I first discovered the magic of combining roasted sweet potato rounds with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of tangy feta on a crisp autumn evening when I was looking for a side dish that felt indulgent yet wholesome. As a California-based chef who embraced the keto and low-carb lifestyle at 34, I’ve spent years proving you can have both health and flavor. This simple plate of golden rounds, sweet honey, creamy feta and a hint of spice quickly became a family favorite it’s comfort food that doesn’t compromise. Let’s dive into how you can bring this into your kitchen tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrition meets indulgence – Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and fiber, while feta adds calcium and protein.
- Simple to prep – Slice, roast, drizzle – minimal hands-on time, maximum flavor.
- Kid-friendly yet grown-up – The sweetness draws the kids in, while the feta and spice satisfy adult palates.
- Prep ahead friendly – Roast the rounds ahead of time and finish under the broiler or in the oven when needed.
- Comfort food with a twist – It’s comfort food, but far from boring: honey + feta + a crisp edge gives it gourmet flair.
- Perfect for gatherings – Whether for a holiday side dish or weeknight dinner, it scales beautifully.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (roast) + 5 minutes (finish)
Total Time: ~35–40 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1½ to 2 lbs), peeled (optional) and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky kick)
• 2 Tbsp honey (plus extra drizzle)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a light coating of oil.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with the olive oil, salt, pepper and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Arrange the rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (they should not overlap too much for crisp edges).
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are crisp and centers are tender.
- With about 5 minutes of roasting time remaining, drizzle the honey over the rounds and return the tray to the oven so the honey slightly caramelizes.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta over the hot rounds so it melts slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Finish with an extra light drizzle of honey for shine and sweetness contrast.
- Serve warm and enjoy the interplay of crisp, sweet, salty and tangy.
How to Serve
These roasted sweet potato rounds with honey & feta shine on their own as an elegant side dish. For a full plate:
- Pair with a simply grilled chicken breast or salmon fillet for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside a hearty soup from the site (see our low-carb keto soup here) or a main dish like the flavorful noodles from our chicken lo mein recipe.
- For a gathering, present them on a wooden board, drizzle the honey just before serving and sprinkle extra fresh parsley for color.
- To elevate, add a dollop of Greek yogurt seasoned with lemon and garlic on the side and offer warmed pita or flatbread.
Additional Tips
- Want keto-friendly? Use a sugar-free honey alternative or reduce the honey to 1 Tbsp, and avoid red pepper flakes (which are fine, but optional).
- For extra crispness: After roasting, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes and keep a close eye on them.
- Swap in goat cheese instead of feta for a softer tangy melt.
- For extra savory depth, toss in a few chopped walnuts or pecans in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- If sweet potatoes are very large, cut rounds to ¼-inch thickness (but watch the cooking time) so they crisp nicely.
Recipe Variations
- Herbed Garlic Butter Version – Instead of honey drizzle, toss hot rounds with melted garlic-herb butter (½ tsp rosemary, ½ tsp thyme) then sprinkle feta.
- Spicy Harissa Twist – Mix 1 Tbsp harissa paste into the olive oil when coating the rounds; roast and finish with honey & feta for a sweet-spicy Moroccan vibe.
- Pesto & Feta Rounds – After roasting, brush each round lightly with basil pesto then top with feta and a few pine nuts.
- Low-Carb “Sweet Potato” Alternative – Use roasted butternut squash rounds or rutabaga rounds and follow the same honey + feta topping approach for a lower-glycemic version.
Freezing and Storage
- To store leftovers: Let the rounds cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To meal-prep: Roast ahead of time and keep the rounds in the fridge. When ready to serve, spread them on a sheet, reheat in a 400 °F oven for 8-10 minutes, then add honey & feta at the end.
- Freezing: Flash-freeze the roasted rounds on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat in a single layer on a baking sheet at 375 °F until warmed through, then add the toppings fresh.
Special Equipment
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Heavy baking sheet | Ensures even roasting and crisp edges |
| Parchment paper/silicone liner | Helps prevent sticking and eases clean-up |
| Sharp chef’s knife | For consistent ½-inch rounds |
| Large mixing bowl | To toss rounds with oil and seasonings |
| Spatula or tongs | For flipping halfway through roasting |
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute russet or Yukon gold potatoes, but the flavor profile will shift: you’ll lose the natural sweetness and beta-carotene boost of sweet potatoes. Adjust honey to taste accordingly.
Is this recipe keto friendly?
Sweet potatoes are moderate in carbs, so strict keto plans may want to substitute with lower-glycemic veggies (e.g., rutabaga or turnip rounds) and reduce the honey. See the “Additional Tips” section for a keto-friendly tweak.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Not really to achieve crispy edges and caramelized honey you’ll want dry heat from the oven. A slow cooker would produce a softer texture without the crisp.
What can I serve instead of feta?
You could use goat cheese for a creamier tang, blue cheese for bolder flavor, or vegan feta for a dairy-free option. Adjust salt and tang level as needed.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free feta alternative (there are almond or tofu-based versions) or skip the cheese altogether and finish with crunchy toasted nuts and fresh herbs instead.
Conclusion
Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey & Feta brings together the best of flavor, comfort and health. With the natural sweetness of the potato, the rich drizzle of honey, the tangy bite of feta and the crisp edges from roasting, this recipe delivers a side dish that feels indulgent yet manageable. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a festive meal or seeking a standout weeknight side, this dish checks the boxes: simple, satisfying and full of personality. Give it a try your taste buds and your body will thank you.