Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta

Introduction

Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta are a healthy, savory snack that’s perfect for the Super Bowl! These bite-sized delights feature crisp, roasted sweet potato rounds topped with a creamy and flavorful herbed ricotta mixture. The combination of the naturally sweet, roasted sweet potatoes with the tangy, herb-infused ricotta makes for a mouthwatering, yet light appetizer that’s sure to be a hit with guests. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing option that’s gluten-free and pork-free, and it’s perfect for any game day gathering.

Perfect for:

• Super Bowl parties
• Game day appetizers
• Healthy snacks
• Crowd-pleasers without the meat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta will become a favorite:

• Healthy & Delicious: The sweet potato rounds are naturally nutritious, providing fiber and antioxidants, while the herbed ricotta adds a creamy, protein-packed topping.
• Flavorful & Balanced: The sweet and savory balance between the roasted sweet potato and the herb-infused ricotta will have your guests coming back for more.
• Easy to Serve: The rounds are perfectly portioned and easy to pick up, making them a great finger food for parties.
• No Pork or Alcohol: This recipe is suitable for those avoiding pork, bacon, or alcoholic ingredients, making it inclusive for different dietary preferences.
• Customizable: You can adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your personal taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta:

For the Sweet Potato Rounds:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Herbed Ricotta Topping:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh thyme or parsley leaves
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

Ingredient Highlights

• Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet, rich in vitamins, and a healthy base for this dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet potato.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, and basil bring a fresh, aromatic flavor to the ricotta, enhancing the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps to roast the sweet potato rounds to a golden crisp.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright acidity to balance the richness of the ricotta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta:

Roast the Sweet Potato Rounds:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Toss the rounds to coat evenly.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Roast the sweet potato rounds in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Roast until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Herbed Ricotta Topping:

4. Mix the Ricotta: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, thyme, and basil. Add garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Assemble the Sweet Potato Rounds:

5. Top with Herbed Ricotta: Once the sweet potato rounds are slightly cooled, spoon a generous dollop of the herbed ricotta mixture on top of each round. Spread it gently to cover the surface.

Garnish and Serve:

6. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs like thyme or parsley leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
7. Serve: Arrange the sweet potato rounds on a serving platter and serve immediately.

How to Serve

• For Super Bowl Parties: These sweet potato rounds are perfect for game day gatherings as a light, yet flavorful, snack.
• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of tzatziki, hummus, or your favorite yogurt-based dip.
• As Part of a Spread: Serve as part of a vegetable platter or alongside other appetizers like veggie sliders or roasted nuts.
• As a Side Dish: They can also be served as a side to grilled meats or as a light starter to a main course.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can roast the sweet potato rounds ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat before serving and top with fresh ricotta.
• Adjust the Herbs: Feel free to swap in other herbs like rosemary or chives if preferred.
• Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based ricotta alternative for a dairy-free version.

Recipe Variations

1. Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado and Feta
2. Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese and Arugula
3. Sweet Potato Rounds with Spicy Chipotle Ricotta
4. Sweet Potato Rounds with Creamy Pesto Ricotta
5. Sweet Potato Rounds with Roasted Garlic Ricotta
6. Sweet Potato Rounds with Lemon-Dill Ricotta
7. Sweet Potato Rounds with Smashed Chickpeas and Ricotta
8. Sweet Potato Rounds with Pomegranate Seeds and Ricotta
9. Sweet Potato Rounds with Sun-Dried Tomato Ricotta
10. Sweet Potato Rounds with Sautéed Spinach and Ricotta

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze, roast the sweet potato rounds and store them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftover sweet potato rounds in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the ricotta topping separately to prevent it from becoming watery.

Special Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Small mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula for spreading ricotta

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping? Yes, ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor.
2. Can I roast the sweet potatoes in advance? Yes, you can roast them up to a day ahead and reheat before serving.
3. Can I make this vegan? Yes, use plant-based ricotta or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
4. Can I add protein to these? Yes, top with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a more filling snack.
5. Can I make these without herbs? Absolutely! You can top the sweet potato rounds with plain ricotta or try adding different spices like smoked paprika or cumin.

Print

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta are the perfect healthy and flavorful snack that’s sure to impress at your Super Bowl party or any gathering. The roasted sweet potato rounds offer a satisfying base, topped with creamy herbed ricotta for a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you keep it simple or add your favorite toppings, these rounds are a customizable crowd-pleaser that balances savory and sweet with ease.

Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, they’re a light yet indulgent snack that will leave everyone coming back for more. These Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta are a fun twist on traditional party bites, and they’re perfect for sharing.

I’d love to see how your Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!