Name: Pear & Whipped Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Rounds
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, peeled & sliced 1/2 inch thick; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 8 oz goat cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 pear, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; Fresh thyme, optional; Honey, optional

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something that looks and tastes gourmet. The creamy goat cheese whipped with heavy cream is incredibly smooth, and when I layer it with sweet pears and tangy cranberries on roasted sweet potato rounds, the flavors pop. It’s versatile, easy to make ahead, and perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

2 Sweet Potatoes, peeled & sliced 1/2 inch thick
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
8 Ounces Goat Cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 Pear, thinly sliced
1/2 Cup Walnuts, chopped
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
Fresh Thyme, optional
Honey, optional

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and dried thyme, then spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
I roast the sweet potatoes for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly golden.
While the sweet potatoes roast, I whip the goat cheese and heavy cream together using a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, I let them cool slightly before topping each round with a spoonful or piped swirl of whipped goat cheese.
I place a thin slice of pear on each round, then sprinkle with walnuts and dried cranberries.
For garnish, I add fresh thyme leaves and a light drizzle of honey, if I want extra sweetness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 sweet potato rounds, serving 6–8 people as an appetizer. I usually spend about 15 minutes prepping and 25 minutes cooking, so it’s ready in around 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the goat cheese for cream cheese or ricotta if I want a milder flavor. For a festive twist, I use pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries. I’ve also tried caramelized pecans in place of walnuts, which add a richer crunch. If I want a savory version, I skip the honey and use blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a bolder taste.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place the sweet potato rounds in the oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes to warm them through, then add fresh toppings if needed. I avoid microwaving since it makes the potatoes soggy and the cheese less fluffy.

FAQs

Can I make the sweet potato rounds ahead of time?

Yes, I roast the sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge, then assemble with toppings just before serving.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Absolutely, I like swapping in ricotta, cream cheese, or even brie for a different flavor.

How do I keep the pears from browning?

I brush the slices lightly with lemon juice to keep them fresh-looking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative whipped with coconut cream instead of goat cheese.

What type of pear works best?

I prefer Bartlett or Anjou pears since they’re sweet and tender, but any ripe pear works well.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes, I often serve it at room temperature as a refreshing appetizer.

What nuts can I substitute for walnuts?

I sometimes use pecans, almonds, or pistachios depending on what I have on hand.

Can I air-fry the sweet potatoes instead of roasting?

Yes, I cook them in the air fryer at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping once.

How can I make this more filling as a main dish?

I serve larger sweet potato rounds and add extra cheese and toppings for a heartier portion.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free since all the ingredients are free of wheat.

Conclusion

Pear & Whipped Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Rounds are one of my favorite appetizers to prepare when I want something elegant but easy. I love the combination of creamy cheese, sweet pears, crunchy nuts, and chewy cranberries on tender sweet potatoes. Whether I serve them for a holiday gathering or a casual dinner party, they always impress and disappear quickly.