Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries

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Sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy — these Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries are everything you want in a holiday appetizer or an elegant everyday side. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures: the caramelized roasted sweet potato, the creamy richness of herbed ricotta, the earthy crunch of toasted walnuts, and the burst of tart sweetness from dried cranberries.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just sprucing up your weeknight dinner, this dish is incredibly simple to make yet feels so gourmet. These sweet potato rounds are naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. You can prep them ahead of time and assemble just before serving. It’s a stunning option for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall-inspired gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Roasted Sweet Potato Appetizer

These roasted sweet potato bites are a celebration of seasonal flavors. The sweetness of the potato is deepened by roasting, while the ricotta adds a smooth, fresh contrast infused with fragrant herbs like thyme and parsley. Toasted walnuts bring a satisfying crunch, and dried cranberries offer a beautiful pop of color and tang. It’s a dish that looks fancy, tastes delicious, and comes together with everyday ingredients.

They’re also easy to scale up or down depending on your needs. From intimate dinners to potluck spreads, this versatile recipe shines in any setting.

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What Kind of Sweet Potato Should I Use?

Stick with firm, orange-fleshed varieties like Garnet or Jewel sweet potatoes. These types hold their shape well when sliced and roasted, and their natural sweetness complements the creamy, tangy toppings perfectly. Look for medium-sized potatoes that are relatively uniform in width so your rounds roast evenly and look consistent on a serving tray.

If you’re meal-prepping, you can roast the sweet potato slices a day ahead and reheat them in the oven for 5-10 minutes before topping and serving.

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Ingredients for the Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries

Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Here’s why each one matters:

• Sweet Potatoes: The base of the dish, providing natural sweetness, a soft center, and crispy edges when roasted.
• Olive Oil: Used for roasting the sweet potatoes, it enhances their flavor and helps them caramelize beautifully.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness. It also acts as a mild backdrop to let the herbs and toppings shine.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme & Parsley): These bring freshness and a savory depth to the ricotta mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.
• Toasted Walnuts: They add a nutty crunch and earthy flavor that balances the creamy ricotta and sweet potato.
• Dried Cranberries: A burst of tart sweetness that adds color, contrast, and holiday flair.

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How To Make the Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Wash and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices even so they roast uniformly. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Roast Until Golden

Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are golden and crisp.

Step 3: Make the Herbed Ricotta

In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with chopped thyme and parsley. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Toast the Walnuts

Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and golden. Let them cool, then roughly chop.

Step 5: Assemble the Rounds

Once the sweet potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Top each round with a spoonful of herbed ricotta, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts, and a few dried cranberries.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm or at room temperature on a platter as a stunning appetizer or side dish.

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How to Serve and Store Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta

This recipe makes about 16-20 rounds, depending on the size of your sweet potatoes, and feeds approximately 6 to 8 people as an appetizer or side. Arrange them on a large platter for parties or plate them individually for a more elegant presentation.

If you’re prepping ahead, you can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the herbed ricotta in advance. Store the roasted rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

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What to Serve With Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds?

Roasted Chicken or Turkey

These sweet potato rounds pair wonderfully with roasted poultry, making them a perfect addition to Thanksgiving or holiday dinners.

Quinoa or Couscous Salad

Add a healthy grain-based salad with herbs and citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Creamy Soups

A creamy butternut squash or carrot soup would enhance the warming fall flavors in this dish.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Serve alongside veggie-stuffed peppers for a colorful, hearty vegetarian spread.

Grilled Steak or Lamb Chops

For meat lovers, this makes a great gourmet side dish to more robust proteins like steak or lamb.

Green Beans Almondine

A classic green bean dish with toasted almonds adds texture and a nice color contrast.

Warm Bread and Herb Butter

Offer some crusty bread on the side with whipped herb butter to make it a more filling appetizer plate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these sweet potato rounds ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potato slices and prepare the herbed ricotta a day in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the sweet potatoes in the oven, then assemble with toppings just before serving.

2. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Goat cheese or whipped feta are both excellent substitutes for ricotta. They add tang and creaminess, just like ricotta, but with a bit more flavor intensity.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based ricotta or cashew cheese spread and make sure your cranberries are free of honey. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

4. How do I keep the sweet potato rounds crispy?
Roast them at high heat and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so they crisp up nicely. If reheating, use the oven instead of the microwave to maintain that crisp edge.

5. Are these suitable for kids?
Yes! Kids often enjoy the sweetness of the potatoes and cranberries. You can adjust toppings depending on their taste—maybe skip the herbs or walnuts for picky eaters.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or holiday board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you switch up the herbs? Try adding a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes and seasonal sides on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites!

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Conclusion

These Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries are a beautiful expression of fall flavor. They’re easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and totally show-stopping. Whether you’re bringing them to a holiday potluck or enjoying them at home on a cozy evening, this recipe delivers on both taste and elegance.

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