These Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry Cream Cheese are a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and creamy in every bite. The caramelized sweet potatoes serve as a naturally sweet base, while the cranberry cream cheese topping adds a festive touch of tartness and richness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for an elegant yet easy side dish, this recipe delivers both taste and presentation in one beautiful bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the rounds are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cranberry cream cheese spread: in a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberry sauce, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Allow baked sweet potato rounds to cool slightly.
- Top each round with a generous dollop of the cranberry cream cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the blend of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors!
Variation:
- Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture.
- Go savory: Mix a little goat cheese into the cream cheese base and top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cream cheese for a sweet–spicy kick.
Cooking Notes:
- Choose firm, evenly shaped sweet potatoes for consistent slices and even roasting.
- Let the rounds cool for a few minutes before topping to prevent the cream cheese from melting too much.
- You can make the cranberry cream cheese mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions:
- Holiday platter star: Arrange these colorful bites on a festive serving tray for a Thanksgiving or Christmas appetizer.
- Brunch favorite: Pair with mimosas or coffee for a brunch board centerpiece.
- Elegant side dish: Serve alongside roasted poultry or pork for a beautiful and flavorful contrast.
Tips:
- Uniform size: Slice the sweet potatoes evenly to ensure all rounds cook at the same rate.
- Creamier texture: Whip the cream cheese mixture for 1–2 minutes with a hand mixer for an extra fluffy topping.
- Make ahead: Bake the sweet potato rounds earlier in the day, then reheat and top just before serving.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Yes! Either homemade or canned cranberry sauce works just make sure it’s slightly thick so it holds up on the rounds. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the spread separately, then assemble just before serving. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. - Can I serve these cold?
Yes they’re just as delicious chilled, making them a great make-ahead option for parties.
Conclusion:
These Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry Cream Cheese are a stunning addition to any table easy to make, full of color, and bursting with festive flavor. The creamy cranberry topping transforms humble sweet potatoes into an elegant appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry Cream Cheese are a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and creamy in every bite. The caramelized sweet potatoes serve as a naturally sweet base, while the cranberry cream cheese topping adds a festive touch of tartness and richness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for an elegant yet easy side dish, this recipe delivers both taste and presentation in one beautiful bite.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the rounds are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cranberry cream cheese spread: in a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberry sauce, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Allow baked sweet potato rounds to cool slightly.
- Top each round with a generous dollop of the cranberry cream cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the blend of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors!
Notes
- Choose firm, evenly shaped sweet potatoes for consistent slices and even roasting.
- Let the rounds cool for a few minutes before topping to prevent the cream cheese from melting too much.
- You can make the cranberry cream cheese mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Holiday Recipe
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4–5 rounds
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: sweet potato appetizers, cranberry cream cheese, holiday snack, festive bites