Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts Recipe

Crispy Sweet Potato Rounds with Festive Toppings Recipe

Crispy roasted sweet potato rounds shine as a delightful appetizer that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Each golden-edged slice promises a symphony of flavors waiting to unfold.

Creamy goat cheese melts into warm, caramelized potato surfaces while cranberries add bright bursts of tartness.

Candied walnuts bring a delectable crunch that perfectly complements the soft, velvety texture underneath.

Rich earthy notes blend seamlessly with sweet and tangy elements in this elegant dish.

Incredibly simple yet impressive, these rounds work magic for casual gatherings or sophisticated dinner parties.

Why Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts Are So Delicious

  • Craft Gourmet Appetizers: Elevate your party spread with these sophisticated yet simple sweet potato rounds that impress guests without requiring complex cooking skills.
  • Nutrition-Packed Delight: Loaded with vibrant ingredients like sweet potatoes, cranberries, and walnuts, this recipe delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in every bite.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, game day snacks, or elegant dinner parties, these rounds adapt seamlessly to different occasions and dietary preferences.
  • Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between crispy roasted sweet potato edges, creamy melted goat cheese, crunchy candied walnuts, and chewy cranberries that dance on your palate.

Ingredients for Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts

Vegetables:
  • Sweet Potato Rounds: Starchy vegetable that creates a delicious base for this appetizer.
Dairy:
  • Goat Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds a tangy flavor and rich texture to the sweet potato rounds.
Nuts and Dried Fruit:
  • Candied Walnuts, Dried Cranberries: Provide a sweet and crunchy contrast to the soft sweet potatoes.
Seasoning and Oil:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Olive Oil: Enhance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and help create a golden, caramelized exterior.

How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C) to get ready for some delicious roasting action.

Step 2: Slice and Dress Sweet Potatoes

Grab your sweet potatoes and slice them into beautiful rounds. Spread them out on a baking sheet and give them a luxurious drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss gently to ensure every slice gets perfectly coated.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and let the magic happen. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the sweet potato rounds turn tender and develop gorgeous caramelized edges.

Step 4: Decorate with Delicious Toppings

Pull out the baking sheet and get ready to transform these roasted rounds into a flavor explosion. Top each round with:
  • Crumbled goat cheese
  • Dried cranberries
  • Candied walnuts

Step 5: Melt and Merge Flavors

Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5 minutes. Watch the goat cheese get all melty and inviting.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy these mouthwatering sweet potato rounds while they’re hot and bursting with flavor!

Expert Tips for Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts

  • Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for the best roasting results.
  • Slice sweet potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
  • Pat sweet potato rounds dry before adding olive oil to help them crisp up and caramelize beautifully.
  • Consider soaking dried cranberries briefly in warm water to plump them up and enhance their flavor before adding to the dish.
  • Swap goat cheese with feta or vegan cheese for alternative dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe's delicious profile.

Variations to Explore for Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts

  • Mediterranean Remix: Replace goat cheese with feta, swap dried cranberries for chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle fresh oregano on top for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Swap candied walnuts for chili-lime pepitas, use pepper jack cheese instead of goat cheese, and add a drizzle of chipotle crema for bold southwestern flavors.
  • Autumn Harvest Edition: Add roasted diced apples, swap cranberries for pomegranate seeds, and use blue cheese crumbles for a seasonal autumn profile.
  • Herb Garden Style: Incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary before roasting, replace walnuts with toasted pine nuts, and finish with a light honey-dijon drizzle for an herbaceous touch.

Pairing Suggestions for Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet Riesling with bright acidity that complements the roasted sweet potato's caramelized notes and balances the tangy goat cheese.
  • Match with Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the goat cheese and provide a fresh contrast to the sweet candied walnuts.
  • Serve with Spiced Mulled Cider: Warm mulled cider with cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the sweet and savory elements, echoing the cranberries and roasted sweet potato flavors while adding a cozy winter touch.

Storage Advice for Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the sweet potato rounds and toppings separate to maintain crispness.
  • Wrap individual rounds in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes, placing rounds on a baking sheet to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Heat for 30-45 seconds, but expect softer texture compared to oven reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts

  • Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.

  • How do I make candied walnuts if I don't have them ready?

Toast walnuts in a pan with sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring constantly until sugar caramelizes and coats the nuts evenly.

  • Are there any nutritional benefits to sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy base for this delicious appetizer or side dish.

  • Can I prepare these rounds ahead of time?

You can roast the sweet potato rounds in advance and add toppings just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and fresh flavor.

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Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts Recipe

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Candied Walnuts Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Roasted sweet potato rounds sparkle with creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy candied walnuts in this elegant appetizer. Mediterranean flavors dance across each delectable bite, promising a perfect harmony of textures and seasonal charm you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into rounds

Cheese and Nuts:

  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup candied walnuts

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Arrange sweet potato rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform roasting at 400F (200C).
  2. Generously coat potato rounds with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, massaging the seasonings to ensure complete coverage.
  3. Roast sweet potato rounds for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve golden-brown edges and tender interiors.
  4. While potatoes are roasting, prepare toppings by roughly chopping candied walnuts and measuring out goat cheese and dried cranberries.
  5. Remove roasted sweet potato rounds from oven and immediately distribute crumbled goat cheese across each slice, allowing residual heat to soften the cheese.
  6. Scatter dried cranberries and candied walnut pieces over the cheese-topped rounds, creating a vibrant and textural garnish.
  7. Return sheet to oven for an additional 3-4 minutes, just long enough to slightly melt the goat cheese and warm the toppings.
  8. Transfer roasted sweet potato rounds to a serving platter, ensuring each piece is beautifully adorned with melted cheese, cranberries, and crunchy walnuts.
  9. Serve immediately while warm, presenting a delightful appetizer or side dish with contrasting flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Choose firm, uniformly sized sweet potatoes for even roasting and consistent cooking results.
  • Pat sweet potato rounds dry before seasoning to ensure crispy edges and better oil absorption.
  • Swap goat cheese with feta or plant-based cheese for dairy-free alternatives without compromising flavor profile.
  • Toast walnuts separately to control caramelization and prevent burning during final cheese melting stage.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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