It’s hard to believe it’s already time to start thinking about Thanksgiving, but personally, I am ready for it! I think (and hope) for most of us that this year has given us a bit more to be thankful for and that we will hopefully be able to spend this holiday with some of our closest family members in a safer way (thanks to vaccines). In preparation for the holiday, we wanted to share a Thanksgiving side recipe that is easy and oh-so-good. It’s time to stray from the quintessential baked sweet potatoes with marshmallows and instead try something a bit more elevated: enter honey roasted sweet potatoes with whipped goat cheese!
A New Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipe You’re Sure to Love: Honey Baked Sweet Potatoes With Whipped Goat Cheese
It is safe to say that a traditional baked sweet potato dish is a staple for most Thanksgiving menus. While following tradition is fun, making new ones can be great, too! I know for many that classic, sticky sweet dish of sweet potatoes with toasted marshmallows on top is a must-have, but let us have a moment of honesty together: we can do better.
Instead, this easy Thanksgiving side recipe strikes that perfect balance of sweet and savory, just like the traditional dish… but with a more exciting twist. Ideal as a side and filling enough to be a main, these honey baked sweet potatoes check all the boxes.
Thanks to the creamy, light, and slightly savory addition of whipped goat cheese, you eliminate the sweet-on-sweet component that can be a bit much. I recommend topping this side dish with toasted pecans and a bit of lemon thyme for a dynamic side or main that has layers of flavor.
Sweet potatoes are perfect for your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving celebration because they hold that roasted flavor and complement the rest of your Thanksgiving menu. Most people cook sweet potatoes by poking a few holes and tossing them in an oven. With peeling and roasting, you allow the potatoes to caramelize with the additional help of honey. Roasting will beat a steamy orange interior every time; you have my word!
I know to some folks, goat cheese can feel a bit taboo and might push your palate out of its comfort zone. Don’t sleep on the goat cheese, though. Whip it up with heavy cream, a sprinkle of lemon thyme, and finish with flaky sea salt and fresh cracked pepper for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Honey Baked Sweet Potatoes With Whipped Goat Cheese
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 3-4 Medium Sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 1/4 cup Pecans chopped
- 8 ounces Goat Cheese
- 4-6 tbsp Heavy Cream
- 1 tbsp Lemon Thyme stems removed
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper freshly cracked
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- Olive Oil
Instructions
Whipped Goat Cheese
- In a food-processor combine the goat cheese, thyme, cracked pepper, and 4 tbsp of the heavy cream. Pulse until smooth. Add the rest of the heavy cream one tablespoon at time as needed to achieve a smooth cheese.
Honey-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Pecans
- Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.
- On a sheet pan, spread out the cubed sweet potatoes and sprinkle with the pecan pieces. Drizzle with olive oil, and honey.
- Roast for 30 minutes, turning the potatoes about 15 minutes in. Roast until caramelized and the nuts are well toasted.
- To serve, either smear the whipped goat cheese on the bottom of the plate and scoop the potatoes on top or top the potatoes with the whipped goat cheese. Finish with flakey sea salt and lemon thyme.
Nutrition
Whether for a Thanksgiving side dish or a vegetarian main dish, this honey baked sweet potato recipe is a fresh way to please a crowd!
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