Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Pecans

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Pecans

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup goat cheese (or cream cheese if preferred), softened
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or cranberry sauce for added sweetness)
• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Fresh herbs (such as chopped parsley or thyme) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
   • Place the sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to ensure they are evenly coated.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
   • Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and tender.
4. Prepare the Toppings:
   • While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the toppings. In a small bowl, mix the goat cheese until it’s creamy. If you like it a bit sweeter, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the cheese.
   • Roughly chop the pecans, and warm the cranberries in a little warm water if they seem too dry.
5. Assemble the Sweet Potato Rounds:
   • Once the sweet potato rounds are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Spread a spoonful of goat cheese on each round.
   • Top with cranberries and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
6. Drizzle with Honey and Garnish:
   • Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top if desired for extra sweetness. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color and a hint of freshness.
7. Serve:
   • Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish. These are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fall treat.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you could add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potatoes before roasting.
• Swap goat cheese for cream cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
• If using fresh cranberries, cook them briefly in a little sugar and water to soften them before topping.

Enjoy these beautiful and tasty roasted sweet potato rounds with creamy, sweet, and nutty toppings! They’re sure to be a hit at any table.