Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie

Sweet potato rounds topped with melted brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans make a simple yet elegant appetizer or snack perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors feels fancy but comes together effortlessly with everyday ingredients.

I made this after a last-minute request for a flavorful snack and it quickly became a staple for entertaining friends.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: peeled and sliced into rounds to roast evenly and caramelize naturally
• Olive oil: adds a light richness to help the edges crisp without becoming greasy
• Salt and pepper: bring out the natural sweetness of the potatoes
• Brie cheese: melts beautifully on top creating a creamy contrast
• Dried cranberries: add a bright tartness with chewy bites, look for plump ones if possible
• Toasted pecans: provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth, toast them fresh for best flavor
• Optional fresh rosemary or thyme: enhance the aroma and add an herbal touch

Instructions

Prepare Your Base:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into quarter-inch rounds making sure they are about the same thickness for even roasting. Lay them out in a single layer on the prepared sheet so they cook uniformly without steaming.

Season and Roast the Potatoes:

Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the sweet potato rounds then sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently with your hands or a spatula to coat each piece well without breaking them. Roast the rounds for 20 to 25 minutes flipping halfway through to achieve a golden, lightly caramelized surface and tender texture inside.

Add the Brie Cheese:

Pull the baking sheet from the oven and carefully place a slice of brie cheese on top of each sweet potato round. Return them to the oven for about 5 minutes until the brie softens and melts into a creamy topping that slightly bubbles without overcooking.

Top With Cranberries and Pecans:

Remove the tray once more and gently spoon dried cranberries and toasted pecans onto each round. If you like, scatter fresh rosemary or thyme over the top to add a fresh, herbal note. Serve these while warm for the ultimate melty, sweet and savory bite.

My favorite part is the melting brie which creates a rich, gooey layer that pulls the whole bite together. I remember making this for a friend who raved about the surprising balance of flavors and textures that felt luxurious but never heavy.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to keep the cheese fresh and the nuts crunchy. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness without making the potatoes mushy.

Ingredient swaps

Camembert or triple cream cheese works well in place of brie for a similar melt and flavor profile. Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans if preferred or for variations on the nutty texture. If dried cranberries are not on hand, dried cherries or fresh pomegranate seeds provide a nice sweet and tart pop.

Serving ideas

Serve these sweet potato rounds as a holiday appetizer alongside a crisp green salad or charcuterie board. They also pair beautifully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian snack with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for extra sweetness.

A delightful combination of textures and flavors that is easy to prepare yet impresses every time.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How thick should sweet potatoes be sliced?

Slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds to ensure even roasting and tender texture.

→ Can I use other nuts besides pecans for topping?

Yes, toasted walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes, offering a similar crunch and flavor profile.

→ What’s the best way to melt the brie on sweet potatoes?

After roasting the sweet potato rounds, place slices of brie on top and return them to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese softens and melts.

→ Can fresh herbs be added, and which ones work best?

Fresh rosemary or thyme work well to enhance the earthy and sweet flavors, either sprinkled before serving or as a garnish.

→ How should the sweet potatoes be seasoned before roasting?

Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance natural sweetness and aid caramelization.