As I pulled open the oven door, a wave of warmth and richness cascaded over me, like a hug from the holidays. These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans are a wonderful way to embrace the season, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant holiday appetizer that’s impressively easy to make. With a stunning balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements, they’re sure to be the dazzling star of your festive spread. Plus, they’re gluten-free (just double-check your ingredients!), making them a delightful choice for everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking to elevate your home cooking, these rounds are a game-changer. What’s your favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes during the holidays?

Why Are Sweet Potato Rounds a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy brie and tart cranberries over sweet potatoes creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These bites are guaranteed to impress guests, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.

Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, even novice cooks can master this delightful dish.

Versatile Variations: Love experimenting? Swap out pecans for walnuts, or drizzle with honey for a unique twist!

Guilt-Free Indulgence: Gluten-free and vegetarian, these sweet potato rounds cater to diverse dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can indulge.

Pair them with a delicious charcuterie board or some Sweet Harmony Honey on the side for a festive feast that everyone will love!

Sweet Potato Rounds Ingredients

• You won’t want to miss these delightful sweet potato rounds with brie, cranberry, and pecans!

For the Rounds

Sweet Potatoes – The base of the dish providing natural sweetness and texture; easily replace with butternut squash for a similar flavor.
Olive Oil – Adds richness and aids in roasting; can be substituted with melted coconut oil for a different touch.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing the flavors; use sea salt or freshly ground pepper for added depth.

For Topping

Brie Cheese – Provides creaminess and a luxurious melting quality; try goat cheese for a tangy variation.
Dried Cranberries – Adds a pop of tartness and color; swap for raisins or chopped dates for a sweeter bite.
Toasted Pecans – Offers crunch and nuttiness; can be replaced with walnuts or pistachios for a unique flavor.

For Garnish

Fresh Rosemary or Thyme – Optional herbs that elevate both aroma and presentation; feel free to mix and match!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Rounds

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness. This little step is essential for achieving those perfectly roasted Sweet Potato Rounds that are golden and tender.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Wash and peel your sweet potatoes, then slice them into ¼-inch rounds for even cooking. Arrange the rounds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. This ensures they roast properly and become beautifully caramelized, leading to that irresistible sweet flavor.

Step 3: Season and Roast
Drizzle the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Toss them gently to coat each slice evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should become tender and slightly caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Top with Brie
Once the sweet potato rounds are beautifully roasted, carefully remove them from the oven. Place a slice of brie cheese on top of each round, allowing it to melt deliciously. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, keeping an eye on it until the brie is soft and gooey.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
After the brie has melted, take the baking sheet out of the oven one last time. Sprinkle the rounds with dried cranberries and toasted pecans for a delightful crunch and sweet-tart flavor contrast. Optionally, garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme to enhance the aroma and presentation. Serve your warm Sweet Potato Rounds immediately for the best experience!

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Rounds

Roasting Technique: Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and ensures a crispy bottom, avoiding the common mistake of soggy rounds.
Perfect Slicing: Keep even thickness: Slice sweet potatoes to ¼-inch thick for consistent cooking and even caramelization; thicker slices may result in uneven textures.
Cheese Selection: Opt for high-quality brie: The creaminess and melting quality of good brie elevates your sweet potato rounds. Avoid low-fat cheeses as they won’t melt as beautifully.
Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with spices: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the olive oil for a cozy holiday flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your sweet potato rounds.
Storage & Reheating: Prep ahead: Roast and refrigerate sweet potato rounds up to 3 days in advance. Reheat them in the oven briefly to refresh their texture before adding toppings.

Sweet Potato Rounds: Customization Ideas

Embrace your culinary creativity with these delightful variations that will elevate your Sweet Potato Rounds into new flavor realms!

Nut-Free: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts, making them perfect for allergies.
Vegan: Swap brie for vegan cheese or cashew cream to keep it plant-based while maintaining that creamy satisfaction.
Savory Twist: Top with crumbled bacon or savory roasted garlic for a deliciously rich and hearty bite. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives can add a burst of flavor too!
Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a dash of heat that will warm your taste buds.
Exotic Flavor: Stir in some curry powder or smoked paprika in the olive oil for an unexpected and delightful flavor profile that transports you to new culinary heights!
Fruity Delight: Consider intertwining thin apple or pear slices with the cranberries for a beautiful mix of sweet and tart; it’s a charming twist that surprises the palate.
Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or sage directly into the olive oil before roasting for an aromatic experience that brings out the best of your ingredients.
Creamy Goodness: For extra lusciousness, mix in a dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt over the brie before adding cranberries and pecans.

For even more festive ideas, why not pair these Sweet Potato Rounds with a Sweet Harmony Honey side dish? Or, try these with some Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon to complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips for Sweet Potato Rounds

Room Temperature: Serve the sweet potato rounds warm for the best flavor and texture. If left out, they should be consumed within 2 hours.

Fridge: Store leftover sweet potato rounds in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep separate from toppings to maintain texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unadorned roasted sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Add toppings after reheating for the best result!

What to Serve with Holiday Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans

Elevate your festive table by thoughtfully pairing your sweet potato rounds with these delightful accompaniments that enhance their incredible flavor.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery, smooth mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast, perfect for balancing the sweet flavors of the rounds.
Savory Charcuterie Board: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives offers diversity, ensuring your guests can nibble on heartier bites alongside the sweet potato rounds.
Winter Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness and color, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the sweet potatoes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy, caramelized sprouts bring a savory crunch that complements the sweet notes of your appetizer while adding seasonal flair to your holiday spread.
Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy quinoa tossed with fresh herbs offers a nutritious base, complementing the sweet potato rounds while providing a nice chew and protein boost.
Mulled Wine: The warm, spiced aromas of mulled wine will envelop your guests in a cozy embrace, perfectly pairing with the rich flavors of the sweet potato rounds.
Cheesecake Bites: For dessert, little cheesecake bites topped with cranberry sauce offer a delightful sweet finish to your meal, echoing the flavors of your appetizer in a lighter form.
Hot Chocolate Bar: Create a fun hot chocolate station with marshmallows and peppermint stirrers to warm up your guests after enjoying your holiday feast.

These pairings not only complement your Sweet Potato Rounds but also celebrate the essence of holiday cooking, bringing warmth and joy to your gathering.

Make Ahead Options

These Sweet Potato Rounds are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to streamline their holiday cooking! You can roast the sweet potato rounds up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the rounds in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, which helps retain their delightful texture. After reheating, top with brie and return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. This way, you’ll have elegant appetizers ready to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Look for firm sweet potatoes without any dark spots or soft areas. The skin should be smooth and even in color, while the sweetness will come through during roasting. If you’re opting for butternut squash as a substitute, choose one that feels heavy for its size and has no soft spots.

How should I store leftover Sweet Potato Rounds?
Very! Store any leftover Sweet Potato Rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep the toppings separate if you want to maintain that delightful texture.

Can I freeze Sweet Potato Rounds?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, first roast your sweet potato rounds and let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before adding your toppings.

What should I do if my sweet potatoes are soggy after roasting?
If you find your Sweet Potato Rounds are turning out soggy, ensure that you’re using parchment paper and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet during roasting. Keep them spaced out to help achieve that perfect caramelized texture. Lastly, a higher roasting temperature can enhance that crispy finish!

Are Sweet Potato Rounds safe for people with nut allergies?
Great question! To make them nut-free, simply omit the pecans and consider using pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for an added crunch without the allergens. Double-check that all other ingredients, like cheese, are also nut-free to ensure a safe dish for everyone at your gathering.