Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato with Tangy Ricotta and Cranberry Drizzle is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and festive at the same time. Imagine caramelized slices of sweet potato—edges slightly crisp, centers soft and buttery—topped with creamy, lemon-kissed ricotta and a glossy drizzle of tart cranberry sauce. It’s the kind of plate that looks fancy when you bring it to the table, yet it comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. And honestly, I think that’s the magic here. You can make it for a weeknight dinner or dress it up as part of a holiday spread. Let’s dive in and make this one a keeper for your recipe box.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Balanced Sweet, Savory, and Tangy Flavors
Here’s the thing: roasted sweet potatoes already bring a natural sweetness, and when you glaze them with maple syrup, that flavor deepens into something almost caramel-like. But then comes the ricotta—cool, creamy, a little tang from lemon juice. And just when you think it can’t get better, the cranberry drizzle cuts through with bright tartness. Each bite is layered, never boring.
Comfort Food with a Twist
I’ve made roasted sweet potatoes countless times, but the first time I added ricotta and cranberries, it was during the holidays. Everyone at the table went quiet for a moment—that’s when you know a dish hit the mark. It feels familiar and cozy, yet elevated enough that people think you’ve gone all out. And really, you just mixed a few ingredients in a bowl and simmered some berries. Easy win.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato with Tangy Ricotta and Cranberry Drizzle.
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Sweet potatoes | 2 large, sliced into thick rounds | Pick firm, smooth-skinned ones |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Helps with roasting |
Maple syrup | 2 tbsp | Adds deep sweetness |
Salt & pepper | To taste | Season at each stage |
Ricotta cheese | 1 cup | Creamy, mild base |
Lemon zest | 1 tsp | Fresh, bright flavor |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Balances the richness |
Cranberries (fresh or frozen) | ½ cup | Tart and vibrant |
Orange juice | 2 tbsp | Adds citrusy depth |
Honey | 1 tbsp | Natural sweetness |
Substitutions and Variations
- Don’t have ricotta? Swap in whipped feta for a sharper, saltier bite.
- Greek yogurt works too if you want it lighter and tangier.
- No cranberries on hand? Pomegranate arils or raspberries can stand in and still give you that tart pop.
- You can drizzle balsamic glaze instead of cranberry if you want a more savory take.
Tools You’ll Need
Honestly, nothing fancy—you probably already have these in your kitchen.
How to Make Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato with Tangy Ricotta and Cranberry Drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Slice the Sweet Potatoes: Cut them into thick, even rounds so they roast evenly.
- Season and Roast: Arrange the rounds on your sheet, drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and caramelized.
- Whip the Ricotta: In a bowl, mix ricotta with lemon zest and juice. Season lightly. For extra creaminess, beat it with a hand whisk until fluffy.
- Make the Cranberry Drizzle: Simmer cranberries, orange juice, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Assemble: Plate the sweet potato rounds, add a dollop of ricotta on each, then spoon over the cranberry drizzle.
That’s it—you’ve just created a dish that looks like it came from a restaurant menu.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted chicken, turkey, or salmon for a balanced dinner.
- Serve as a festive appetizer on a platter—your guests can grab and go.
- Add it to a vegetarian spread with roasted vegetables and grains.
Tips, Storage, and Make-Ahead
Tips for Success
- Cut your sweet potatoes evenly so they roast at the same pace.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—space them out for better caramelization.
- Taste your ricotta mix before serving; sometimes a pinch more lemon or salt makes it pop.
- If your cranberry drizzle seems too thick, just add a splash more orange juice.
Storage Instructions
- Store assembled rounds in the fridge up to 2 days.
- For best results, store components separately: sweet potatoes in one container, ricotta mix in another, cranberry drizzle in a jar.
- Reheat potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes; don’t microwave unless you’re okay with them turning soft.
Make-Ahead
- Roast potatoes ahead and store them.
- Make the cranberry drizzle a day in advance—it actually tastes better once the flavors sit.
- Just assemble when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 11g |
Protein | 6g |
Sodium | 130mg |
It’s wholesome, balanced, and nutrient-rich—proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean heavy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cranberry drizzle ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, I recommend it. Once cooled, store it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it gently before serving.
What cheese works best besides ricotta?
Whipped feta, goat cheese, or even a dollop of cream cheese can work. Each gives a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I keep sweet potato slices from going mushy?
The trick is slicing evenly and not crowding the pan. Roasting at a high temp (400°F) helps caramelize the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. Use a vegan ricotta or cashew cream, and swap honey for maple syrup in the cranberry drizzle.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, though I suggest storing components separately. That way, you can reassemble right before eating and keep everything fresh.
Conclusion
Caramelized, creamy, tangy—Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato with Tangy Ricotta and Cranberry Drizzle is everything I love about cooking in one dish. It looks impressive, tastes incredible, and doesn’t require a ton of time or effort. That’s the kind of recipe I keep in rotation, whether I’m feeding my family on a Tuesday or setting out a platter for holiday guests.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love:
- Sweet Potato Rounds with Burrata, Roasted Beets, and Walnut Sage Pesto
- Maple Pecan & Brie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato, Halloumi & Pomegranate Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing
Try it out, share your photos on Pinterest, and don’t forget to leave a review—I’d love to see how it turned out for you.
Print
Amazing Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato with Tangy Ricotta and Cranberry Drizzle
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato with Tangy Ricotta and Cranberry Drizzle is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s both elegant and easy to make. Caramelized sweet potato slices are topped with creamy lemony ricotta and a bright, tart cranberry drizzle—perfect for weeknights, holiday dinners, or as a show-stopping appetizer. Each bite combines sweetness, tang, and a hint of citrus for a truly memorable flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Cranberry Drizzle Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Arrange sweet potato slices on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup; season with salt and pepper. Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and tender.
In a bowl, mix ricotta with lemon zest and lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and honey. Simmer over medium heat until cranberries burst and form a thick drizzle (8–10 minutes).
Plate the sweet potato slices, top with a dollop of ricotta, and finish with cranberry drizzle. Serve warm.
Notes
Slice sweet potatoes evenly for uniform roasting.
Make cranberry drizzle ahead for easier assembly.
Ricotta can be swapped with whipped feta or Greek yogurt for variations.
Store components separately for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting, Simmering
- Cuisine: American / Modern Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg