Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Appetizer

Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Appetizer is a sophisticated yet simple dish that harmoniously blends the rich, natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the creamy tanginess of goat cheese.

This appetizer delivers an ideal medley of flavors and textures—warm, tender rounds layered with a velvety cheese mixture, crunchy sweet pecans, and bursts of tart dried fruit. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, it’s perfect for holiday spreads, dinner parties, or a gourmet-style snack.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Appetizer

You’ll adore this appetizer for its simplicity, elegance, and irresistible flavor contrast. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with creamy, tangy goat cheese, while honey, candied pecans, and dried cranberries add layers of texture and taste. It’s visually stunning, comes together with minimal effort, and magically turns humble ingredients into something special. Whether serving guests or treating yourself, these bite-sized delights offer warmth, sophistication, and a comforting gourmet touch.

Ingredients

• Rounds
  • 3 to 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Dash of sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Topping
  • 4 oz goat cheese
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ¼ cup candied pecans, chopped
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey for drizzling

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Appetizer

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
3. Brush both sides of each sweet potato round with olive oil, sprinkle lightly with sea salt, and dust evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Lay the sweet potato slices in a single layer, cut-side down, on a sturdy baking sheet.
5. Roast for about 15 minutes, flip each round, and roast for another 10–15 minutes, checking after 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
6. While they bake, mix the goat cheese, cream, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth.
7. Once baked to a tender, lightly caramelized finish, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
8. Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the goat cheese blend onto each slice.
9. Sprinkle with chopped candied pecans and cranberries.
10. Drizzle with honey and serve immediately.

Helpful Tips

• Use a heavy or non-stick baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
• Flip rounds halfway through baking for caramelization on both sides.
• For ultra-smooth cheese, allow goat cheese to come to room temperature before mixing.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
• Watch the rounds carefully during the final baking minutes to prevent burning.

Substitutions And Variations

• Sweet Potato Alternative: Try butternut squash or parsnip slices for a subtly different base flavor.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap goat cheese for Boursin, brie, or herbed ricotta for a milder, creamier alternative.
• Nut Options: Replace candied pecans with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
• Fruit Twist: Use chopped dried apricots, figs, or dates instead of cranberries.
• Savory Add-ins: Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits or chopped herbs.
• Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free cheese and maple syrup in place of honey.

Storage Instructions

• Make Ahead Tip: Roast the sweet potato slices and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The cheese mixture can be made in advance as well.
• To Reheat: Place the sweet potato slices in a 200°F (90°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes before assembling.
• Freshness Tip: Add the toppings just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving: 2 rounds yields approx.)

• Calories: 115 kcal
• Total Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 6 mg
• Sodium: 77 mg
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugars: 11 g
• Protein: 3 g

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange on a platter with herb sprigs for garnish.
• Pair with a glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Prosecco.
• Serve with a charcuterie board or as part of a small bites spread.
• Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or fresh mint for added brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Appetizer

Q: Can I use another variety of sweet potato?
A: Yes! Orange, white, or Japanese sweet potatoes all work well, each offering a slightly different sweetness and texture.

Q: Can I prepare components in advance?
A: Definitely. Roast the rounds and make the cheese topping up to two days ahead for quick assembly.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any pre-packaged ingredients like candied nuts are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes—substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free version and replace honey with maple syrup.

Q: What if I have nut allergies?
A: Skip the nuts or use toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.

Q: How can I make this appetizer for a large crowd?
A: Slice sweet potatoes thinner or use mini ones for bite-sized portions. Scale up toppings accordingly.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for stopping by and exploring this Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Appetizer recipe! I truly adore how easy yet elegant this dish is—the warm, caramelized sweet potato rounds paired with creamy goat cheese, crunchy candied pecans, and tart cranberries always bring a smile (and requests for seconds!). It’s a joy to prepare and a delight to serve. May it bring warmth, smiles, and a touch of gourmet flavor to your table. Enjoy every bite, happy cooking, and thanks for being part of our food-loving community—your taste buds are in for a treat!

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Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Appetizer

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Appetizer is an easy, elegant recipe made with roasted sweet potato rounds, creamy goat cheese, candied pecans, and cranberries. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a flavorful bite-sized snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3–4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds

1 tbsp olive oil

Dash of sea salt

1 tbsp granulated sugar

½ tsp ground cinnamon

4 oz goat cheese

1 tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half

1 tbsp honey

¼ cup chopped candied pecans

¼ cup chopped dried cranberries

2 tbsp honey for drizzling

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C).
• In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
• Brush both sides of each sweet potato round with olive oil, sprinkle lightly with sea salt, and dust evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Lay the sweet potato slices in a single layer, cut-side down, on a sturdy baking sheet.
• Roast for about 15 minutes, flip each round, and roast for another 10–15 minutes, checking after 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
• While they bake, mix the goat cheese, cream, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth.
• Once baked to a tender, lightly caramelized finish, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
• Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the goat cheese blend onto each slice.
• Sprinkle with chopped candied pecans and cranberries.
• Drizzle with honey and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a heavy baking sheet to ensure even roasting.

Store roasted rounds and topping separately if prepping ahead.

Add toppings just before serving for best texture.

Swap goat cheese with ricotta or brie for a milder version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 rounds
• Calories: 115
• Sugar: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 3g