Honey-Glazed Sweet Potato Rounds With Feta And Fresh Herbs

There’s something magical about the combination of caramelized sweet potatoes, tangy cheese, and aromatic herbs. This dish brings together sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors in perfect harmony, creating a side dish that’s worthy of any dinner table—whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or an elegant holiday feast.

Why This Recipe Works

Sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that intensifies when roasted, and their creamy texture provides the perfect canvas for bold toppings. By slicing them into thick rounds rather than traditional wedges or cubes, you create more surface area for caramelization and an attractive presentation that looks restaurant-quality.

The honey glaze adds a lustrous finish and deepens the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while the feta cheese provides a salty, tangy contrast that keeps the dish from becoming too sweet. Fresh herbs—whether you choose cilantro, parsley, or a combination—add brightness and a pop of color that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 3-4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Honey Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For Topping:

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Extra honey for drizzling
• Flaky sea salt for finishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high temperature is crucial for achieving that beautiful caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside tender and creamy.

Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly, but leave the skin on—it adds texture and nutritional value. Slice them into rounds about ¾ to 1 inch thick. This thickness ensures they’ll cook through without burning while developing a nice golden crust.

In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Roasting to Perfection

Arrange the seasoned sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding—give each piece some space so they roast rather than steam. If needed, use two baking sheets.

Roast for 15-20 minutes on one side, then carefully flip each round and roast for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for tender centers and caramelized, slightly crispy edges.

The Finishing Touches

While the sweet potatoes are finishing their second side, prepare your honey glaze by whisking together the honey, melted butter, balsamic vinegar, and cinnamon if using.

During the last 5 minutes of roasting, brush the glaze generously over each sweet potato round. Return them to the oven to let the glaze caramelize and create that beautiful, glossy finish you see in the photos.

Remove from the oven and immediately top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese. Drizzle with additional honey and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance.

Serving Suggestions

These honey-glazed sweet potato rounds are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or holiday turkey. They also work wonderfully as part of a vegetarian spread with other roasted vegetables and grains.

For a lighter meal, arrange them over a bed of arugula or mixed greens with a simple lemon vinaigrette. The warm sweet potatoes will slightly wilt the greens, creating a delicious warm salad.

Tips for Success

Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are uniform in diameter. This ensures even cooking and similar-sized rounds.

Don’t skip the flip: Flipping the rounds halfway through ensures even caramelization on both sides and prevents burning.

Customize your cheese: While feta is traditional, goat cheese or ricotta salata would also be delicious alternatives. For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Make it ahead: You can roast the sweet potatoes up to a day in advance and reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before adding the final glaze and toppings.

Experiment with herbs: Try fresh mint for a Middle Eastern twist, or use thyme and rosemary for a more earthy, savory profile.

Nutritional Benefits

Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. Roasting them with the skin on preserves more nutrients and adds beneficial fiber. The addition of healthy olive oil helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover sweet potato rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This dish proves that simple ingredients, when prepared thoughtfully, can create something truly special. The contrast of textures—crispy edges, creamy centers, crumbly cheese—and the interplay of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors make every bite interesting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply elevate your weeknight dinner routine, these honey-glazed sweet potato rounds deliver on both taste and presentation.

The best part? Despite looking like a dish from an upscale restaurant, it comes together with minimal effort and basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request at your table.