Save My neighbor brought me a jar of hot honey from a farmers market, and I stared at it for weeks, unsure what to do with it. One night I had nothing but sweet potatoes and leftover cottage cheese in the fridge, and I thought, why not? The combination of creamy, spicy, and sweet turned a simple dinner into something I now crave at least once a week. Sometimes the best recipes come from pantry desperation and a little curiosity.
I made this for a friend who claimed she hated cottage cheese, and she scraped her bowl clean without saying a word. Later she texted me asking for the recipe, which felt like a small victory. Its funny how the right combination can change someones mind about an ingredient theyve written off for years.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized ones for even roasting, and dont skip the peeling or they can taste a little earthy in this dish.
- Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess that balances the heat, so give it a gentle squeeze before buying.
- Cottage cheese: Look for full-fat or low-fat depending on your preference, but full-fat makes the bowl feel more luxurious.
- Olive oil: This helps the sweet potatoes crisp up beautifully, so dont be shy with it.
- Smoked paprika: It adds a subtle smokiness that makes the whole bowl taste more complex than it actually is.
- Garlic powder: Fresh garlic burns too easily at high heat, so powdered is the smarter choice here.
- Honey: Use real honey, not the fake stuff, because it makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Hot sauce: Sriracha works great, but any chili sauce you love will do the job.
- Fresh herbs and seeds: These are optional but they add a little crunch and brightness that really finishes the bowl.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is key for getting those crispy edges without drying out the sweet potato.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes:
- Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated. Spread them out in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
- Roast Until Golden:
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through so all sides get crispy. Youll know theyre done when the edges are caramelized and a fork slides through easily.
- Prep the Toppings:
- While the sweet potatoes roast, slice your avocado and chop any garnishes. This is also a good time to set out your cottage cheese so its not ice cold when you eat.
- Make the Hot Honey:
- Stir together the honey and hot sauce in a small bowl until combined. Taste it and adjust the heat level to your liking.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the roasted sweet potatoes between two bowls, then add avocado slices and a big scoop of cottage cheese to each. Drizzle the hot honey over everything and finish with herbs or seeds if youre using them.
Save The first time I served this at a casual dinner, someone said it tasted like a restaurant bowl but better because it felt personal. That stuck with me because thats exactly what home cooking should be, something familiar but a little special. Now I make it whenever I want to feel taken care of without much effort.
Storing and Reheating
You can store the roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, and they reheat well in a hot oven or even a skillet. I dont recommend assembling the whole bowl ahead of time because the avocado will brown and the cottage cheese gets watery, but you can prep all the components separately. When youre ready to eat, just warm the sweet potatoes and build your bowl fresh.
Customizing Your Bowl
This recipe is incredibly flexible, which is part of why I love it. Ive added cooked quinoa when I needed more substance, and Ive swapped cottage cheese for Greek yogurt when I ran out. A friend of mine who doesnt eat dairy uses a cashew-based yogurt and says it works just as well, and Ive even seen people add a fried egg on top for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl works for lunch, dinner, or even a fancy-looking brunch if you want to impress someone without much effort. I like to serve it with a simple green salad on the side, or sometimes I add a handful of arugula right into the bowl for a peppery bite. If youre feeding a crowd, set out all the components and let people build their own bowls, it turns into a fun interactive meal.
- Pair it with a light white wine or sparkling water with lime.
- Add a handful of roasted chickpeas for extra crunch and protein.
- Serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a simple slaw.
Save This bowl has become one of those recipes I turn to when I want something nourishing but exciting, and it never lets me down. I hope it becomes a regular in your kitchen too.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Roast the sweet potatoes up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before assembling. Prepare the hot honey drizzle in advance and keep at room temperature. Add fresh avocado just before serving.
- → What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Greek yogurt, labneh, or crumbled feta work beautifully as substitutes. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Each alternative brings its own creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Start with ½ teaspoon of hot sauce in the honey mixture for mild heat, then add more to taste. Sriracha adds garlic notes, while chili sauce brings pure heat. You can also add red pepper flakes to the sweet potatoes before roasting.
- → Can I add more protein?
This bowl pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or cooked quinoa. Hard-boiled eggs, shredded rotisserie chicken, or baked tofu would also complement the flavors without overpowering the hot honey drizzle.
- → What other vegetables work in this bowl?
Roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or butternut squash all work well with the hot honey drizzle. Fresh greens like arugula or spinach can be added as a base. Roasted corn or bell peppers add sweetness and color.
- → How long does the hot honey drizzle keep?
The hot honey mixture will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The honey acts as a natural preservative. If it thickens, gently warm it in the microwave or a bowl of hot water.