Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans are an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that make any gathering instantly festive. Honestly, the first time I made these, I thought, “Will people even notice sweet potatoes on a fancy platter?”—but the moment they bit in, the gooey brie, tart cranberry, and crunchy pecans had everyone asking for seconds. The smell alone when these roast in the oven is incredible—caramelized edges, creamy cheese melting slowly, and that pop of cranberry tang. They’re energizing your appetizer game and giving your body what it craves without being overcomplicated. Let’s dive in and get you set up for a dish that’s bound to become a holiday staple. Don’t forget, you can subscribe below to get this recipe straight to your inbox so you never miss a festive favorite!
Why Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans Are a Must-Try
The Magic of Sweet Potato Rounds
Sweet potatoes are one of those ingredients that feel both cozy and fancy at the same time. Roasted, they develop a natural sweetness and slightly caramelized edges that are just divine. I’ll admit, I’ve over-roasted a batch or two in my day, but once you get the timing right—20 to 25 minutes at 200°C (400°F)—they’re soft, tender, and perfectly golden. Sweet potato rounds aren’t just tasty; they’re packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and complex carbs that keep you energized without feeling heavy.
Here’s the thing: even though they’re simple to roast, sweet potatoes provide that wow factor when topped with something special. They serve as a sturdy yet elegant base, almost like edible canvases waiting for brie, cranberry, and pecans to do their magic. Personally, I love that they’re versatile—you can make them for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, or a holiday appetizer platter.
Brie, Cranberry & Pecans – The Flavor Trio
Now, let’s talk toppings. Brie is creamy, soft, and slightly tangy—almost melting in your mouth. When you combine it with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce and the crunch of toasted pecans, it’s honestly perfection. I still remember serving these at a holiday party once; guests were hovering near the tray, and before I knew it, half of the platter was gone in minutes.
The beauty here is balance. Each round has a little sweetness from the potato, creamy richness from the brie, tart fruitiness from the cranberry, and nutty crunch from pecans. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap cranberries for raspberry or cherry preserves, and pecans for walnuts or almonds. Each variation brings its own charm. These bites are simple, yet they feel indulgent enough for special occasions—anything but boring!!
Ingredients & Tools for Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds
Key Ingredients
Here’s a neat table to make your shopping list easier:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Optional Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 2 medium | Butternut squash slices |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Avocado oil |
| Brie cheese | 150 g (5 oz) | Camembert or soft goat cheese |
| Cranberry sauce | ½ cup | Raspberry or cherry preserves |
| Pecans | ¼ cup | Walnuts or almonds |
| Honey | 1 tbsp (optional) | Maple syrup |
| Fresh thyme | For garnish | Rosemary |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | – |
A quick tip: slice sweet potatoes evenly, about 1 cm thick. Uneven slices roast inconsistently, and no one wants a mix of crunchy and mushy rounds.
Necessary Kitchen Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (saves so much cleanup!)
- Pastry brush for oil
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Spoon for cranberry sauce
- Optional: skillet to toast pecans for extra flavor
Honestly, just having these tools ready makes the recipe smooth and fun, instead of stressful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the sweet potatoes into 1 cm (½ inch) rounds—uniform thickness is key. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, it saves cleanup!) and arrange the rounds in a single layer. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. The edges should caramelize slightly, while the centers remain tender. Here’s where I always mess up at first—I sometimes forget to flip them, and the bottoms get too soft. Just keep an eye on them; they’ll smell incredible when done, and you’ll know it!
Assembling and Baking
Once the rounds are roasted, top each with a slice of brie and pop them back in the oven for 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts. Then, spoon a bit of cranberry sauce over the warm brie, sprinkle with toasted pecans, and drizzle lightly with honey if you like. Finish with fresh thyme for color and aroma.
Serving tip: these are best enjoyed warm. They make a fantastic appetizer, a festive side dish, or even a casual snack for movie nights. For parties, you can even skewer two or three rounds together for mini “bites” that are easy to pick up.
Serving, Storing & Tips
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans shine on a platter by themselves, but pairing them with other dishes elevates the experience. Try them with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple grain like quinoa. They also complement roasted meats or poultry beautifully. Presentation matters, so arrange them on a festive platter, sprinkle extra thyme leaves, and maybe a few whole pecans for texture. Guests will appreciate the attention to detail—and the flavor, of course.
Storage Tips & Tricks
Leftovers? No problem. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes to restore the crispiness of the sweet potatoes and warmth of the brie. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture.
Common mistakes include over-roasting the rounds (they’ll become too soft) or adding toppings too early (the brie melts unevenly). Prep the sweet potatoes in advance, assemble just before serving, and you’ll be stress-free.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
These numbers are estimates, of course, but they show that this dish is indulgent yet balanced—perfect for guilt-free festive snacking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Just thaw and cook them down slightly with a bit of sugar or maple syrup to make a sauce.
2. What’s the best way to melt brie evenly?
Slicing thinly and baking for 3–4 minutes works best. You can also briefly broil if you want it bubbly and slightly golden.
3. Can this recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely. Swap brie for a plant-based cheese and honey for maple syrup. The sweet potato and cranberry combo still shines.
4. How do I toast pecans perfectly?
Use a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently. They’ll release their oils and smell nutty and fragrant.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans are effortless yet impressive. They combine cozy, comforting flavors with a touch of elegance, making them ideal for any holiday or special occasion. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a weeknight treat, or simply want to enjoy something decadent, these bites hit all the right notes.
If you loved this recipe, check out other crowd-pleasers like Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Cream Cheese, Maple Pecan & Brie-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos—seeing your versions on Pinterest makes my day!
Print
Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie: 5 Festive Appetizer Delights
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans are a sweet, savory, and crunchy appetizer perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy gatherings. Caramelized sweet potatoes topped with creamy brie, tart cranberry, and toasted pecans make every bite a little festive delight. Quick, easy, and irresistible—these bites are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1 cm (½ inch) rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 150 g (5 oz) brie cheese, sliced
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange sweet potato rounds in a single layer, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
Top each round with brie slices and bake 3–4 more minutes until melted.
Spoon cranberry sauce over brie, sprinkle toasted pecans, drizzle honey, and garnish with thyme.
Serve warm as an appetizer or festive side dish.
Notes
Slice sweet potatoes evenly for consistent roasting.
Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes for added flavor.
Prep sweet potatoes ahead of time; assemble and bake just before serving.
Optional substitutions: goat cheese for brie, maple syrup for honey, walnuts or almonds for pecans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: 6–8 servings (as appetizer)
- Method: Appetizer / Side Dish
- Cuisine: Roasting / Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 rounds
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg