Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the plate before you can even set it down. Thick coins of sweet potato are roasted until caramelized at the edges, brushed with buttery maple glaze, then crowned with a tangy swirl of creamy cheese and a toasted pecan on top.

They strike that perfect balance between sweet and savory, soft and crunchy. Serve them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, game day, or any time you want a bite-sized snack that feels a little special but is secretly easy to pull off.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites Recipe

These little bites are so simple, but they taste like something you’d order at a restaurant. Here’s why they’re going to be on repeat in your kitchen:

Crowd-pleasing flavor. Maple, buttery roasted sweet potatoes, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans hit all the cozy fall notes.
Naturally gluten-free & vegetarian. A great option when you’re feeding a crowd with different dietary needs.
Perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Roast the sweet potato rounds in advance, then top and warm right before serving.
Elegant but easy. They look fancy on a platter, but the steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly.

What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

For Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites, choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often labeled garnet or jewel yams in grocery stores). They roast beautifully, hold their shape when sliced, and have a naturally sweet flavor that pairs well with maple syrup.

Avoid very thin or very large, woody sweet potatoes. Thin ones can burn before they soften, while extra-large ones can be fibrous inside. Look for sweet potatoes that are medium-sized, smooth, and free from soft spots so each slice roasts up tender with golden-brown edges.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, take a moment to familiarize yourself with what each ingredient brings to these Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites. Quantities will be listed later in the printable recipe card, so this section focuses on the why behind each component.

Sweet potatoes – The base of the bites; they roast into tender, slightly caramelized rounds that stay sturdy enough to pick up.
Olive oil – Helps the sweet potatoes roast evenly and crisp slightly around the edges.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps the maple glaze cling to each slice.
Pure maple syrup – Sweetens the bites and creates a glossy, caramelized finish.
Ground cinnamon – Brings warm, cozy spice that complements the maple and sweet potato.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper – Adds a gentle savory bite so the appetizer doesn’t taste like dessert.
Garlic powder – Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the maple.
Soft goat cheese (chèvre) – Whipped into a creamy topping that’s tangy and rich, the perfect contrast to the sweet base.
Heavy cream or milk – Loosens the goat cheese into a smooth, pipable texture.
Fresh lemon juice – Brightens the cheese topping so it tastes fresh, not heavy.
Maple syrup (for the cheese topping) – Echoes the maple flavor in the glaze and adds a touch of sweetness.
Pecan halves – Provide crunch and a toasty, nutty finish on each bite.
Fresh thyme or parsley – A fresh, herbal sprinkle for color and flavor at the end.
Flaky sea salt (optional) – A pinch on top makes the flavors pop and adds a little crunch.

How To Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites

This recipe is all about building layers of flavor: first you roast the sweet potatoes, then you glaze, then you top with creamy cheese and crunchy nuts. Take it step by step and you’ll have a party-ready tray in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Scrub and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into thick, even rounds. Aim for slices that are uniform in thickness so they roast at the same rate and you don’t end up with some underdone centers and some burnt edges.

Arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they have room to roast rather than steam.

Step 2: Season and Roast

Drizzle the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cinnamon. Toss right on the baking sheet or use your hands to coat both sides, then lay the slices flat again.

Roast in a hot oven until the sweet potatoes are tender, lightly puffed, and caramelized at the edges. Flip the slices halfway through roasting to ensure even browning on both sides.

Step 3: Brush with Maple Butter

While the sweet potatoes roast, melt butter and stir in maple syrup to create a shiny glaze.

When the slices are nearly done, pull the tray from the oven and brush each piece generously with the maple butter. Return the pan to the oven just long enough for the glaze to bubble and set, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.

Step 4: Whip the Goat Cheese Topping

In a small bowl, beat the soft goat cheese with a splash of cream or milk, a drizzle of maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix until smooth, airy, and spoonable.

Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off if you want neat swirls. Otherwise, you can simply dollop the cheese on top with a spoon.

Step 5: Assemble the Bites

Let the maple-glazed sweet potato rounds cool just slightly so the cheese doesn’t melt straight off. Pipe or spoon a swirl of the whipped goat cheese onto the center of each slice.

Gently press a toasted pecan half into the cheese on each bite. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley and, if you like, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve the Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites warm or at room temperature on a platter. The cheese will be silky, the maple glaze sticky and sweet, and the pecans wonderfully crunchy.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites

These bites are a beautiful addition to any appetizer spread. Arrange them on a white platter or wooden board so the vibrant orange sweet potatoes and green herbs really stand out.

This recipe makes about 24 bites, which comfortably feeds 6–8 people as an appetizer, assuming everyone takes a few pieces. Pair them with sparkling wine, a festive cocktail, or even a simple glass of chilled white wine. They also fit right in alongside other holiday favorites like cheese boards, dips, and veggie trays.

If you’re serving them at a buffet-style holiday meal, place small cocktail napkins or appetizer plates nearby so guests can easily grab a few bites and mingle.

How to Store Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), proper storage will keep these bites tasting their best.

Short-term storage: Place cooled sweet potato bites in a single layer in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the bites on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, just until warmed through. The sweet potatoes will re-crisp slightly and the cheese will soften again.
Make-ahead tip: Roast and glaze the sweet potato rounds in advance, then refrigerate them separately from the cheese topping. Shortly before serving, warm the sweet potatoes in the oven, add the cheese, pecans, and herbs, and serve.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as both the sweet potatoes and cheese topping can become watery and grainy once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, softened cream cheese, whipped ricotta, or even a blend of cream cheese and feta will work well. Just keep the topping thick enough to hold its shape on each sweet potato round.

Can I make Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites ahead of time?
You can partially make them ahead. Roast and glaze the sweet potato slices up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Whip the cheese topping and keep it in a separate container. When you’re ready to serve, warm the sweet potatoes, pipe on the cheese, add the pecans and herbs, and serve immediately.

How do I keep the sweet potato slices from getting soggy?
Be sure to roast the slices in a single layer with space between them so the heat can circulate. Using high heat and flipping halfway through helps them caramelize instead of steam. Avoid covering them while they’re still hot, which traps steam and softens the edges.

Can I make these bites dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use olive oil instead of butter in the maple glaze and swap the goat cheese topping for a dairy-free cream cheese or a whipped cashew spread. Check that your substitutions are labeled dairy-free if serving to guests with allergies.

Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, this recipe scales easily. Use two baking sheets so the sweet potatoes still roast in a single layer. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even browning, then assemble the bites as usual.

Want More Sweet Potato Side Dish Ideas?

If these Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites are a hit at your table, you’ll love adding a few more cozy, veggie-forward favorites to your menu:

Try these ultra-creamy Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes when you want a classic, comforting side.
For a simple weeknight option, make a Cinnamon Butter Baked Sweet Potato for each person and load it up with your favorite toppings.
Keep things fresh and colorful with this protein-packed Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad.
Round out your holiday table with Quick Roasted Butternut Squash for another easy, caramelized veggie side.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save these Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites to your favorite appetizer or holiday board on Pinterest so you can find them quickly when you’re planning your next party.

When you make them, come back and share how they turned out—did you stick with goat cheese, or try cream cheese or ricotta instead? Did you toast the pecans with extra cinnamon or add a drizzle of hot honey on top?

I love seeing how you make these bites your own. For even more everyday inspiration and festive food ideas, follow along on Pinterest at Life With Livia.

Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Bites