Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Walnuts

Golden roasted sweet potato rounds topped with creamy Brie, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts—these little bites are a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They’re colorful, festive, and elegant enough for holiday gatherings, yet simple enough for an everyday appetizer. With their vibrant layers and irresistible mix of sweet, savory, and nutty, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of my love for appetizers that look far more complicated than they are. One holiday season, faced with limited time but a strong desire to serve something special, I turned to sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness, combined with the creamy richness of Brie and the tang of cranberry sauce, created a little bite that quickly became the star of the table. Now, it’s the dish my friends request year after year.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Sweet potato rounds are a modern twist on crostini—swapping bread for roasted sweet potato slices. This not only makes them gluten-free, but also adds depth of flavor with their caramelized sweetness. Topped with traditional holiday favorites like Brie and cranberry sauce, they echo flavors of the season while offering a healthier alternative to bread-based appetizers.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Walnuts

Trust me, these little bites are worth every bite. Here’s why:

Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or festive party snack.

Budget-Friendly: Uses just a few seasonal ingredients to create a gourmet effect.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and ready in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Swap toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both adults and kids.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Roast sweet potatoes ahead and assemble just before serving.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day with a quick warm-up.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Here’s how to take these bites from simple to spectacular:

• Cut Evenly: Slice sweet potatoes into uniform rounds for even roasting.
• Preheat the Pan: Place the baking sheet in the oven while preheating for crispier bottoms.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Space the rounds so they caramelize instead of steaming.
• Warm the Brie Slightly: It will melt just enough for that luscious creaminess.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary elevates flavor and presentation.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make this stunning appetizer:

Sharp Knife: For evenly slicing the sweet potatoes.

Cutting Board: To prep your ingredients safely.

Baking Sheet: Large enough to spread slices in a single layer.

Parchment Paper: Keeps the potatoes from sticking and helps caramelization.

Small Spoon or Spatula: To layer cranberry sauce and Brie neatly.

Ingredients in Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Walnuts

Every element plays its role in this sweet and savory symphony:

1. Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds – The base, caramelized and naturally sweet.
2. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Helps roast the sweet potatoes to golden crispness.
3. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances natural sweetness and balances flavors.
4. Brie Cheese: 6 ounces, cut into small wedges – Creamy and decadent, melts into the warm base.
5. Cranberry Sauce: 1/2 cup – Adds tart, festive brightness.
6. Walnuts: 1/3 cup, chopped – For crunch and earthy nuttiness.
7. Fresh Thyme (optional): 1 teaspoon leaves – For an herbal finish that ties it all together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Make this recipe work for you with these easy swaps:

Brie: Goat cheese, cream cheese, or Camembert.
Cranberry Sauce: Fig jam, apricot preserves, or pomegranate seeds.
Walnuts: Pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds.
Olive Oil: Avocado oil or melted butter.

Ingredient Spotlight

Brie Cheese: Known for its rich creaminess and mild flavor, Brie melts beautifully, creating a luxurious topping.

Sweet Potatoes: Not only delicious, but also packed with vitamins A and C, they bring both nutrition and flavor to the dish.

Instructions for Making Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Walnuts

These come together quickly and beautifully—perfect for stress-free entertaining.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Slice sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch rounds. Toss with olive oil and salt until evenly coated.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Spread slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Roast sweet potato rounds for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Remove from oven. Immediately top each round with a piece of Brie so it begins to soften.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Spoon cranberry sauce over each slice, sprinkle with chopped walnuts, and finish with fresh thyme if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm on a platter as a festive appetizer or snack.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The secret lies in the balance: sweet caramelized potato, creamy melted Brie, tart cranberry, and crunchy walnuts. Each bite hits all the right notes—soft, gooey, tangy, and crisp. It’s like a holiday cheese board condensed into one perfect mouthful.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Roast at high heat for caramelization without drying the potatoes.
• Use room-temperature Brie for easier slicing and melting.
• Toast walnuts beforehand for an extra nutty punch.

What to Avoid

Stay away from these pitfalls:

• Thick slices: Too thick and the potatoes won’t roast evenly.
• Overloading toppings: Keep balance so each flavor shines.
• Skipping parchment: Potatoes may stick and lose their caramelized edges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 bites
Calories per serving: 120

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These can be prepped ahead by roasting the sweet potato rounds in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven, then top with Brie, cranberry sauce, and walnuts just before serving. Leftovers keep well and can be enjoyed cold or slightly warmed.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Walnuts

Serve them warm on a platter garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs. They pair beautifully with sparkling cider, white wine, or even a festive cocktail. For a holiday spread, arrange them around a cheese board for a stunning centerpiece.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Salad Booster: Chop and toss into a spinach salad with vinaigrette.
• Grain Bowl Topper: Add to quinoa or farro bowls for extra texture.
• Breakfast Bite: Reheat and top with a fried egg for a morning treat.

Additional Tips

• Choose firm, evenly shaped sweet potatoes for uniform slices.
• Use a serrated knife to slice Brie cleanly.
• A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze can add a touch of elegance.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange rounds in a spiral on a white platter, drizzle lightly with honey, and sprinkle with extra thyme leaves. The jewel tones of cranberry against golden sweet potato make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

Variations to Try

• Apple Brie Bites: Swap sweet potatoes for roasted apple slices.
• Savory Twist: Add caramelized onions instead of cranberry sauce.
• Nut-Free: Use toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Spiced Potatoes: Sprinkle rounds with cinnamon or smoked paprika before roasting.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan Brie and maple-glazed pecans.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, roast the sweet potatoes ahead and assemble just before serving.

Q2: Can I use canned cranberry sauce?

Absolutely, both homemade and canned work well.

Q3: Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

No, the skins are nutritious and add texture, but you can peel if preferred.

Q4: What other cheeses work well?

Goat cheese, cream cheese, or blue cheese are great alternatives.

Q5: Can I make these nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the walnuts or replace with pumpkin seeds.

Q6: How do I keep the Brie from melting too much?

Add it after roasting the potatoes so it softens without over-melting.

Q7: Can I serve these cold?

They taste best warm, but are still delicious at room temperature.

Q8: How thick should I slice the potatoes?

About 1/2 inch for the best balance of crisp edges and tender centers.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through roasting.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Place in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Walnuts are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. With their beautiful presentation, festive flavors, and easy preparation, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for holidays, parties, or cozy nights in. One bite, and you’ll see why everyone comes back for seconds.

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