Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey and Feta just fix so many of my dinner problems. Get-togethers, lazy weeknight side dish dilemmas, tricky holiday menu holes… this one’s come to my rescue more times than I can count. Sometimes you just want that golden edge crunch. (And I’m a sucker for sweet and salty together.)
If you’re a fan of something like candied sweet potatoes but actually want a savory twist, let’s keep rolling. Or if crispy is your thing, maybe you love frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer…this recipe will feel familiar in all the best ways.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Side Dish
Okay. Here’s the thing about these roasted sweet potato rounds with honey and feta, they’re surprisingly fancy-looking for almost zero effort. You just chop, season, toss into the oven, and let magic (uh, patience) do its thing. The honey caramelizes around the edges, so you get a kind of sticky sweetness, then that bite of salty feta just dances on your tongue. These are easy enough for a Tuesday. But I swear, set them down at Thanksgiving and watch everyone secretly judge the rest of the sides. Some nights I make a meal out of just these and a salad, no regrets.
PrintRoasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey and Feta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These fancy-looking roasted sweet potato rounds with honey and feta are a delicious, easy side dish for any occasion, offering a wonderful mix of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (Firm, orange sweet potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons honey (Drizzle for sweetness)
- 100 grams feta cheese (Buy in a block for better texture)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (Heavy sprinkle for taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (To taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Optional for flavor)
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro (Chopped for topping)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (Optional for a fresh pop)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and scrub sweet potatoes, then cut them into thick rounds (about half an inch thick).
- Toss sweet potato rounds in olive oil with salt and pepper until just glossy.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Roasting
- Spread sweet potato rounds out on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for about 20 minutes, then flip the rounds and roast for another 10-15 minutes until crispy at the edges and soft in the middle.
Finishing Touch
- Drizzle hot roasted sweet potatoes with honey.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta on top.
- Let sit for a minute for the flavors to meld together.
Notes
These rounds can be served as a side dish for proteins like chicken, turkey, or beef. They are also great on salads or as a flavorful office lunch. Make ahead by roasting the rounds and topping just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Honey, and Feta
Alright, don’t overthink it! You really only need three main things. Sweet potatoes (the orange kind, not yams), a little honey (whatever’s open in your pantry), and feta cheese. That’s the whole backbone. Buy the feta in a block if you can, so it crumbles better and isn’t all dried out. Sweet potatoes should be firm, no weird soft spots or suspicious sprouts. If you’re missing honey, check out the “variations” section coming up, there’s wiggle room.
Seasonings and Spices for Flavor
Flavor is where you can put your own spin on these roasted sweet potato rounds with honey and feta. I always use a heavy sprinkle of salt, which helps the potatoes crisp up but also tames the sweetness. Black pepper’s a must. Sometimes, I throw in smoked paprika or even garlic powder for a kick. If you’re feeling spicy, cayenne or chili flakes totally work. I heard one friend went wild with za’atar one time, honestly, turned out great. Seasoning is flexible, and you don’t need anything fancy to make these taste special.
Optional Garnishes and Fresh Herbs
Here’s what takes this dish from “Tuesday dinner” to “five-star restaurant” vibes (well, kinda). Once baked, toss on some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. Mint is really good too, adds a weirdly fresh pop. A dash of extra feta on top doesn’t hurt. If you want a restaurant-y look, a twist of lemon zest right before serving somehow makes it taste fancier than it is.
How to Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Roasting
Always wash and scrub those tubers really well because the skin’s staying on. No need to peel (seriously, it saves time and adds texture). Cut them into thick rounds, not too thin or they’ll burn. I’d say about half an inch thick is just right, but don’t stress measurement. Line a baking sheet with parchment if you want quick cleanup, then toss the rounds in oil until they’re just glossy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds
Here’s how I do it: Preheat your oven to 425°F (hotter oven, crispier rounds, trust me). While you’re waiting, slice and prep the sweet potatoes like above. Toss those rounds in olive oil with salt and pepper, then spread them on your pan so they aren’t stacked up. Roast for about 20 minutes, flip everything, and go another 10-15 minutes. Wait until they’re crispy at the edges but soft in the middle before you pull ’em out.
Adding the Honey and Feta Topping
Second half is the best part. Once your roasted sweet potato rounds come out, drizzle them with honey while still hot, that way the honey spreads and melts in. Sprinkle handfuls of crumbled feta next. Go as heavy or light as you want here. Let everything sit for a minute so it kind of gets cozy together. Now they’re ready for toppings or just going straight onto a plate.
Crumbling and Melting Feta for Best Results
Oh, let me rant a second. Pre-crumbled feta is sad and dry. Use a block and gently crumble it with your fingers, or cut tiny cubes. The block version stays creamier and is way more satisfying. The warmth from the roasted rounds will soften (not exactly melt) the feta, so the cheese goes all creamy right where it meets the honey. Don’t microwave or bake the feta longer, it turns rubbery and salty.
Flavor Variations and Creative Twists
People always get stuck in a rut with flavor. Mix things up if you’re bored! Sometimes I drizzle balsamic glaze after baking for a tangy finish. Add a dash of cinnamon for a Middle Eastern spin. Or swap feta with goat cheese if that’s what’s in your fridge. Smoked salt is also wild here. Roasted sweet potato rounds with honey and feta don’t mind getting wild.
Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar Substitutes
Totally forgot you’re out of honey? No drama. Maple syrup is an easy one-to-one sub, and it gets that same caramelized effect (a little more earthy). Brown sugar works if you sprinkle it before roasting, just go light so it doesn’t burn and get sticky-bad. Agave nectar also does the trick for a less sweet vibe.
Extra Toppings: Nuts, Seeds, or Pomegranate
I’ll honest, most weeks I throw on extras based on what’s in my cabinet. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a warm crunch. Roasted pumpkin seeds? So good. Pomegranate arils give you those sweet, tart bursts and look festive, especially for holidays. Even sunflower seeds help if you want texture but nothing too wild.
How to Get Crispy Edges and Soft Centers
This is the crossroads of happiness. For actually crispy edges, keep the rounds spread out in a single layer and crank that oven temp. Use enough oil to coat but not drown. Resist touching for a good 20 minutes on the first roast…don’t peek, don’t poke. Flip only once. And always use parchment or a silicone mat for even baking.
Pairing with Holiday and Thanksgiving Meals
I swear these rounds belong next to turkey, ham, or even that weird holiday roast vegan cousin brings over. They’re also a win at potlucks, or with a roast chicken from the store if you’re not fancying a big cook. For friendly competition, serve with these: sweet potato cornbread or ground beef sweet potato skillet and see which disappears faster.
- Serving Suggestions:
- As a side for roast chicken, turkey, or beef
- Pile them on a salad as a hearty topper
- Pack leftovers for an office lunch
- Use at brunch instead of hash browns
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Roasted sweet potato rounds with honey and feta keep okay if you prep ahead. I cool mine flat, so they don’t get soggy. Pop into an airtight container, keep in the fridge, and they’ll last about 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven if you want crisp back. Don’t microwave unless you like them more soft than crispy.
Can You Freeze Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
You can, but texture takes a hit. Didn’t say they’d be AS good. Freeze flat on a tray first, then zip into a bag. Thaw in fridge overnight, then rebake at 400°F. The feta will look funny but tastes fine. Texture’s never as crisp as fresh. Still, it beats tossing leftovers.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Feta
You’re actually feeding your body something decent here. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamin A, some fiber, all that jazz. Feta gives you protein and a dash of calcium without the heavy fat of some cheeses. Don’t go wild with honey if you’re watching sugar, but overall, you’re getting a smart tradeoff for major flavor. Want more science? Check out the health scoop and easy recipes with sweet potato puree.
Can Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey and Feta Be Made Vegan or Dairy-Free?
Sure can. Just swap feta with a dairy-free cheese (the crumbly almond ones work okay). Use agave instead of honey. I have friends who went the silken tofu route; not quite the same, but it looks pretty. That’s the fun of this recipe-it actually wants you to swap around.
Non-alcoholic pairings like sparkling cider or herbal tea
Not a wine person? Me neither half the time. These roasted sweet potato rounds with honey and feta are a hit with a cold glass of sparkling cider, especially with all those sweet and salty notes. Herbal teas like mint or chamomile somehow make the honey pop. Fresh lemonade isn’t half bad, either.
Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey and Feta : Common Questions
You can, but you’ll miss that extra sweetness. Regular potatoes don’t caramelize the same way, but hey, they crisp up fine.
Absolutely. Roast the rounds, hold off on toppings, then warm in the oven just before serving and finish with honey and feta right before serving.
Olive oil is my pick. Avocado oil works too. Anything neutral and mild will do the trick.
Nope. Leave the skin on-gives texture and saves time. Just scrub them well.
Oven or toaster oven at a high temp (like 400°F) for 10 minutes. That’s it. Microwaving makes them go soft.
Why You Need These Sweet Potato Rounds in Your Life
Honestly, these roasted sweet potato rounds with honey and feta will save you on busy nights, impress your in-laws, and even get that one “I don’t like sweet potatoes” friend changing their tune. Super approachable, barely any work, and packs more wow than you’d expect. Run and grab those sweet potatoes and feta, you’ll thank me. If you’re curious for variations, try looking around for external guides to alternative sweet potato sides or healthy swaps. Go make it happen. Your taste buds will do a happy dance.