savory thanksgiving bites

Tired of the same, heavy Thanksgiving dishes that leave you feeling stuffed like a turkey? Look no further than the appetizer table. It may be easy to overindulge on savory bites, but you can avoid ruining your appetite with sweet, light bites ahead of the main course.

These sweet potato goat cheese bites are perfect for snacking while carving the bird, swapping out sugary treats for nutritious yet delicious hors d’oeuvres. If you thought sweet potatoes are only used in casseroles for Thanksgiving, think again – this nutrition powerhouse can be a staple on holiday menus for years to come in this better-for-you app.

Don’t let their sweet nature fool you – behind their colorful interior, sweet potatoes are chock full of nutrients from which you can benefit, even during the holiday season.

They’re a wholesome option for the entire family as they’re full of vitamin A and a good source of fiber and potassium. Plus, they contain complex carbohydrates that are released at a steady pace for a constant source of energy, meaning you won’t have to worry about sugar highs or lows while enjoying the festivities.

To find an entire menu’s worth of nutritious appetizers, sides and more, visit ncsweetpotatoes.com.

Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Bites

Recipe courtesy of Katie Crenshaw on behalf of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 24

INGREDIENTS:

2          medium sweet potatoes

2          tablespoons coconut or olive oil spray

1          teaspoon seasoned salt

5          ounces goat cheese

2          tablespoons honey, divided

1/4       cup chopped candied or toasted pecans

1/3       cup dried cranberries

1          tablespoon fresh basil, sliced thinly, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 450 F.

Slice sweet potatoes 1/4-inch thick.

Line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Layer sweet potatoes on top of parchment paper.

Spray sweet potatoes with coconut (or olive oil) spray and sprinkle with seasoned salt. Flip sweet potato slices and repeat.

Bake 10 minutes. Flip slices and bake another10 minutes. Transfer sweet potatoes to serving plate.

Mix goat cheese and 1 tablespoon honey until whipped and creamy. Spread goat cheese over sweet potato slices.

Sprinkle with pecans and cranberries. Drizzle remaining honey over sweet potatoes.

Garnish with basil and serve.