If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet approachable appetizer, these Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cherry & Maple Drizzle are the answer! Imagine rounds of caramelized sweet potato topped with creamy goat cheese, tart dried cherries, and a lusciously spiced drizzle that brings everything together. Whether you’re entertaining or just elevating a weekday dinner, this cherry & maple drizzle recipe layers flavor, color, and pure joy in every gorgeous bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the most magical things about this dish is how each simple, accessible ingredient truly shines. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll build vibrant color, irresistible texture, and balanced flavor every step of the way.
- Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness and velvety texture create the perfect base for all the bold toppings.
- Olive oil: Helps the sweet potato rounds roast to golden, caramelized perfection.
- Salt: A pinch is all you need to enhance all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle, gentle heat.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a delicious smoky undertone that makes every bite more interesting.
- Goat cheese: Creamy, tangy, and decadent—just the right contrast to the sweet potato and maple drizzle.
- Dried cherries: Chopped for bursts of sweet-tart flavor (and beautiful color!), they balance the rich goat cheese and sweet potatoes.
- Pistachios or walnuts (optional): For extra crunch and flavor complexity; both work beautifully here.
- Pure maple syrup: The true star of our cherry & maple drizzle—adds depth, sweetness, and a touch of luxury.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Either one creates a silky-smooth drizzle; choose what you love or have on hand.
- Cinnamon: Brings cozy warmth and gentle spice to the maple drizzle.
- Pinch of salt: Just a bit sharpens all the sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in the drizzle.
How to Make Cherry & Maple Drizzle
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Rounds
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Slice your sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds—keeping them even helps them cook at the same pace. Toss the rounds with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a big bowl until every piece is glossy and beautifully coated.
Step 2: Roast to Perfection
Lay the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Pop them into the hot oven and let them roast for 30 to 35 minutes, turning each piece halfway through. You want the edges caramelized and the centers fork-tender; those crispy bits are utter magic!
Step 3: Mix Up the Cherry & Maple Drizzle
While the sweet potatoes roast, grab a small bowl and whisk together the pure maple syrup, olive oil or melted butter (your call!), cinnamon, and that essential pinch of salt. This creates your signature cherry & maple drizzle—warm, fragrant, and temptingly glossy.
Step 4: Assemble the Toppings
When your sweet potato rounds come out of the oven, let them cool just enough to handle. Spread or dollop creamy goat cheese onto each warm round, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the cracks. Next, add a shower of chopped dried cherries, then, if you like, a sprinkle of pistachios or walnuts for crunch.
Step 5: Finish with Cherry & Maple Drizzle
Just before serving, give the maple drizzle a quick stir and, while it’s still warm, generously spoon it over each topped round. Every bite will be bursting with flavor, with the cherry & maple drizzle tying all those stunning elements together.
How to Serve Cherry & Maple Drizzle
Garnishes
A finishing flourish goes a long way here! Try a few extra chopped pistachios or walnuts on top for an elegant green (or golden-brown) crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a few flecks of flaky sea salt or a final dusting of cinnamon puts these over the top, all while complementing the cherry & maple drizzle.
Side Dishes
These sweet potato rounds pair perfectly with light salads, roasted chicken, or a platter of grilled vegetables. For a festive spread, consider serving alongside a leafy green salad with citrus or a grain salad dotted with fresh herbs—it’s a perfect way to let the cherry & maple drizzle shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For maximum wow factor, arrange the rounds neatly on a beautiful wooden board or platter, and let guests help themselves. Or, serve them as elegant bite-sized starters at a party, with each round dressed to the nines in tangy goat cheese and cherry & maple drizzle. Mini skewers can be added for an easy pick-up appetizer at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra rounds or topping, simply transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, though the rounds may soften a bit. Store the cherry & maple drizzle separately if possible, and drizzle fresh when ready to serve for the loveliest result.
Freezing
While the sweet potato rounds freeze well on their own (wrap tightly once cooled), the goat cheese and cherry & maple drizzle are best added fresh. To freeze, lay the roasted, un-topped rounds on a tray to freeze individually, then stack in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. When ready, thaw and reheat, then dress with cheese, cherries, and maple drizzle just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through—about 10 minutes. Add the goat cheese, cherries, and warm cherry & maple drizzle after reheating so everything retains its best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries (pitted and finely chopped) bring a burst of juicy, summery flavor to the rounds. Just be sure to pat them dry so they don’t add too much moisture to the goat cheese topping.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes! Swap in your favorite vegan soft cheese for the goat cheese, and use maple syrup with olive oil in the cherry & maple drizzle. The flavors remain rich and satisfying.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You sure can. Roast the sweet potato rounds and prep all the toppings ahead of time, but wait to assemble and add the cherry & maple drizzle until just before serving. That way, the textures are all perfectly fresh.
What’s the best way to transport this dish for a potluck?
Lay the roasted sweet potato rounds flat in a lidded container, and keep the goat cheese, cherry & maple drizzle, and other toppings in separate jars or bags. Assemble just before serving for best presentation and texture!
Can I use another cheese besides goat cheese?
Definitely! Creamy feta or ricotta would make delicious substitutions, though the tang of goat cheese is especially dreamy with the sweet-tart cherry & maple drizzle.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, it’s truly time to try these Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cherry & Maple Drizzle. They’re a joyful way to celebrate simple ingredients and wow every guest at your table. Don’t be surprised if this cherry & maple drizzle becomes your secret signature finishing touch!
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Cherry & Maple Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Cherry & Maple Drizzle are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Rounds
- 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Topping
- 6 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios or walnuts (optional)
For the Maple Drizzle
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss sweet potatoes: Toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Arrange and roast: Arrange rounds on the baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway.
- Prepare maple drizzle: Whisk together maple syrup, olive oil (or butter), cinnamon, and salt.
- Assemble: Spread goat cheese on warm sweet potato rounds, top with cherries, nuts, and drizzle with maple sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
