Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese are one of those recipes that instantly bring warmth to your kitchen. Honestly, the first time I made these, the aroma alone made me want to skip dinner and just snack straight from the tray. The combination of tender, roasted sweet potatoes, creamy dollops of cream cheese, and bursts of tart dried cranberries is pure magic. Whether you’re planning a cozy family night, hosting friends, or just craving a wholesome snack, Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese are effortless yet impressive. And here’s the thing—they’re surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive in, and I promise you’ll want to make these again and again.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese
Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion
Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese are not just snacks—they’re little bites of happiness. The golden edges of the sweet potatoes, lightly crisped in the oven, make a visually stunning appetizer that works for holidays, casual parties, or even a quiet weeknight treat. I remember the first time I brought these to a friends’ gathering—they were gone in minutes! And honestly, it’s easy to see why.
The creamy richness of the cream cheese balances the natural sweetness of the roasted potatoes, while the cranberries add a tangy pop that keeps every bite interesting. These aren’t your standard boring appetizers; they’re colorful, flavorful, and packed with texture. You’ll find yourself sneaking one or two while plating for guests.
Taste & Texture That Delights
Here’s the thing—people underestimate the charm of texture in appetizers. Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese nail it. The edges roast to a delicate crispiness, the centers stay soft and buttery, and the cream cheese adds velvety smoothness that makes each bite luxurious. Dried cranberries provide little bursts of sweet-tart surprise that contrast beautifully with the mellow potato and rich cream cheese.
It’s a playful combination, honestly. One bite, and you feel like you’re indulging, but really, it’s wholesome and satisfying. The flavor balance here is effortless—sweet, savory, tangy, creamy—all in one little round.
Ingredients & Prep Tips
Ingredients List and Optional Additions
To make Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 2 medium | Sliced into ¼-inch rounds |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Helps crisp the edges |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground for best flavor |
| Cream cheese | ½ cup | Softened for easy spreading |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup | Adds tart bursts of flavor |
| Fresh chives | 1 tablespoon, chopped | Optional, for garnish |
Optional Additions/Substitutions:
- Swap chives for parsley or green onions.
- Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier taste.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on sweet potatoes before roasting for a subtle warm flavor.
Necessary Tools & Prep Hacks
No fancy gadgets required here, which makes Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese perfect for any kitchen. You’ll need:
- A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing sweet potatoes evenly.
- A baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment for easy cleanup.
- A spatula to flip sweet potato rounds halfway through roasting.
- A spoon or small cookie scoop for the cream cheese topping.
Prep Tips:
- Slice sweet potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature to avoid tearing the rounds.
- Toss the sweet potatoes in olive oil and seasoning thoroughly to ensure every slice has flavor.
How to Make Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
I like to do this first so the oven is perfectly hot when the sweet potatoes go in—crispy edges are everything! - Toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Make sure every slice is lightly coated. You want flavor in every bite. - Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Crowding them will make them steam instead of roast, so give each round some breathing room. - Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You’ll notice golden edges and tender centers—that’s your sweet potato cue! - Cool slightly before adding cream cheese.
This prevents melting into a puddle and keeps each round neat. - Top each round with a dollop of cream cheese and dried cranberries.
Garnish with chopped chives if desired. - Serve immediately.
I always find these best fresh from the oven, but they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips to Make Them Perfect Every Time
- Don’t skip flipping halfway—it ensures even browning.
- If cream cheese is too soft, chill briefly in the fridge before topping.
- For a fun twist, drizzle a little honey or balsamic reduction over the rounds before serving.
- These rounds can double as a side dish for roasted chicken or turkey—they’re that versatile.
Serving, Storage & Nutritional Info
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese are flexible. Serve them:
- On a holiday appetizer platter alongside nuts, cheese, and fruit.
- With roasted chicken, turkey, or salmon for a simple dinner.
- As a party snack with toothpicks—they’re perfect finger food.
Personally, I like adding a light drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted pecans—it elevates the flavor without much effort. These rounds also pair beautifully with crisp white wine or sparkling water for an elegant touch.
Storage, Reheating & Nutritional Information
Storage:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutritional Info (approx. per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
These Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese are surprisingly wholesome and light, making them a guilt-free treat that energizes your afternoon or complements dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes! Roast the sweet potatoes in advance, store, and add cream cheese and cranberries right before serving.
Q2: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: You can, but dried cranberries have the perfect chewy-sweet texture that complements the creamy cheese and tender potatoes.
Q3: Can I bake these in advance and reheat?
A: Absolutely. Reheat in the oven to keep them crisp, then add the toppings just before serving.
Q4: Are these Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes! All ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Q5: Can I freeze them?
A: You can freeze roasted sweet potatoes, but it’s best to add cream cheese and cranberries fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese are the kind of recipe you’ll make over and over because they’re simple, colorful, and delicious. They look elegant on the platter, taste amazing, and are surprisingly quick to prepare. Honestly, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to appetizer, snack, or side dish.
For more inspiration, check out other fruity and creamy recipes like Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Donuts or Cranberry Goat Cheese Flatbread—they’re equally irresistible!
And don’t forget—if you try these Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese, leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest. It’s the best way to show off your kitchen magic and inspire others to try this delightful snack.
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Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese: 7 Irresistible Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese are a colorful, flavorful appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and impossible to resist! Golden roasted sweet potato slices topped with creamy dollops of cheese and tart cranberries create a perfect balance of taste and texture. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or cozy snacking, this recipe is quick, wholesome, and versatile.
Ingredients
-
2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
½ cup cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup dried cranberries
-
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
Optional additions/substitutions:
-
Swap cream cheese for goat cheese for tangier flavor
-
Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on potatoes before roasting
-
Replace chives with parsley or green onions
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
Let the rounds cool slightly, then spread a dollop of cream cheese on each.
Top with dried cranberries and sprinkle with chopped chives if desired.
Serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
Slice sweet potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
Use softened cream cheese to avoid tearing the rounds.
Can be made ahead: roast potatoes and add cream cheese/cranberries just before serving.
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Roasting / Baking
- Cuisine: American / Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg