Name: Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites with Avocado Tartare and Watermelon Radish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Sea salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, plus extra for squeezing; ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ¼ cup diced red onion; 1 medium-large ripe avocado; Sea salt, to taste; 1 watermelon radish, thinly sliced and cut into half moons; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (white or black); Coarse sea salt, to garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 59 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly irresistible appetizer that brings together a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, this Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites with Avocado Tartare and Watermelon Radish Recipe is exactly what you need. Sweet, tender roasted sweet potato rounds serve as the perfect base for creamy, tangy avocado tartare, all topped off with crisp, peppery watermelon radish slices and a sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds. This dish is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a delight to the taste buds, offering a stunning pop of color and layers of flavor that will impress any crowd or transform your weeknight snacking experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a pile of bright orange sweet potato slices with smooth edges, stacked in two layers, some overlapping. To the top left, there is a small white bowl filled with finely chopped purple onions. Above that, a small white bowl with a blue flower pattern holds a yellow liquid, likely oil. To the right, a small plain white plate contains black seeds neatly placed in the center. Below the seeds, a whole dark green avocado is lying on its side. Near the bottom left corner, there is a jar of mustard with beige contents and a black lid placed next to a folded white cloth with blue stripes. To the left, two lemon halves, bright yellow, are placed on a small wooden board. At the bottom right, two slices of watermelon radish with white outer layers and bright pink centers lie face up. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, yet each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s harmonious flavor, exciting textures, and fantastic color contrast.

Sweet potatoes: The star ingredient provides a naturally sweet and soft roasted base that holds all the toppings beautifully.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the sweet potatoes roast to a golden crisp.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, these enhance every bite with brightness and a hint of spice.
Watermelon radish: Offers a peppery crunch and vibrant color contrast that makes each bite visually stunning.

Sesame seeds: Toasty and nutty, they add texture and a subtle flavor lift at the very end.
Sesame oil: Adds an earthy aroma and depth to the avocado tartare.
Fresh lemon juice: Brings a refreshing acidity that brightens the avocado and balances the richness.

Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle tang to the tartare, elevating its complexity.
Red onion: Adds a crisp bite and a slightly sweet sharpness to the avocado mixture.
Ripe avocado: The creamy, buttery heart of the tartare, providing luscious texture and flavor.

How to Make Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites with Avocado Tartare and Watermelon Radish Recipe

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a mix of chopped avocado and small pieces of red onion. The avocado pieces are light green with a soft texture, scattered among the crunchy, purple-red onion bits. Black seeds are sprinkled on top, adding small dark accents to the mix. A golden spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially covered by the mixture. A white cloth with thin blue stripes lies next to the bowl on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potato Rounds

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds slightly under ¼ inch thick, aiming for about 14 to 16 pieces from the middle section. Arrange these slices on the baking sheet in a single layer, drizzle generously with olive oil, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip each round and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until tender and golden. These roasted rounds are your flavorful canvas and give you that satisfying soft yet slightly crisp texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Tartare

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, whisk together the sesame oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a few generous pinches of sea salt in a medium bowl. Add diced red onion and set this mixture aside so the flavors meld perfectly. Just before assembling, dice your ripe avocado and fold it gently into the tartare mixture along with an extra squeeze of lemon juice to keep it bright and fresh. Season to taste — you want a perfect balance that’s creamy, tangy, and just a bit savory.

Step 3: Assemble the Appetizer Bites

When your sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, top each round with a slice or two of the crisp watermelon radish, then spoon a generous dollop of the avocado tartare on top. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds and a pinch of coarse sea salt over everything. This final step adds a delightful crunch and finishes your beautiful appetizer bites with a burst of flavor.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites with Avocado Tartare and Watermelon Radish Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dish even more. Consider adding fresh microgreens, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro, or even a light drizzle of balsamic glaze to balance the savory and sweet notes. Each garnish adds another layer of freshness or tang that complements the rich avocado tartare and sweet potatoes wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This appetizer shines on its own but pairs beautifully with light, crisp salads or chilled soups, such as a cucumber gazpacho. For a more substantial pairing, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish to add a healthy, vibrant touch to your meal without overpowering the delicate flavors of these bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can be half the fun! Serve these bites on a rustic wooden board or bright ceramic platter for contrast. Alternatively, use a tiered serving stand for an elegant party display. For a bite-sized party treat, spear them gently with a decorative toothpick or mini skewer to make grabbing and enjoying effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites with Avocado Tartare and Watermelon Radish Recipe, separate the components for best results. Store roasted sweet potato rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado tartare in a separate container with a tight seal to prevent browning for up to 24 hours.

Freezing

While sweet potato rounds freeze well, the avocado tartare does not freeze successfully due to its creamy, fresh texture. It’s best to freeze leftover roasted sweet potatoes only and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing the assembled bites as it will affect texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat the sweet potato rounds, warm them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the edges. Do not microwave if you want to maintain their texture. Add the avocado tartare fresh after reheating for that perfect, creamy finish.

FAQs

Can I use regular radishes instead of watermelon radish?

Yes, regular radishes will work, though they have a slightly different flavor and less dramatic color. Watermelon radishes bring a subtle pepperiness and visual pop that really enhances this recipe, but feel free to substitute based on availability.

Is there a vegan or dairy-free element in this recipe?

Absolutely! This entire recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone wanting a healthy, plant-based appetizer option.

How ripe should the avocado be for the tartare?

Your avocado should be perfectly ripe — yielding slightly when gently pressed but not mushy. This ensures creamy texture without turning overly soft once diced and mixed with lemon juice.

Can I prepare the avocado tartare ahead of time?

You can prepare the tartare up to 4 hours ahead, but it’s best to add the diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Keep the mixture refrigerated and cover tightly with plastic wrap.

What can I use if I don’t have sesame oil?

If sesame oil is not available, you can substitute with a mild olive oil or walnut oil for a subtle nutty flavor, though the unique aroma of sesame oil does enhance the avocado tartare beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites with Avocado Tartare and Watermelon Radish Recipe that makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. It embodies fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together with ease, creating an appetizer that is both elegant and inviting. Take a chance on making it for your next gathering or a sophisticated snack, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.

Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites with Avocado Tartare and Watermelon Radish Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need