Introduction
Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans bring together everything that defines cozy, festive cooking creamy cheese, tart fruit, and earthy sweetness in one bite. This appetizer is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and holiday dinners. The sweet potatoes roast to golden perfection, forming a tender base that pairs beautifully with soft, melted Brie. A spoonful of cranberry sauce adds a tangy touch, while toasted pecans give each bite the perfect crunch. The result is a balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and nutty flavors that feel sophisticated but are effortless to prepare. This recipe works as a gluten-free alternative to traditional canapés and can easily be scaled up for parties. It looks beautiful on a serving platter, tastes divine warm or at room temperature, and celebrates the very best flavors of fall.
The Basics of the Recipe
This dish draws inspiration from seasonal flavor pairings found in classic charcuterie boards — the sweetness of fruit, richness of cheese, and crunch of nuts. Here, roasted sweet potatoes replace bread or crackers as the base, creating a gluten-free and wholesome foundation. When topped with Brie and cranberry sauce, the result is a perfectly layered bite that feels festive yet balanced. The melted Brie gives creaminess, the cranberry adds brightness, and the toasted pecans complete it with depth and texture. Unlike puff pastry bites, these rounds maintain their structure without getting soggy and can be prepared ahead of time. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or even a side dish, they embody the warmth and color of the holiday season.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Detailed Ingredients List
Main Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes, washed and sliced into ¼-inch rounds (keep skin on)
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
6 oz Brie cheese, sliced into small pieces
½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Notes and Substitutions:
Use maple syrup instead of cranberry sauce for a sweeter option. Replace Brie with goat cheese for tang or Camembert for richness. Swap pecans with walnuts or pistachios for texture variation. For spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne before roasting. To make dairy-free, use vegan Brie or a cashew-based cheese spread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice sweet potatoes into even ¼-inch rounds. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on the edges and tender inside.
- While the sweet potatoes roast, slice the Brie and prepare toppings. Toast pecans in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove sweet potatoes from the oven and, while warm, top each with a slice of Brie. Let it soften slightly from the residual heat.
- Spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce over each Brie-topped round, then sprinkle toasted pecans on top.
- Garnish with thyme leaves if desired and serve immediately or at room temperature.
Pro Tips, Substitutions & Variations
Roast the sweet potato slices in a single layer for even crisping. Don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of caramelize. To keep the Brie in place, let the rounds cool slightly before topping. Room-temperature Brie melts more evenly. If making ahead, roast the sweet potatoes early and assemble later. Replace Brie with creamy goat cheese or Camembert, swap pecans with candied walnuts for sweetness, or use pomegranate seeds for a fresh, bright twist. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup before serving adds elegance. For savory variation, top with a crumble of feta and a splash of balsamic glaze.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
Roast the sweet potatoes up to one day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes before adding toppings. Assembled rounds can be refrigerated for two days, though the Brie may firm up slightly. To reheat, place in a 325°F (160°C) oven for five minutes until warm and creamy. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the potatoes too much. For cold serving, bring to room temperature before plating to restore flavor and texture balance.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve these on a white platter or rustic board to highlight their warm colors. They make a refined starter for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners and pair well with roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian mains. Offer sparkling water with lemon, apple cider, or spiced tea for complementary drinks. On a holiday spread, pair them with dips, salads, or other small bites for variety. Finish the meal with desserts like Lemon Pudding Cake or Cranberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Bites for a cohesive seasonal menu.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (about three rounds) provides approximately: Calories 190, Protein 4 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Sugars 8 g, Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Fiber 3 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 160 mg. Sweet potatoes deliver fiber and beta-carotene, while Brie adds calcium and creaminess. Pecans supply healthy fats and antioxidants, and cranberry sauce offers natural fruit sweetness. To reduce calories, use smaller portions of Brie or skip the nuts for a lighter version.
FAQ Section
Can I use canned cranberry sauce? Yes, just stir in a little orange juice or zest for freshness.
Can I make this ahead for parties? Roast sweet potatoes and slice the Brie ahead, then assemble and warm just before serving.
Can I make it dairy-free? Use a plant-based Brie or cashew cheese for similar creaminess.
What nuts work best? Pecans are classic, but walnuts or pistachios also work beautifully.
Do I have to serve them warm? They’re best warm, but they also taste great at room temperature and hold their texture well.
Closing Section
Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans are the epitome of effortless elegance. Each bite captures the warmth of the season with roasted sweetness, creamy cheese, tart cranberry, and a satisfying crunch. They’re visually stunning, easy to prepare, and adaptable for any occasion. Whether served as a holiday appetizer or a light side dish, they bring comfort and sophistication to your table. Once tried, they’ll become a signature favorite for fall and winter gatherings. Share your version on Facebook or Pinterest, tag @RecipesList00, and inspire others to recreate this festive bite. For more cozy recipes, explore Cranberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Bites, Roasted Carrots with Maple Ricotta & Spiced Butter, or Warm Cinnamon Apple Oat Bars.