Sweet potato appetizer bites topped with a Maple-Cinnamon infused ricotta cheese, and sprinkled with sweet, dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans, are the perfect way to enjoy a party with great flavors, but skip all the junky fat and empty calories like other snack foods on the table.
The New Year is upon us and with that comes parties and appetizers. But it also gives us a chance to put out all sorts of goodies! With some of our guests ready to start the new year with healthier eating in mind, that "New Year, New You" mentality, it's nice to serve at least one thing that your guests can enjoy guilt free!
Make Ahead: This appetizer is also great because it can be prepped ahead of time and then just topped at the last minute just prior to the party! Cook up those sweet potatoes and store in the fridge. Then just reheat a moment to take the chill off of them, before topping with the Ricotta mixture that you can also pre-make ahead of time. Sprinkle with the cranberries and toasted pecans.. and this lovely appetizer is ready to go. It will look super fancy .. and healthy.. yet it really wasn't much work at all!
Get Playful: I first saw this recipe in my local paper. I cut it out and shared it with a coworker, who was both losing weight and a vegetarian. She's also learning to cook, and needing to bring something easy to make to our work party so I knew she'd love it. I was right, and it was delish! So I thought I'd share it with you too! This recipe just fits the bill on all fronts!
Other Options: Some other fun options to top on your sweet potato round both from the recipe's author and myself:
Recipe Tip: Don't overload the rounds, layer in small amounts rather than heaping them on in piles.
- Make a loaded sweet potato with light sour cream, shredded cheese, a sprinkle of taco seasoning to taste, then top with green onions.
- Spread rounds with meat or vegetarian chili and top with light sour cream. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped veggies.
- Pull out some avocados and make guacamole, or select your favorite store brand. Top with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions to add flavor, and a little holiday color.
- Put a smear of bbq sauce on your potato, then pulled pork or chicken bbq. (just a tablespoon or so) topped with shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon bits. (ok not as healthy on this one, but oh so fun!)
Yield: approx. 30 sweet potato rounds
Sweet Potato Rounds with Maple-Cinnamon Ricotta Cheese, Dried Cranberries and Pecans
prep time: 10 minscook time: 15 minstotal time: 25 mins
Sweet potato appetizer bites topped with a Maple-Cinnamon infused ricotta cheese, and sprinkled with sweet, dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans, are the perfect way to enjoy a party with great flavors, but skip all the junky fat and empty calories like other snack foods on the table.
ingredients:
2 large, slender sweet potatoes, about 7 by 2½ inches
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup part skim-milk ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon PLUS 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ to ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped pecans, roasted
instructions:
Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Line large baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil.
Scrub sweet potatoes, and pat dry with paper towels. Leave on the skin. With a sharp knife, or mandolin, cut into ¼-inch slices.
Place potato slices onto prepared pan, and brush with a little olive oil.
Place pan in the oven and bake until the potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and test for doneness. If they’re still not tender, or if the slices are thicker than ¼ inch, turn them over, return to the oven and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes as needed.
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the ricotta cheese topping. In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, maple syrup, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Stir well to combine.
When the potatoes have cooled, top each round with a small spoonful of the ricotta cheese mixture. Sprinkle each round evenly with the dried cranberries and roasted pecans.
calories
40
40
fat (grams)
2
2
carbs (grams)
6
6
protein (grams)
1
1
Fiber
1 gram
1 gram
Sodium
18 milligrams
18 milligrams
Calcium
28 milligrams
28 milligrams
Created using The Recipes Generator
Here are some mosre Appetizer Ideas for you:
- Baked Artichoke Squares by Family Around the Table
- Cheese Steak Egg Rolls by The Freshman Cook
- Devil’s on Horseback by Palatable Pastime
- Hot Reuben & Sprouts Dip by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Roasted TriColored Pepper Salsa by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Spicy Shrimp Puffs by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms by Simple and Savory
- Sweet Potato Rounds with Maple-Cinnamon Ricotta Cheese, Dried Cranberries & Pecans by Tip Garden
- Vegan 7 Layer Black Bean Dip by The Baking Fairy
