Description: A delightful and colorful appetizer or side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with creamy herbed ricotta, crunchy walnuts, and tart cranberries. These sweet potato rounds are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a simple yet elegant weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the sweet potatoes will roast evenly and develop a slightly caramelized exterior.
Step 2: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them; the skin adds texture and nutrients. Slice the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch rounds. Consistent thickness is key for even cooking.
Step 3: Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper can prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 4: Drizzle the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, ensuring they are lightly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These simple seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Step 5: Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip the rounds to ensure even cooking and browning. The sweet potatoes are ready when they are tender and slightly caramelized, easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the herbed ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh chives, and chopped fresh thyme.
Step 7: Season the ricotta mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The herbed ricotta should be creamy and flavorful.
Step 8: Once the sweet potato rounds are out of the oven, let them cool slightly for a few minutes. This prevents the ricotta from melting excessively when spread on top.
Step 9: Spread a generous amount of the herbed ricotta mixture on each sweet potato round. Ensure each round is nicely covered with the creamy mixture.
Step 10: Top the herbed ricotta-covered sweet potato rounds with chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. These add a delightful crunch and burst of sweetness and tartness to each bite.
Step 11: Serve the sweet potato rounds warm as an appetizer or side dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Why you will love this recipe:
This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is irresistible – the sweetness of the sweet potatoes is perfectly balanced by the creamy, herbed ricotta and the crunchy, slightly bitter walnuts. The dried cranberries add a pop of tartness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Visually, these sweet potato rounds are stunning. The vibrant colors of the orange sweet potatoes, white ricotta, green herbs, brown walnuts, and red cranberries make them a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or holiday gathering.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the ricotta with a plant-based alternative.
Finally, these sweet potato rounds are a healthier alternative to many traditional appetizers, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the sweet potatoes, nuts, and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at holiday gatherings, parties, or potlucks.
- Offer as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, turkey, pork, or vegetarian main courses.
- Arrange on a platter for a visually appealing and delicious snack.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine to complement the flavors.
- Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Tips:
- For added sweetness, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the finished rounds before serving.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor and aroma. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount as they are more concentrated in flavor.
- To make ahead, roast the sweet potato rounds and prepare the herbed ricotta in advance. Assemble just before serving to prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with different toppings, such as crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Conclusion:
Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, & Cranberries are a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to impress. With their harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, combined with their beautiful presentation, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy appetizer, a flavorful side dish, or a stunning addition to your holiday table, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta? Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with other creamy cheeses such as goat cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone. Each cheese will impart a slightly different flavor profile. Goat cheese will add a tangy note, while cream cheese will provide a richer, denser texture. Mascarpone will offer a subtle sweetness.
- Can I prepare these sweet potato rounds ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time. Roast the sweet potato rounds and prepare the herbed ricotta mixture separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the rounds just before serving to prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming soggy.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs? If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs as a substitute. However, use about half the amount of dried herbs as fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. For this recipe, you would use about 1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley, chives, and thyme.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, to make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the ricotta cheese with a plant-based ricotta alternative made from tofu, cashews, or almonds. There are many commercially available vegan ricotta options, or you can make your own at home.
- How can I add a little spice to these sweet potato rounds? To add a touch of heat, you can sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the sweet potato rounds before roasting, or add a dash of hot sauce to the herbed ricotta mixture. You can also use a spicy variety of walnuts, such as chili-roasted walnuts.
