Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts

Introduction

When it comes to breakfast, there’s nothing quite like a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts are a perfect example. These simple yet delicious bites feature crispy roasted sweet potato rounds topped with creamy herbed ricotta and crunchy, toasted walnuts. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, along with the richness of ricotta, makes these little bites the ideal start to your day. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome breakfast, a light brunch, or a nutritious snack, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

In this recipe, sweet potatoes take center stage, adding a subtle sweetness and a dose of nutrients like fiber and vitamin A. Paired with the herbed ricotta, which brings a fresh and creamy element, and the crunchy walnuts for texture, these sweet potato rounds are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them an easy option for busy mornings or leisurely weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are just a few reasons you’re going to fall head over heels for Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts:

• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats, this breakfast will fuel you up for the day ahead.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare this dish in less than 30 minutes.
• Sweet and Savory: The combination of sweet potatoes, savory ricotta, and crunchy walnuts makes for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the herbs or nuts to suit your taste. You can also add a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These rounds can be roasted ahead of time and topped with the ricotta and walnuts just before serving.
• Great for a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just feeding your family, this dish can easily be scaled up to serve everyone.
• Suitable for Special Diets: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for dairy-free diets with a few simple substitutions.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (about 12 rounds)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 5g, Fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 7g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts:

For the Sweet Potato Rounds:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

the Herbed Ricotta Topping:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole-milk or part-skim)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Walnuts:

• 1/4 cup walnut halves, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet, nutrient-dense, and high in fiber and vitamins, they form the perfect base for this dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, rich, and slightly tangy, ricotta adds a smooth contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Walnuts: Crunchy and rich in healthy fats, walnuts provide texture and a nutty flavor that complements the dish.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and chives give the ricotta topping a burst of flavor, making it light and refreshing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts:

Prepare the Sweet Potato Rounds

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Slice the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and slice them into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. If you want uniform slices, use a mandoline slicer to make even cuts.
3. Season the Rounds: Place the sweet potato rounds on the baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Roast: Roast the sweet potato rounds in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be tender and lightly golden on the edges when done.

Prepare the Herbed Ricotta Topping

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parsley, chives, lemon zest, and olive oil. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Adjust the Consistency: If the ricotta feels too thick, add a little more olive oil or a teaspoon of water to reach your desired consistency.

Toast the Walnuts

1. Toast the Walnuts: While the sweet potato rounds are roasting, heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and a drizzle of olive oil. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the walnuts are golden brown and fragrant.
2. Season the Walnuts: Remove from heat and sprinkle a pinch of salt over the walnuts. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds

1. Top the Rounds: Once the sweet potato rounds are roasted and golden, remove them from the oven. Using a spoon, dollop a generous amount of the herbed ricotta mixture onto each round.
2. Sprinkle with Walnuts: Top each round with the toasted walnuts, spreading them out evenly.
3. Serve: Serve immediately, or allow the rounds to cool slightly before enjoying.

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving ideas for your Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts:

1. For a Brunch Spread: Serve alongside other breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or fresh fruit.
2. On a Platter: Arrange the sweet potato rounds on a large platter for an eye-catching appetizer or snack.
3. Pair with a Smoothie: Enjoy these rounds with a green smoothie or a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a complete breakfast.
4. Mini Version: Create mini versions of this dish by cutting the sweet potato into smaller rounds, perfect for bite-sized snacks.
5. For Meal Prep: Roast the sweet potato rounds ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just top with ricotta and walnuts when you’re ready to serve.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts with these helpful tips:

1. Make Ahead: Roast the sweet potato rounds and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Top with ricotta and walnuts just before serving.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs bring out the best flavor in this dish, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or thyme.
3. Try Different Nuts: Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds for a slightly different flavor and texture.
4. For Extra Flavor: Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze over the ricotta topping for a sweet and tangy contrast.
5. Adjust for Texture: If you prefer a smoother ricotta topping, blend it for a few seconds in a food processor to make it extra creamy.

Recipe Variations

Consider these creative variations for your Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts:

• Add Protein: Top the sweet potato rounds with a poached or fried egg for added protein.
• Sweet Variation: For a sweeter twist, drizzle with maple syrup and top with chopped pecans instead of walnuts.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan ricotta and swap the honey for agave syrup for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the ricotta for a spicy kick.
• Add Fruit: Top the rounds with slices of pear or apple for a refreshing fruity contrast.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage ensures your Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts stay fresh and delicious:

• Storage: Keep any leftover sweet potato rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Top with ricotta and walnuts just before serving.
• Freezing: Unassembled sweet potato rounds can be frozen for up to 1 month. Roast them first, then store in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply pop the sweet potato rounds in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

Special Equipment

You may need these kitchen tools to create your Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts:

• Baking Sheet: For roasting the sweet potatoes.
• Mandoline Slicer: For evenly slicing the sweet potatoes (optional).
• Small Bowl: For mixing the ricotta and herbs.
• Non-stick Pan: For toasting the walnuts.

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Conclusion

These Breakfast Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a deliciously wholesome start to your day. The roasted sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness, while the herbed ricotta adds a creamy, savory richness. The crunchy walnuts bring the perfect amount of texture, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze can take it to the next level.

What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to customize. You can swap the walnuts for another nut like pecans or almonds, or even add a little bacon for extra savory goodness. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, and you’ve got a breakfast that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Whether you’re prepping this for a leisurely weekend brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, or a satisfying snack, these sweet potato rounds are a treat everyone will love. The combination of flavors and textures makes it both comforting and nutritious, perfect for fueling your day.

I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own—feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!