Name: Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary (chopped); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional); 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup toasted walnuts (halved or chopped); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)

Looking for a savory-sweet appetizer or elegant side dish that captures the cozy warmth of fall? These Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries are a festive showstopper. The balance of creamy ricotta, tangy cranberries, and toasted walnuts over caramelized sweet potato slices is truly irresistible.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings gourmet flair with minimal effort. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and makes for a visually stunning addition to any holiday spread.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this dish together with ease and precision, here are the tools that will help:

Sharp Chef’s Knife: Crucial for slicing the sweet potatoes into even rounds for consistent roasting.
Cutting Board: A stable surface for safe prep work.
Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet helps the sweet potato rounds roast evenly and caramelize around the edges.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whipping together the herbed ricotta.
Spatula or Tongs: To flip the sweet potatoes halfway through roasting.

Spoon or Small Cookie Scoop: For neatly dolloping the ricotta mixture onto each round.

Having the right tools ensures uniformity, speeds up your prep time, and helps you present this dish at its best.

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

Sweet Potatoes – The star of the show. Their natural sweetness intensifies as they roast, forming a caramelized base that perfectly balances the tangy and nutty toppings.

Olive Oil – Helps the sweet potatoes roast to golden perfection while adding a rich, savory depth.
Ricotta Cheese – Creamy and mild, ricotta serves as the perfect blank canvas for fresh herbs and a touch of lemon zest.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, or Dill) – These elevate the ricotta with garden-fresh flavor and aromatic notes.

Dried Cranberries – Add a chewy, tart contrast that pairs beautifully with both the sweet potatoes and herbed cheese.
Toasted Walnuts – Offer a warm crunch and earthy richness that balances the other textures.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.

Honey (Optional) – A light drizzle at the end adds a beautiful glossy finish and extra sweetness.

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

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly. Slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds for even roasting.

Step 2: Season and Roast

Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 3: Make the Herbed Ricotta

In a small bowl, mix ricotta with your choice of chopped fresh herbs, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a little lemon zest if desired. Stir until well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Rounds

Once the sweet potatoes are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spoon a generous dollop of herbed ricotta onto each round.

Step 5: Garnish with Toppings

Top each round with a few dried cranberries and a walnut piece. If you like, drizzle honey over the assembled rounds for a glossy, sweet finish.

Step 6: Serve Warm or at Room Temp

These can be served straight from the oven or after they’ve cooled slightly. Either way, the flavors shine beautifully.

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

These sweet potato rounds are best served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a holiday platter centerpiece. Arrange them on a large serving tray or wooden board for a rustic presentation. A sprinkle of extra herbs or microgreens can make them look restaurant-worthy.

If you’re making them ahead of time, roast the sweet potatoes and mix the ricotta in advance, then assemble everything just before serving to keep textures fresh.

To store leftovers, place the fully assembled rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F to preserve the crispness, or enjoy them cold as a snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?

Aim for about 1/2-inch thick rounds. Thinner slices might crisp too much or burn, while thicker ones may not cook through evenly.

Can I use another cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Goat cheese or whipped feta both work wonderfully for a tangier bite.

Are these rounds gluten-free?

They are naturally gluten-free, as long as none of your added ingredients (like ricotta or herbs) contain hidden gluten.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely. Substitute the ricotta with a vegan cashew-based spread and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Do I need to toast the walnuts?

Toasting enhances the flavor and crunch, but if you’re short on time, you can use raw walnuts too.

Can I prepare these a day in advance?

Yes, you can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the ricotta mixture the day before. Assemble them fresh to maintain the best texture.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?

If these roasted sweet potato rounds have your tastebuds tingling, you’ll love exploring these other creative bites:

Taco Ranch Bites for a zesty, handheld snack that’s perfect for parties.

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes when you’re craving comfort food in a bite-sized form.
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a creamy, savory option to serve alongside.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole if you’re in the mood for something hearty.

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a main dish to round out the meal.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a different herb to the ricotta? Did you serve it as an appetizer or a holiday side dish?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook creatively.

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

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 16–20 rounds (serves 4–6 as appetizer)
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta, Walnuts, and Cranberries are the perfect harmony of savory and sweet. With creamy herbed ricotta, crunchy toasted walnuts, and tart dried cranberries layered on caramelized sweet potatoes, this dish is a festive and elegant appetizer or side. It’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, or a creative weeknight treat.