Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey & Feta
**Introduction**
The humble sweet potato is transformed into a stunning and sophisticated dish in these Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey & Feta. This recipe celebrates the beautiful contrast of flavors and textures: the sweet potatoes become caramelized and tender in the oven, creating a perfect base for the salty, creamy crumble of feta cheese. A final drizzle of raw honey ties everything together, with each bite offering a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and earthy notes. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and elegant, with minimal effort required for maximum visual and culinary impact. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight side or as a standout addition to a festive holiday spread, this recipe is a guaranteed way to elevate any meal.
**Perfect for:**
* Busy Weeknight Dinners
* Holiday Feasts and Potlucks
* Elegant Appetizers or Starter Plates
* Meal Prep for Lunches
* Vegetarian-Friendly Gatherings
**Why You’ll Love This Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds Recipe**
**Incredibly Flavorful:** The natural sweetness of the roasted potatoes is perfectly balanced by the salty feta and the floral notes of honey, creating a complex flavor profile that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
**Simple and Quick:** With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together with minimal fuss. The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to prepare the rest of your meal.
**Visually Impressive:** The circular rounds look beautiful arranged on a platter. The vibrant orange, white feta, and green herbs create a dish that is as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
**Naturally Nutritious:** Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. This recipe highlights their natural goodness with wholesome toppings.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 220-250 kcal
**Protein:** 5g
**Carbohydrates:** 35g
**Fat:** 8g
**Fiber:** 4g
**Sugar:** 18g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs total), scrubbed clean
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ¾ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* 4 ounces block feta cheese, crumbled
* 2 tablespoons raw honey
* 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or chives
* Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. **Slice the Sweet Potatoes:** Slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
3. **Season the Rounds:** In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to ensure each round is evenly coated.
4. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Arrange the rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper caramelization.
5. **Roast:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Flip the rounds halfway through the cooking time. They are done when they are tender in the center and the edges are slightly caramelized and browned.
6. **Add Toppings:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the rounds are still hot, immediately sprinkle them with the crumbled feta cheese. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese.
7. **Drizzle and Garnish:** Drizzle the honey evenly over the top of the rounds and feta. Finish with a generous sprinkling of fresh parsley or chives and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if using.
8. **Serve:** Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm.
**How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds**
**As a Standalone Appetizer:** Serve them on a large platter as a finger food for a party. Provide small forks or toothpicks for easy eating.
**Alongside a Main Course:** These rounds pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or pan-seared salmon for a complete and balanced meal.
**Over a Bed of Greens:** Place a few warm rounds on a bed of peppery arugula or mixed greens. The heat from the potatoes will slightly wilt the greens, and a simple vinaigrette makes a perfect dressing.
**With a Creamy Dip:** Serve with a side of cool, creamy Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce for dipping, adding another layer of flavor and texture.
**Additional Tips for Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds**
* For perfectly crispy edges, ensure the sweet potato rounds are completely dry after scrubbing and before tossing with oil.
* Do not use pre-crumbled feta if you can avoid it. A block of feta crumbled by hand has a superior texture and creamier flavor.
* If your sweet potatoes are burning on the bottom before becoming tender, your oven may be running hot. Try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees.
* For an extra flavor dimension, toss the rounds with a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme along with the oil and spices.
* The quality of honey matters. A good, raw honey will have more complex flavors than a highly processed one.
**Recipe Variations of Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds**
**Spicy Version:** Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the oil and spice mixture before tossing with the sweet potatoes.
**Savory Herb Version:** Replace the honey with a balsamic glaze reduction for a tangy, savory twist.
**Toasted Pecan and Goat Cheese:** Substitute crumbled goat cheese for the feta and sprinkle with toasted pecans along with the herbs for a different crunch and tang.
**Freezing and Storage for Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds**
**Storage:** Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for best results until warmed through. The microwave can make them soft.
**Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended for this specific assembled dish, as the texture of the sweet potatoes and feta will become watery and grainy upon thawing.
**FAQ Section about Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds**
**Can I use regular potatoes instead?**
Yes, you can. Yukon Gold or red potatoes would work well, though the flavor profile will be more savory than sweet.
**My sweet potatoes are not getting tender. What happened?**
The rounds may have been cut too thick, or the oven temperature may be too low. Ensure rounds are no thicker than ½ inch and that your oven is fully preheated. You can cover them with foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking to steam them to tenderness if they are browning too quickly.
**Can I make these ahead of time?**
You can slice and season the sweet potatoes a few hours in advance. Keep them tossed in oil and spices in the refrigerator until ready to roast. Assemble with feta and honey just before serving for the best texture.
**Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?**
Absolutely. Omit the feta and use a vegan feta alternative. Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
**Conclusion of Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds Recipe**
Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey & Feta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary eating experience. It is a reliably delicious, versatile, and visually stunning dish that fits seamlessly into everything from a casual family dinner to a celebratory feast. The effortless preparation and guaranteed delicious results make this a recipe you will return to again and again. Gather your ingredients and prepare to impress your family and guests with this perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.