Name: Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup walnuts; ⅓ cup dried cranberries; 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

If you love the balance of savory and sweet in one elegant bite, this recipe is the kind of appetizer that deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation. Roasted sweet potato rounds become golden and slightly caramelized, providing the perfect base for a luscious herbed ricotta topping. Add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts and dried cranberries and you have a bite-sized appetizer that feels as cozy as it is festive.

These little rounds pack big flavor and beautiful texture contrast. The creamy ricotta is lightly seasoned with herbs, the walnuts bring crunch, and the cranberries add just the right tart pop. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, brunch, or simply want a new way to use sweet potatoes, this one is equal parts impressive and easy.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries

These roasted sweet potato rounds are naturally gluten-free and packed with wholesome ingredients. The colors are vibrant enough to catch the eye on any table spread, and each element can be prepped ahead of time for stress-free entertaining. It’s a recipe that proves healthy can still mean indulgent.

The best part? They’re versatile. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. They scale beautifully for crowds, and every component can be customized to fit your flavor mood—think goat cheese instead of ricotta or pecans instead of walnuts.

What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

For this recipe, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes work best. Varieties like Garnet or Jewel are perfect because they roast up sweet, tender, and beautifully golden on the outside. Look for sweet potatoes that are uniformly shaped with smooth skin, which makes them easier to slice into evenly thick rounds.

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

This dish is all about balancing simple ingredients in just the right way. Each one plays a role in layering flavor and texture, so even though the list is short, every part counts. Choose high-quality dairy and fresh herbs for the ricotta, and toast the walnuts briefly to bring out their natural oils and crunch.

Sweet potatoes
Olive oil
Ricotta cheese
Fresh thyme
Fresh rosemary
Salt and pepper
Walnuts
Dried cranberries
Honey (optional)

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

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the rounds are tender and golden on the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Herbed Ricotta

While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the ricotta cheese in a bowl with finely chopped fresh thyme and rosemary. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you want extra creaminess, a teaspoon of olive oil can be stirred in as well.

Step 3: Toast the Walnuts

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts until they’re fragrant and slightly golden—about 3 to 5 minutes. Let them cool, then roughly chop.

Step 4: Assemble the Rounds

Once the sweet potatoes are roasted and slightly cooled, spoon a dollop of herbed ricotta onto each round. Top with chopped toasted walnuts and a few dried cranberries.

Step 5: Finish with a Drizzle (Optional)

If you like a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey lightly over the assembled rounds just before serving. This step enhances the cranberries and adds a festive finish.

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

This recipe makes about 18 to 20 sweet potato rounds, which easily feeds 6 to 8 people as an appetizer. They’re fantastic for gatherings because they hold up well at room temperature and look beautiful on a serving platter.

If you’re making them ahead, roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the herbed ricotta up to a day in advance. Store the potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, and do the same with the ricotta. Bring both to room temperature before assembling. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Leftovers? Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the oven if you prefer them warm.

What to Serve With Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Serve these sweet potato bites as a starter followed by the hearty and satisfying Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a wholesome dinner.

Classic Caprese Salad

A fresh Classic Caprese Salad brings a cooling, juicy balance to the warm and earthy notes of the sweet potatoes.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Pair this appetizer with a bowl of Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a well-rounded vegetarian-friendly meal.

Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls

Add a spicy edge to your party table with Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls. Their crunch is a great contrast to the smooth ricotta.

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This comforting and indulgent main is a great follow-up to the lighter appetizer. Try it with the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Want more finger food? Easy Homemade Naan Bread makes a perfect partner for dipping in ricotta or cleaning up any sweet potato topping that falls on your plate.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you’re into these Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries, there’s a whole world of small bites and shareables waiting to be explored. Here are a few more options from Janet Dishes that bring bold flavor in bite-sized form:

• Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls for those who like a little heat.
• Classic Caprese Salad when you’re in the mood for something fresh and vibrant.
• Easy Homemade Naan Bread that doubles as an appetizer or side.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for an indulgent yet easy-to-make crowd-pleaser.
• Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl if you’re into protein-packed comfort food.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know how yours turned out! Did you try it with pecans or maybe a different herb combo? Did you add honey or skip it? I’d love to hear your twist.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great! Janet Dishes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries prove that appetizers can be as elegant as they are nourishing. With minimal ingredients and major flavor, these bites come together effortlessly but look and taste like you planned for hours. Perfect for any season, and always a hit at the table.