Description
Delightful sweet potato rounds dance with creamy goat cheese and tart cranberries, creating a festive holiday appetizer perfect for seasonal gatherings. Crisp edges, tangy flavors, and elegant presentation make you crave these irresistible bite-sized delights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, washed and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 4 ounces (115 grams) goat cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60 grams) dried cranberries, chopped
Seasoning and Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme
- Optional: ¼ cup (30 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Warm the culinary environment by setting the oven to a robust 425F (220C), ensuring a parchment-lined baking sheet awaits the sweet potato transformation.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into uniform rounds, massaging them generously with olive oil, complemented by a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their natural essence.
- Carefully distribute the seasoned rounds across the parchment landscape, creating a single layer that promises even roasting and optimal caramelization.
- Allow the sweet potato rounds to dance in the heated chamber for approximately 20-25 minutes, gently turning them midway to ensure a golden, crisp exterior and tender interior.
- After removing the rounds from the oven, permit a brief cooling moment, then embellish each slice with a creamy dollop of goat cheese, creating a luxurious base.
- Scatter vibrant chopped cranberries across the cheesy canvas, adding a burst of tartness and visual intrigue.
- For additional texture and depth, sprinkle a handful of finely chopped nuts, introducing a delightful crunch to the composition.
- Elevate the flavor profile by drizzling a gossamer stream of honey or maple syrup, lending a subtle sweetness to the savory rounds.
- Garnish with delicate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, providing a final aromatic flourish.
- Present the adorned sweet potato rounds on an elegant platter, inviting guests to savor these delectable morsels while they’re warmly beckoning.
Notes
- Slice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and create a professional-looking appetizer.
- Pat sweet potato rounds dry before adding oil to help achieve crispy, golden edges without steaming.
- Experiment with different cheese options like feta or blue cheese for varied flavor profiles if goat cheese isn’t preferred.
- Swap honey with balsamic glaze for a tangy twist that complements the sweet and creamy elements of the dish.
- Toast nuts lightly before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of crunch.
- Make these rounds ahead of time and reheat briefly in the oven to maintain their texture for stress-free entertaining.
- Consider using dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable, which can provide a concentrated burst of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg