Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans transformed one of my most memorable holiday gatherings from ordinary to extraordinary. I’m Michael, a culinary artist who thrives on reimagining traditional dishes, and this recipe represents everything I love about inventive cooking taking simple, wholesome ingredients and elevating them into something that makes guests stop mid-conversation.
I still remember the evening that inspired this creation. It was three days before Thanksgiving, and I had promised to bring an appetizer to my sister’s gathering. The challenge? Half her guests were gluten-free, two were vegan, and everyone expected something Instagram-worthy. As I stood in my kitchen, a lonely sweet potato caught my eye, and inspiration struck. What if I could create finger food that was naturally gluten-free, easily adaptable for different diets, and visually stunning enough to anchor any festive spread?
This recipe delivers on multiple fronts: it’s deceptively simple (under 30 minutes from prep to plate), incredibly adaptable for various dietary needs, and presents beautifully with minimal effort. Throughout this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect sweet potatoes, mastering the roasting technique for that ideal texture, creating flavor variations for different occasions, and answering common questions that home cooks face when preparing elevated appetizers.
Why This Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds where many appetizers fail it balances sophistication with accessibility. Here’s what makes these sweet potato rounds exceptional:
- Naturally gluten-free base that accommodates diverse dietary needs without special ingredients
- Prep time under 10 minutes with hands-off roasting that frees you for other tasks
- Perfect texture contrast between crispy-edged sweet potato, creamy melted brie, and crunchy pecans
- Visually stunning presentation with jewel-toned cranberries that photograph beautifully
- Room for creativity through endless flavor variations and dietary modifications
- Make-ahead friendly components that can be prepped hours or even days in advance
The genius lies in the simplicity. Unlike complicated canapés requiring specialty tools or advanced techniques, these rounds deliver restaurant-quality results using basic kitchen equipment and accessible ingredients.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potato Rounds Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final result. Here’s how to select the best components for your Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie.
Best Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe
Not all sweet potatoes work equally well for rounds. Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes with uniform thickness this ensures even cooking and consistent presentation. Avoid massive sweet potatoes that create oversized rounds difficult to eat as finger food. The ideal diameter is two to three inches, providing the perfect canvas for toppings without overwhelming guests.
Choose firm sweet potatoes without soft spots or sprouting eyes. The skin should be smooth and unblemished. Orange-fleshed varieties (often labeled as “yams” in grocery stores) offer natural sweetness that complements the tangy cranberries beautifully.
Buying Tips for Premium Results
Visit your produce section early in the week when stock is freshest. Gently squeeze sweet potatoes they should feel rock-solid. Any give indicates older produce that may have become starchy or fibrous.
For the brie, seek out double or triple cream varieties for maximum richness. If your grocery store has a cheese counter, ask the cheesemonger to recommend their creamiest option. Room-temperature brie melts more smoothly than cold cheese straight from the refrigerator.
Toast your pecans before the day of serving to develop deeper flavor. Buy whole pecans rather than pre-chopped pieces, which often taste stale. As for cranberries, choose plump, moist dried cranberries rather than hardened ones that have been sitting on shelves too long.
Substitutions for Sweet Potato Rounds
This recipe welcomes creative swaps. For dairy-free guests, substitute vegan brie alternatives (Miyoko’s Creamery makes an excellent cashew-based option). You can also use dairy-free cream cheese mixed with nutritional yeast for a tangy, cheese-like topping.
Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or candied nuts for varied textures. Replace dried cranberries with pomegranate arils for fresh, juicy bursts, or use dried cherries for a more intense tartness. For a savory twist, skip the cranberries entirely and top with caramelized onions and fresh sage.
Ingredients & Prep for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Proper preparation sets the stage for success. Here’s how to prep your ingredients like a professional.
Sweet Potato Rounds Ingredients List
For the Base:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small slices
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
Sweet Potato Prep Essentials
Begin by scrubbing sweet potatoes under cold running water using a vegetable brush to remove any dirt you’ll leave the nutrient-rich skin on. Pat completely dry with paper towels, as moisture prevents proper browning.
Slice sweet potatoes into quarter-inch rounds using a sharp chef’s knife. Consistency matters here; uneven slices cook at different rates, leaving some burnt while others remain undercooked. If you own a mandoline, this is the perfect opportunity to use it, ensuring perfectly uniform rounds.
Arrange slices on your prepared baking sheet with at least half an inch between each piece. Overcrowding creates steam rather than the crispy-edged finish we’re after.
Creating Flavor Layers
Tossing sweet potato rounds in olive oil isn’t merely about preventing sticking it’s about building flavor. The oil helps conduct heat evenly, promoting caramelization and developing those coveted crispy edges. A light hand with salt draws out moisture and concentrates sweetness.
For the brie, cut into thin slices that will melt quickly without requiring extended heat that might dry out the sweet potato. Room-temperature cheese is crucial cold brie won’t melt properly in the brief final baking stage.
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for three to five minutes until fragrant. This simple step transforms bland nuts into aromatic, deeply flavored toppings.
Pantry Staples for Sweet Potato Rounds
Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor, though avocado oil works well if you prefer neutral taste. Use fine sea salt or kosher salt for even distribution. Freshly cracked black pepper adds complexity that pre-ground pepper can’t match.
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary elevate presentation and add aromatic notes. Keep a small bundle tied together after washing and drying, simply pluck leaves from stems right before garnishing.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Sweet Potato Rounds
Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.
Pre-Cooking Prep for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing at least 15 minutes for proper temperature stabilization. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper this prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Prepare all ingredients before you begin cooking. Slice sweet potatoes, measure oil, cut brie, and have cranberries and pecans ready. This mise en place approach prevents rushed decisions mid-cooking.
Cooking Method for Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds
Toss sweet potato rounds in one tablespoon olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Season generously with salt and pepper, then arrange in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, carefully flipping each round halfway through cooking time. The sweet potatoes should feel tender when pierced with a fork and display golden edges. Underbaked rounds won’t support toppings well, while overbaked pieces become mushy.
Remove the baking sheet and quickly place a brie slice on each round. Return to the oven for three to five minutes just until cheese softens and begins melting. Watch carefully during this stage; brie can go from perfectly melted to an oily puddle rapidly.
Doneness Check for Sweet Potato Rounds
The ideal sweet potato round displays three characteristics: tender center, slightly crispy edges, and golden-brown caramelization on both sides. Insert a paring knife into the thickest round it should slide through with minimal resistance.
The brie should appear glossy and melted but still hold its shape on the sweet potato. If cheese begins running off the sides, you’ve gone too far.
Final Assembly for Sweet Potato Rounds
Remove your baking sheet from the oven and work quickly while everything remains warm. Sprinkle dried cranberries and toasted pecans over each round, pressing lightly so toppings adhere to melted brie.
Tear fresh thyme or rosemary leaves and scatter over the finished rounds. The residual heat will release aromatic oils, filling your kitchen with incredible fragrance.
Complete Sweet Potato Rounds Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 as an appetizer
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep Sweet Potatoes: Toss the sweet potato rounds in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet with space between each piece.
- Roast: Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly golden on both sides.
- Add Brie: Remove from the oven and place a slice of brie on each sweet potato round. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the brie melts and becomes glossy.
- Top and Garnish: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle dried cranberries and toasted pecans over the rounds. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Recipe Notes:
- For a smoky twist, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free brie alternative
- To prep ahead, roast sweet potato slices in advance and assemble just before serving
- Store leftover roasted rounds in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Mastering these insider techniques elevates good results to exceptional ones.
Avoiding Common Sweet Potato Mistakes
Never skip flipping rounds halfway through roasting. This ensures even browning and prevents one side from becoming leathery while the other stays pale. If your oven has hot spots (most do), rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees when you flip for uniform cooking.
Don’t add brie too early. Cheese needs just enough heat to melt, not cook. Adding it for the full roasting time results in separated, oily cheese that loses its creamy texture.
Tool Recommendations for Sweet Potato Rounds
A reliable instant-read thermometer isn’t necessary here since visual cues suffice, but a mandoline ensures perfectly uniform slices if you plan to make this recipe frequently. A silicone spatula makes flipping rounds easier than metal tools that might scratch pans.
Invest in quality parchment paper rather than generic brands. Premium parchment withstands high heat without scorching and prevents sticking better than cheaper alternatives.
Storage & Reheating Sweet Potato Rounds
These rounds taste best fresh from the oven, but you can prepare components in advance. Roast sweet potato slices up to two days ahead, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before adding toppings and reheating.
To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for five to seven minutes before adding brie. This approach maintains texture better than microwaving, which creates sogginess.
Assembled rounds don’t freeze well due to the brie and fresh toppings, but plain roasted sweet potato slices freeze beautifully for up to three months.
Flavor Variations for Sweet Potato Rounds
Adapt this base recipe to suit different occasions and preferences.
Spicy Sweet Potato Rounds Twist
Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the olive oil before tossing with sweet potato rounds. Top finished rounds with pickled jalapeños alongside cranberries for sweet-heat balance. A drizzle of hot honey right before serving creates addictive flavor complexity.
Keto-Friendly Sweet Potato Rounds Adaptation
While sweet potatoes contain carbohydrates, you can make this more keto-friendly by using thinner slices (fewer carbs per piece) and loading up on high-fat toppings. Double the brie, add extra nuts, and finish with a drizzle of flavored oil or butter. For strict keto dieters, substitute butternut squash or even thick-cut cucumber rounds for a zero-carb base.
Global Sweet Potato Rounds Flavors
Transform these rounds into Mediterranean bites by swapping brie for goat cheese and cranberries for sun-dried tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of za’atar and a drizzle of tahini.
For Asian-inspired sweet potato rounds, use miso-glazed sweet potatoes (brush rounds with white miso mixed with mirin before roasting), top with edamame instead of pecans, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.
Italian variations work beautifully with ricotta cheese, balsamic glaze, and crispy prosciutto crumbles replacing the traditional toppings.
| Variation | Cheese | Sweet Topping | Crunchy Element | Finishing Touch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Brie | Dried Cranberries | Toasted Pecans | Fresh Thyme |
| Mediterranean | Goat Cheese | Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Pine Nuts | Za’atar Spice |
| Asian Fusion | Miso Glaze | Edamame | Sesame Seeds | Scallions |
| Italian | Ricotta | Balsamic Glaze | Prosciutto | Fresh Basil |
| Vegan | Cashew Cream | Pomegranate | Candied Walnuts | Maple Drizzle |
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Rounds
Presentation and pairing elevate this appetizer from delicious to memorable.
Arrange rounds on a rustic wooden board or white ceramic platter for striking visual contrast. Intersperse fresh rosemary sprigs between rounds for added color and aroma. Serve alongside spiced pecans, mixed olives, and artisan crackers to create an impressive appetizer spread.
These sweet potato rounds pair beautifully with crisp sparkling wine, dry Riesling, or light Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, serve with sparkling apple cider or cranberry spritzers. The rounds also complement robust fall soups try them alongside butternut squash bisque or French onion soup.
For cocktail parties, these work perfectly as passed appetizers. Their handheld nature and bite-sized portions make them ideal for standing receptions where guests need one-handed foods.
FAQs About Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe? Fresh sweet potatoes work best since frozen varieties release excess moisture during thawing, creating soggy rounds. If you must use frozen, thaw completely and pat very dry with paper towels before proceeding.
How do I prevent sweet potato rounds from becoming mushy? The key is proper spacing on your baking sheet and high enough heat for caramelization. Avoid overcrowding, which creates steam instead of dry heat. Flip rounds halfway through to ensure both sides develop crispy edges.
Are sweet potato rounds with brie safe for pregnant women? Yes, when using pasteurized brie cheese. Check labels to confirm pasteurization, as some artisanal varieties use raw milk. The high oven temperature thoroughly heats the cheese, eliminating food safety concerns.
Can I make these sweet potato rounds ahead of time? Absolutely! Roast sweet potato slices up to two days in advance and store refrigerated. Bring to room temperature, add toppings, and warm through before serving. Fully assembled rounds lose texture when made ahead.
What’s the best way to cut uniform sweet potato rounds? A mandoline ensures perfectly consistent thickness, but a sharp chef’s knife works well too. Focus on cutting slowly and steadily, using your knuckles as a guide to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans represent everything I love about reimagining traditional ingredients they’re approachable yet impressive, simple yet sophisticated, and adaptable to countless occasions and dietary preferences. This recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to showcase how thoughtful ingredient combinations create memorable food experiences.
Fire up your oven and try this tonight! Whether you’re preparing for holiday entertaining or simply want to elevate weeknight appetizers, these rounds deliver consistent wow-factor with minimal effort. The combination of creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans atop perfectly roasted sweet potato creates a symphony of flavors and textures that keeps guests returning for more.
Join the FoodyDish.com community where thousands of home cooks have already discovered the joy of creating restaurant-quality dishes in their own kitchens. After you’ve mastered these sweet potato rounds, explore our Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash Guide or our collection of Easy Gluten-Free Appetizers for more inspiration.
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Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans: The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 12 rounds 1x
Description
Crispy roasted sweet potato rounds topped with creamy brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a sweet-savory appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
4 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup fresh or dried cranberries
1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Pat sweet potato rounds dry and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
4. Arrange rounds in a single layer on baking sheet
5. Roast 15–20 minutes until tender, flipping halfway
6. Top each round with brie and cranberries
7. Return to oven for 3–5 minutes until brie softens
8. Garnish with toasted pecans and thyme, serve warm
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness
Variations: Spicy, Keto-friendly, Global flavors
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 round
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans, appetizer, vegetarian