Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Maple, Walnuts, and Creamy Goat Cheese

These roasted sweet potato medallions are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect as a side dish or appetizer for holiday gatherings. Enhanced with a hint of cinnamon, buttery maple glaze, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese, each bite delivers a burst of autumn flavors that’s easy to make and hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon, divided
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup maple syrup, plus 2 tbsp for optional drizzling
• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions/Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds, leaving the skin on or peeling as you prefer.
2. In a large bowl (or ziplock bag), toss the sweet potato slices with melted butter, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring space between each for even roasting. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, walnuts, remaining 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and thyme leaves.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and top each slice with about 1 tsp of the walnut mixture.
6. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes to caramelize the toppings.
7. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the warm sweet potato rounds before serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

FAQ:

• Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?
  Yes, feta or blue cheese also works well for a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• How can I make this dish nut-free?
  Simply omit the walnuts, or try adding roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?
  Yes, roast the sweet potato rounds and prepare the topping in advance. Reheat before serving, adding the goat cheese and optional maple drizzle just before serving.

Conclusion:
These maple-glazed sweet potato medallions offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a sweet, spiced glaze. Ideal for holiday spreads or a cozy night in, they’re a memorable dish that everyone will enjoy.

Hashtags: #MapleSweetPotato #AutumnAppetizer #HolidaySides #SweetAndSavory #EasyFallRecipes #FestiveFlavors