Description
Maple-roasted sweet potato boats filled with pillowy whipped feta cheese and drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey—a stunning 50-minute vegetarian side dish or appetizer!
Ingredients
3 medium sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil (for sweet potatoes)
2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
½ tsp salt (for sweet potatoes)
½ tsp black pepper (for sweet potatoes)
200 g feta cheese
3 tbsp (45 ml) Greek yogurt or cream
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (for whipped feta)
3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
½–1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp (15 g) walnuts or pistachios, chopped
Fresh thyme or parsley, to garnish
Pinch of flaky salt, to garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise to create 6 boat halves. Place cut-side up on the baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil and maple syrup over the cut surfaces. Season with salt and pepper. Rub to coat evenly.
4. Roast for 30–40 minutes until fork-tender and caramelized at the edges.
5. Meanwhile, blend the feta cheese, Greek yogurt (or cream), and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small blender for 30–60 seconds until smooth and pillow-cloud fluffy.
6. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey with chili flakes for 1–2 minutes to infuse heat.
7. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Using a fork, gently mash the centers to create a slight indentation for the toppings.
8. Generously spoon or pipe whipped feta into each sweet potato boat.
9. Drizzle warm hot honey beautifully over the feta and across each boat.
10. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pistachios.
11. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
12. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Choose similar-sized sweet potatoes for even roasting.
Don’t skip the maple glaze—it creates those gorgeous caramelized edges.
Use parchment paper—maple syrup creates sticky caramelization.
Mash centers gently to keep the boat shape intact.
Use room-temperature feta for the smoothest whipped texture.
Toast the nuts for 2 minutes in a dry pan for maximum flavor.
Make-ahead friendly—roast sweet potatoes 2 days ahead, reheat before assembling.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Side Dish / Appetizer / Vegetarian Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired