Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries & Pecans: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
(By Jason Griffith)
Introduction: The Holiday Appetizer Everyone Falls in Love With
When the holidays roll around, I want two things from my appetizers: they need to taste incredible, and they absolutely cannot stress me out. That’s where these Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cranberries & Pecans come in.
These crispy roasted sweet potato slices, topped with creamy goat cheese, tart dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and a sweet drizzle of honey, are pure magic. They hit all the right notes—salty, sweet, tangy, and crunchy—in one perfect, bite-sized package.
They look incredibly sophisticated, like something you spent hours fussing over, but the truth is, they take about 10 minutes to assemble and are baked to perfection in a single sheet pan. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas party, looking for a fancy snack for date night, or need a showstopper for a potluck, this recipe is your new best friend.
Why I Love This Recipe
This appetizer is the definition of high-reward, low-effort cooking. It’s a recipe I return to year after year, and here’s why:
- The Flavor Combo: The earthy sweetness of the roasted potato is an incredible base for the creamy, tangy goat cheese. Add in the chewy cranberries, nutty pecans, and floral honey, and you’ve got a symphony of classic holiday flavors.
- Ease and Speed: Prepping the potatoes is the most hands-on part. Once they’re roasted, topping them takes literally minutes. It’s the perfect ‘assemble-and-go’ dish.
- Naturally Beautiful: The vibrant orange of the sweet potato, the white cheese, and the ruby red cranberries make for a visually stunning plate that adds instant festive cheer.
- The Perfect Bite: Served warm right out of the oven, the slightly crispy edges of the potato contrast beautifully with the warm, melted goat cheese. It’s truly a holiday masterpiece in one bite.
If you’re looking for other effortless ways to impress your guests, check out my recipe for This Baked Brie Appetizer is my Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests—another winner!
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, high-impact ingredients that you can easily find.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Sweet Potatoes | 2 large | Cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds. |
| Olive Oil | 2–3 tbsp | Used for coating the potatoes before roasting. |
| Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | Don’t be shy; proper seasoning is key! |
| Goat Cheese | 8 oz | Softened to make it easier to spread. |
| Dried Cranberries | 1/2 cup | Adds a lovely tart chewiness. |
| Chopped Pecans | 1/2 cup | Toasted for maximum crunch and flavor. |
| Honey | 2 tbsp | A final drizzle for sweetness and shine. |
| Fresh Rosemary or Parsley | For garnish | The fresh herb finish brightens the flavor and look. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Sweet Potatoes: While sweet potatoes are traditional here, you could use Butternut Squash (cut into 1/2-inch pieces) if you need a swap. The cooking time will be similar.
- Goat Cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, try Cream Cheese (full fat, softened), Feta Cheese (use a soft, creamy variety), or even a scoop of creamy Boursin.
- Pecans: Walnuts or Almonds are excellent substitutes for the crunchy topping. Just be sure to toast them lightly!
- Cranberries: Swap for chopped Dried Cherries or Golden Raisins for a different fruit note.
- Honey: Maple syrup works perfectly as a vegan alternative to the honey drizzle.
- Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans for a few minutes in a dry skillet brings out a deep, nutty flavor that is essential for this recipe. Don’t skip this step!
How to Make Sweet Potato Rounds
This is a straightforward, 4-step process.
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400∘F (200∘C). Slice the sweet potatoes into consistent 1/2-inch thick rounds. In a large bowl or directly on a sheet pan, toss the rounds with the olive oil until lightly coated. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Roast
Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are fork-tender and the edges are lightly golden and slightly crispy.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Remove the pan from the oven. While the potatoes are still hot, spread a spoonful of softened goat cheese onto the center of each round. The heat will slightly warm the cheese, making it wonderfully creamy.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle the goat cheese with the dried cranberries and toasted pecans. Drizzle the entire platter with honey and finish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped rosemary or parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Slices: Try to cut your sweet potato rounds as close to 1/2-inch thickness as possible. This ensures they cook evenly. Rounds that are too thick will take longer; rounds that are too thin will burn.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the potatoes space on the sheet pan. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, and you won’t get those desirable crispy edges. Use two pans if necessary.
- Soften the Goat Cheese: Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before assembling. It will be much easier to spread.
- Toast Your Nuts: Toasting the pecans is non-negotiable! It vastly deepens the flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Sweet Potato Rounds are a showstopping appetizer that pairs wonderfully with classic holiday fare.
- Drinks: A crisp, dry Prosecco or a Sauvignon Blanc complements the goat cheese beautifully. For something festive, try a spiced Cranberry-Orange Spritzer.
- Appetizer Spread: Pair them with other easy-to-manage appetizers like hummus, olives, or my recipe for These Easy Coconut Macaroons Are My Favorite 3-Ingredient Treat for a sweet contrast.
- Main Course: They transition beautifully next to savory main dishes, offering a sweet-savory side that works well with roasted turkey, ham, or even my crowd-pleasing These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
(Estimates based on 12 servings)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: ~5 g
- Fat: ~10 g
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~10 g
Note: This is an approximation. Actual values may vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This appetizer is best served warm and fresh.
- Leftovers: If you have any (which is rare!), store the assembled rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To revive the rounds, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350∘F (175∘C) for 5–8 minutes, just until warmed through and the cheese is soft again. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make the potatoes mushy.
- Prep Ahead: You can slice and season the sweet potatoes up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. You can also toast the pecans and chop the herbs ahead of time. I do not recommend pre-roasting or topping them until you are ready to serve.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved this perfect combination of sweet, savory, and nutty, you’ll want to try these other fantastic recipes:
- These Pecan Pie Bars are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert
- This Grasshopper Pie is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert with a Mint Chocolate Twist
- This Baked Brie Appetizer is my Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Potato Rounds are more than just an appetizer; they’re a festive centerpiece that captures the essence of holiday entertaining. The combination of textures and seasonal flavors is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to deliver a five-star dish.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how they turned out in the comments! Follow @ChefManiac on all platforms for more easy, high-impact recipes!
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