled slightly but are still warm, top each round with a spoonful of the herbed ricotta mixture.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle each round with chopped toasted walnuts and cranberries for texture and flavor contrast.
- Drizzle Honey and Glaze: Drizzle honey over the topped rounds. If desired, add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance with a sweet and tangy finish.
- Serve: Serve these vibrant rounds warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- Fresh cranberries can be lightly sautéed with a touch of honey before using for a softer texture.
- Balsamic glaze adds a beautiful tangy sweetness but is optional if you prefer a simpler taste.
- These rounds can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat briefly or serve chilled.
- Use a mandoline for evenly sliced rounds to ensure uniform cooking.
