Every holiday season, I find myself returning to a handful of recipes that always feel like home. Some are family traditions passed down, while others are new favorites that became instant classics after just one try. These roasted sweet potato rounds with honey and feta belong in the second category. The first time I made them was for a small gathering with friends one fall evening. I wanted something a little more interesting than the usual sweet potato casserole, but still with that cozy flavor everyone loves.
The sweet potatoes came out of the oven golden and caramelized at the edges, the drizzle of honey added just the right amount of sweetness, and the salty crumbled feta gave a surprising contrast that had everyone going back for seconds. That night, the plate emptied faster than I expected, and I knew I had discovered something special.
This recipe has since become one of my go-to sides for family dinners, potlucks, and even weeknight meals when I want to make vegetables feel exciting. It’s simple, quick, and has just the right balance of flavors to feel indulgent yet wholesome.
Essential Elements and Equipment
To make this recipe successful every time, a few essentials are worth keeping in mind:
- Baking sheet: Use a sturdy sheet pan so the sweet potatoes roast evenly and crisp at the edges.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: Helps slice the sweet potatoes into even rounds so they cook at the same pace.
- Olive oil: Coats the potatoes for crisp edges and carries the seasoning.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish after roasting.
- Feta cheese: Brings a salty tang that balances the sweetness.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color just before serving.
Having these tools and ingredients on hand makes this dish effortless while ensuring each bite is as flavorful as possible.
What Makes This Recipe Work
The magic of this dish comes from the balance of flavors and the simplicity of its preparation. Here’s what makes it a standout recipe:
- Caramelized sweetness: Roasting sweet potatoes at a high temperature brings out their natural sugars, giving them golden, crisp edges and tender centers.
- Salty-sweet balance: The combination of honey and feta hits that perfect sweet-and-savory note that makes every bite exciting.
- Visual appeal: The bright orange rounds, white crumbles of feta, and fresh green parsley make the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh additions come together to create something memorable.
- Versatility: Works as a holiday side, weeknight dish, or even as part of a brunch spread.
- Quick preparation: From start to finish, you’ll have this dish ready in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy cooks.
With so much flavor packed into such a simple recipe, it’s one you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the sweet potatoes from sticking.
Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Try to keep them uniform in size so they roast evenly.
Step 3: Arrange the rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece with olive oil, coating both sides for maximum crispness.
Step 4: Sprinkle the sweet potato slices evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This seasoning mix enhances their natural sweetness while giving them a subtle smoky flavor.
Step 5: Roast the sweet potatoes for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. They should come out golden and tender, with caramelized edges.
Step 6: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm sweet potato rounds with honey. The heat helps the honey spread evenly, creating a glossy finish.
Step 7: Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Easy Variations to Try
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. With just a few swaps or additions, you can tailor it to fit your mood, the season, or even what you already have in your pantry.
- Different cheese options: While feta adds a salty, tangy punch, goat cheese brings a creamier, softer flavor. Blue cheese crumbles will give a bold twist, while cotija works nicely for a milder salty balance.
- Herb variations: Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but you can experiment with cilantro, basil, or even dill. Each herb brings its own personality.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika. The sweet potatoes can handle the spice beautifully.
- Citrus twist: A squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice after roasting pairs wonderfully with the honey and makes the dish feel extra fresh.
- Meal-size upgrade: Add roasted chickpeas or lentils to turn this into a hearty vegetarian meal.
Making small changes like these keeps the dish fun and ensures it never feels repetitive.
How to Serve
This dish is as versatile on the table as it is in preparation. Depending on the occasion, it can shine in several different ways:
- Holiday side dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, offering a lighter yet flavorful alternative to heavier sweet potato casseroles.
- Weeknight dinners: Pair with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or grilled steak. The sweet-savory combination makes it an ideal side for protein-based meals.
- Brunch spread: Serve alongside eggs, quiche, or fresh fruit for a colorful and unexpected addition.
- Appetizer platter: Arrange on a large platter with toothpicks for an easy finger food option at parties.
- Vegetarian centerpiece: Layer the rounds on a bed of greens with a sprinkle of nuts and extra feta for a hearty salad-style dish.
Because the presentation is naturally beautiful, this dish always makes an impression, whether served casually or at a festive gathering.
Recipe Tips
Small adjustments and mindful techniques can take this recipe from good to exceptional. Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Slice the sweet potatoes evenly to avoid some pieces overcooking while others remain underdone.
- Brushing both sides with olive oil ensures maximum crispness and prevents the rounds from drying out.
- Flip the rounds halfway through roasting to promote even browning and caramelization.
- Drizzle the honey while the sweet potatoes are still warm so it melts into every bite.
- Use good-quality feta cheese. Creamier varieties crumble better and taste fresher.
- If preparing ahead, roast the sweet potatoes and reheat them just before serving. Add the honey, feta, and parsley at the last moment for the best texture and appearance.
- Double the recipe if serving a crowd, but use two baking sheets rather than overcrowding one. Overlapping pieces will steam instead of roasting.
These tips guarantee a dish that consistently delights, no matter when you serve it.
Cooking Notes
- Roast at high heat (425°F) for caramelized edges and tender centers.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation.
- Honey should always be added after roasting to prevent burning.
- Fresh herbs go on at the very end to maintain their flavor and color.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the sweet potatoes taste best when freshly roasted.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 340mg
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Roast the sweet potato rounds in advance, then reheat them in the oven before serving. Wait to add honey, feta, and parsley until just before serving so the flavors and textures stay fresh.
2. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
You can, but the flavor profile will change. Regular potatoes won’t have the same natural sweetness, so you may want to adjust the honey to taste.
3. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely. Skip the feta or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. You’ll still enjoy the sweet, smoky, and herby flavors with the honey drizzle.
4. Can I use a different seasoning instead of smoked paprika?
Yes. Paprika adds smokiness, but chili powder, garlic powder, or even cinnamon can bring interesting variations.
Conclusion
Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey and Feta are proof that simple ingredients often create the most memorable dishes. The natural sweetness of the potatoes, caramelized in a hot oven, contrasts beautifully with the salty tang of feta and the golden drizzle of honey. Fresh parsley adds the finishing touch, making this dish both vibrant and satisfying.
What makes this recipe so valuable is how easily it fits into different settings. It’s elegant enough for holiday dinners, approachable enough for weeknight meals, and versatile enough to show up at brunch tables or party spreads. Best of all, it requires very little effort, yet looks and tastes like something much more elaborate.
Print
Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey & Feta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the sweet potatoes from sticking.
Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Try to keep them uniform in size so they roast evenly.
Step 3: Arrange the rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece with olive oil, coating both sides for maximum crispness.
Step 4: Sprinkle the sweet potato slices evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This seasoning mix enhances their natural sweetness while giving them a subtle smoky flavor.
Step 5: Roast the sweet potatoes for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. They should come out golden and tender, with caramelized edges.
Step 6: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm sweet potato rounds with honey. The heat helps the honey spread evenly, creating a glossy finish.
Step 7: Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sodium: 340
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Protein: 4