Honey Feta Sweet Potato Rounds
Discover a harmonious blend of sweet and savory with these delectable Honey Feta Sweet Potato Rounds. Perfectly roasted sweet potato slices become a tender canvas for a creamy, tangy feta cheese and golden honey topping, creating an appetizer or side dish that's both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. It's a delightful culinary experience that will impress any palate.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
40-45 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
- An elegant appetizer or side dish that's surprisingly easy to make.
- Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for entertaining or weeknight meals.
- Visually appealing with vibrant colors and rustic charm.
- Offers a unique twist on classic roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes (approximately 600-700 grams)
- 240 grams (1 cup) crumbled feta cheese
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) honey
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) salt
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, leaves picked (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for roasting before you begin. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Carefully peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into uniform 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) thick rounds. Uniformity is key for even cooking. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the sweet potato rounds. Sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands or tongs to gently toss the rounds, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the oil and seasonings. This creates a flavorful crust.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to flip the rounds halfway through the cooking time (around 12-15 minutes) to encourage even browning and tenderness on both sides. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and beautifully golden.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the honey-feta topping. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese with the honey. Use a fork or a small spatula to gently mix them together until the honey is evenly distributed throughout the feta, creating a luscious, slightly sweet, and tangy mixture.
- Once the sweet potato rounds are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This cooling period prevents the feta from melting too quickly when applied and allows the sweet potatoes to firm up slightly.
- Top each slightly cooled sweet potato round with a generous spoonful of the honey feta mixture. Distribute the mixture evenly across all rounds.
- If desired, garnish the finished rounds with fresh thyme leaves. The herbaceous notes of thyme beautifully complement the sweetness of the potato and the tang of the feta. Serve the Honey Feta Sweet Potato Rounds warm, allowing the flavors to truly shine.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Essential Success Tips
- Slice sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking; a mandoline can assist with this.
- Ensure sweet potato rounds are in a single layer on the baking sheet to roast, not steam. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Don't skip flipping the sweet potatoes halfway through; this ensures golden crispiness on both sides.
- Use good quality feta cheese; its creamy texture and briny flavor are central to the topping.
- Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before adding the honey-feta mixture to prevent it from melting too quickly and sliding off.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor and texture, lightly toast the sweet potato rounds under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after roasting and before cooling, ensuring close supervision to prevent burning. This creates a slightly caramelized edge.
- Infuse the olive oil with a crushed garlic clove for 15 minutes before drizzling over the sweet potatoes. Strain the garlic out for a subtle aromatic hint without overpowering the dish.
- Experiment with a touch of chili flakes in the honey-feta mixture for a subtle kick that beautifully contrasts the sweetness.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer for best results.
- Variations: Try adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving for an additional layer of tangy sweetness. A pinch of cinnamon with the olive oil also pairs wonderfully with sweet potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the sweet potato rounds ahead of time?
You can slice the sweet potatoes a few hours in advance and store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator. Drain and pat them thoroughly dry before roasting. The honey-feta mixture can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble just before serving.
What kind of feta cheese is best for this recipe?
Opt for a block of Greek feta cheese packed in brine, if possible. It tends to be creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled varieties. Crumble it yourself for a superior texture.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 390, Protein: 12g, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 46g, Fiber: 5g.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. This dish is naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based feta alternative.
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