As I lifted the lid of my oven, a warm wave of scent whisked me back to cozy holiday gatherings, where laughter mingles with the smell of roasted sweets. These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans are not just appetizers; they’re the delightful bridge between casual comfort and elegant cuisine. Imagine fluffy rounds of sweet potato crowned with creamy brie, the tart hint of cranberries, and a satisfying crunch from pecans—all harmonizing to create a festive bite that’s both vegetarian-friendly and easy to prepare. Perfect for your next holiday party or cozy get-together, this recipe is sure to impress without the hassle. Ready to elevate your appetizer game? Let’s dive into the details! Why are Sweet Potato Rounds a Must? Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, creamy brie, and tart cranberries creates a sweet-salty harmony that dazzles the palate. Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal mess, you’ll whip these up without breaking a sweat—perfect for busy hosts. Impressive Presentation: These elegant bites not only taste divine but also look stunning on any holiday platter, making them ideal for festive gatherings. Versatile Pairing: Serve alongside drinks or feature them on a charcuterie board for endless possibilities and easy entertaining. Try pairing with a comforting side like Hobo Casserole Potatoes for a complete meal option! Crowd-Pleaser: Vegetarian-friendly and full of flavor, they’re sure to win over guests of all ages and tastes, making every gathering more joyful. Enjoy the delightful experience they bring to your holiday celebrations! Sweet Potato Rounds Ingredients For the Sweet Potato Rounds • Sweet Potatoes – They serve as the flavorful base, bringing natural sweetness and a hearty texture; you can substitute with butternut squash for a twist. • Olive Oil – Essential for roasting, it adds depth of flavor and aids in achieving that perfect crispy edge; feel free to swap it out with melted coconut oil for a tropical vibe. • Salt and Pepper – These basic seasonings are key to enhancing the dish’s overall flavors; adjust according to your taste preference. For the Topping • Brie Cheese – This rich and creamy cheese melts beautifully to elevate the dish; camembert or goat cheese can be a delightful alternative for a unique taste. • Dried Cranberries – Their tartness complements the sweet potato perfectly; consider using chopped dried cherries or apricots for a sweet change. • Toasted Pecans – They provide a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor; try walnuts or pistachios for an interesting variation. • Fresh Rosemary or Thyme (optional) – A sprinkle of herbs will add an aromatic touch to your sweet potato rounds, enhancing the festive feel. Let’s gather these ingredients and prepare for a culinary adventure that puts a gourmet spin on your holiday spread! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Rounds Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that your sweet potato rounds will roast to a beautiful golden hue. While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help achieve crisp edges and prevent sticking, setting the stage for your delicious Sweet Potato Rounds. Step 2: Prep the Sweet Potatoes Next, wash and peel your sweet potatoes, then slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. Aim for uniformity to ensure even cooking. Once sliced, arrange the rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. The vibrant color of the sweet potatoes will already have your mouth watering as you get ready for the magic to happen! Step 3: Season and Roast Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the sweet potato rounds and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Using your hands or a spatula, gently toss the rounds to ensure they’re evenly coated. Now, it’s time to roast! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and lightly caramelized. Step 4: Add the Brie Once your sweet potato rounds are beautifully roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Now, place a slice of creamy brie cheese on top of each round. Return the tray to the oven and let them bake for an additional 5 minutes. Watch closely as the cheese begins to melt and bubble, creating a luscious layer that will complement the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly. Step 5: Top and Serve After the brie has melted to perfection, take the sweet potato rounds out of the oven once more. It’s time to add the finishing touches! Garnish each round with a sprinkle of dried cranberries and toasted pecans for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. For an extra touch of elegance, you can optionally sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Serve these irresistible Sweet Potato Rounds warm and enjoy the festive cheer they bring! Sweet Potato Rounds Variations Explore the exciting ways to personalize your Sweet Potato Rounds to make them uniquely yours! Nutty Substitute: Swap out pecans for walnuts or pistachios for a delightful twist. Each nut adds its own flavor and crunch. Sweet Drizzle: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving to enhance sweetness and amplify the festive vibe. Unique Cheese: Experiment with different cheese types, like blue cheese or feta, for a bold flavor explosion that surprises the palate. Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh basil or a sprinkle of sage for a refreshing aromatic profile that brightens each bite. Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the rounds before roasting. Fruity Flair: Replace cranberries with chopped dried cherries or apricots to add a new layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements. Savory Touch: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the olive oil before roasting for an extra layer of flavor. Cheesy Leap: Top the rounds with a mixture of cream cheese and herbs for a creamy and flavor-packed twist that’ll surprise your guests. Feel free to make these Sweet Potato Rounds your own! To complement their festive charm, consider serving alongside a comforting dish like Ground Beef Potatoes or bringing in flavors from an elaborate Sweet Potato Casserole for a full culinary experience. Happy cooking! How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Rounds Fridge: Place cooled sweet potato rounds in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore texture before serving. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the roasted rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen or thawed in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Room Temperature: If left out, sweet potato rounds are best enjoyed within 2 hours. If needed, keep them warm in a covered dish during gatherings. Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Rounds Prep Ahead: Roast your sweet potato rounds in advance and store them in an airtight container. Reheat before adding toppings to save time during the busy holiday rush. Crispy Edges: Always use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and achieve that perfect crispy edge on your sweet potato rounds. Balance the Tartness: If your cranberries are particularly tart, consider cooking them with honey or a splash of orange juice to balance their flavor, enhancing the overall experience. Uniform Slices: For even roasting, slice your sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure all rounds cook at the same rate, preventing any from being under- or overcooked. Experiment Creatively: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients! Using different nuts or cheese types can create exciting new flavor profiles for your sweet potato rounds, keeping things fresh and delightful. Make Ahead Options These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can roast the sweet potato rounds up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time on a busy day but also ensures that they maintain their delightful flavor. Just before serving, reheat the rounds in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, then top with brie and return to the oven for 5 minutes until melted. This way, you’ll enjoy all the deliciousness of your holiday appetizer with minimal effort! What to Serve with Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans Elevate your holiday spread with irresistible accompaniments that complement the elegant flavors of these delightful bites. Crispy Fall Salad: A mixed greens salad with apple slices, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the sweet potato rounds. Savory Grain Pilaf: A warm grain pilaf of quinoa or farro mixed with herbs and roasted vegetables provides hearty texture and a wholesome contrast to the creamy brie. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic glaze create a sweet and savory harmony that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart flavors of the rounds. Mulled Wine: A warm glass of spiced mulled wine brings a festive flair to your table, balancing sweetness with warming spices—a wonderful pairing for holiday gatherings. Cheese Board: Create a charcuterie board featuring assorted cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for a stunning spread that allows your guests to nibble and mix flavors as they please. Honey-Glazed Carrots: These tender, sweet carrots add an attractive color and slight sweetness—a delightful complement that mirrors the sweet notes in the sweet potato rounds. Spiced Hot Apple Cider: Warm your guests with this comforting drink that echoes the season’s flavors and enhances the sweetness of your dish effortlessly. Serving these options alongside your Sweet Potato Rounds guarantees a festive experience that will leave everyone in high spirits! Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie Cranberry and Pecans Recipe FAQs What kind of sweet potatoes should I use? Absolutely, use firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best results. Look for ones that are smooth without dark spots or bruises. If you can’t find them, butternut squash can be a delightful substitute! How do I store leftover Sweet Potato Rounds? To keep your delicious rounds fresh, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm them through and restore their crispy edges. Can I freeze Sweet Potato Rounds? Yes! To freeze these tasty bites, first let them cool completely. Arrange the roasted rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the brie is melty! What should I do if my sweet potatoes are cooking unevenly? If you find that your sweet potato rounds are cooking unevenly, it’s likely that they weren’t sliced to uniform thickness. For even roasting, aim for ¼-inch thick slices, ensuring they cook at the same rate. Also, remember to flip them halfway through roasting for a perfect caramelization! Are these Sweet Potato Rounds suitable for gluten-free diets? Very! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check that your chosen toppings don’t contain gluten, especially if using pre-packaged items like cranberries or nuts. Enjoy these delightful bites knowing they cater to a wide range of dietary needs! Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie and Cranberries for Holiday Joy These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie and Cranberries are a delightful vegetarian appetizer perfect for festive gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 roundsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: VegetarianCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sweet Potato Rounds2 large Sweet Potatoes Can substitute with butternut squash2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with melted coconut oilto taste Saltto taste PepperFor the Topping8 ounces Brie Cheese Can substitute with camembert or goat cheese1 cup Dried Cranberries Can substitute with dried cherries or apricots1/2 cup Toasted Pecans Can substitute with walnuts or pistachios1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary or Thyme Optional for garnish Equipment OvenBaking sheetParchment PaperKnifeCutting board Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds.Arrange the rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway until tender and lightly caramelized.Place a slice of brie cheese on top of each round and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.Garnish with dried cranberries and toasted pecans; serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1roundCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese rounds can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
