Are you tired of serving the same predictable appetizers at your gatherings? The quest for that perfect bite-sized treat that impresses guests without hours of kitchen stress is real. These Sweet Potato Rounds topped with creamy Brie, tangy cranberry, and crunchy pecans will transform your appetizer game with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and these Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans have become my secret weapon for entertaining. After years of testing various appetizer combinations, I’ve perfected this sweet-savory bite that consistently earns rave reviews. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes creates the perfect canvas for the creamy brie and tart cranberry topping.
In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect sweet potatoes, prepping techniques for consistent results, and assembly tips to make these stunning appetizers look as professional as they taste. I’ll also share variations for different dietary needs and answer common questions to ensure your Sweet Potato Rounds turn out perfectly every time.
Why These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans Work
- Uses affordable, seasonal ingredients that elevate simple sweet potatoes into an elegant appetizer
- Roast and assemble in under 30 minutes for last-minute entertaining needs
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or upgraded family snacks
- Balances sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements in one perfect bite
- Naturally gluten-free base makes accommodating dietary restrictions easier
- Make-ahead friendly components reduce day-of party stress
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Your Rounds
Best Sweet Potato Varieties for Sweet Potato Rounds
For the most consistent sweet potato rounds, look for Jewel or Garnet sweet potatoes. These varieties have a uniform shape and cook evenly, making them ideal for slicing into rounds. Their naturally sweet flavor intensifies when roasted, creating the perfect base for the brie and cranberry toppings.
Avoid irregularly shaped sweet potatoes or those with significant bumps and divots, as they’ll make uniform slicing challenging. The goal is to create sweet potato rounds of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
Buying Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds
When selecting sweet potatoes for your rounds, look for medium-sized specimens with smooth, unblemished skin. A medium sweet potato (about 2 inches in diameter) will yield the perfect appetizer-sized rounds.
Pro tip: Choose sweet potatoes of similar diameter to ensure all your rounds cook at the same rate and look consistent on your serving platter.
Substitutions for Sweet Potato Rounds
While sweet potatoes create the perfect flavor base for this appetizer, you can substitute regular potatoes if needed. Yukon golds work particularly well as an alternative. For a lower-carb option, thick-cut rounds of zucchini can work, though you’ll need to adjust the roasting time significantly.
Ingredients & Prep for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Sweet Potato Rounds Prep Essentials
Preparing sweet potatoes properly is crucial for appetizer success. Start by scrubbing sweet potatoes thoroughly with a vegetable brush under running water. There’s no need to peel them—the skin adds nutrition and helps the rounds hold their shape.
For slicing, use a sharp chef’s knife or mandoline set to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Consistent thickness is key to even cooking. If using a knife, consider making a small slice on one side of the potato first to create a flat, stable surface for safer cutting.
Toppings for Sweet Potato Rounds
- Brie cheese– 8 oz, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- Cranberry sauce ½ cup (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- Toasted pecans ⅓ cup, roughly chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- Honey 2 tablespoons for drizzling
- Extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Sea salt ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Pantry Staples for Enhanced Sweet Potato Rounds
To elevate your sweet potato rounds, keep these pantry staples on hand:
- Quality olive oil with a mild flavor profile
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
- Pure maple syrup (can substitute for honey)
- Balsamic glaze for an optional sophisticated drizzle
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Rounds Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Sweet Potato Rounds Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper
This high temperature is crucial for developing caramelization on the sweet potato rounds while maintaining a tender interior. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Slice your scrubbed sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds Consistency is key here too thin and they’ll burn; too thick and they won’t cook through before the outside gets too dark. Aim for that perfect ¼-inch thickness for the ideal texture.
Toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.Use your hands to ensure each round is lightly coated with oil. This promotes even browning and prevents the rounds from drying out during roasting.
sweet potato rounds in a single layer on prepared baking sheets.Avoid overlapping as this causes steaming rather than roasting. Leave a little space between each round for proper air circulation.
Cooking Method for Sweet Potato Rounds
Roast sweet potato rounds for 10 minutes, then flip and roast for another 5-7 minutes.The first side will take longer to develop caramelization. The second side cooks faster, so watch carefully to prevent burning. The edges should start to curl slightly and the centers should be fork-tender.
While sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare your toppings.Remove rind from brie and cut into small pieces. Chop pecans and toast them lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant this enhances their flavor significantly.
Once sweet potato rounds are tender, remove from oven but leave oven on.The rounds should be cooked through but still hold their shape. They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
Assembling Sweet Potato Rounds with Toppings
Top each sweet potato round with a small piece of brie.Don’t overload about ½ teaspoon of brie per round is perfect. The heat from the sweet potatoes will help melt the cheese slightly.
Return to oven for 2-3 minutes, just until brie begins to soften.Watch carefully during this step. You want the brie to soften but not completely melt and run off.
Remove from oven and immediately add a small dollop of cranberry sauce (about ¼ teaspoon) on top of each brie-topped round.The slight heat will help the cranberry sauce meld with the cheese for a beautiful flavor fusion.
Finishing Sweet Potato Rounds for Presentation
Sprinkle toasted pecans over the assembled rounds.The pecans add essential texture contrast to the soft sweet potato and creamy brie.
Drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.A light hand with the honey prevents the appetizer from becoming too sweet. The fresh thyme adds an aromatic element that balances the richness.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional thyme sprigs if desired.Arrange in a single layer on a warm platter for the most attractive presentation.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds
Avoiding Common Sweet Potato Rounds Pitfalls
Don’t rush the roasting process. Undercooking results in tough sweet potato rounds, while proper caramelization develops their natural sweetness.
Pat sweet potatoes dry before oiling. Excess moisture prevents proper browning and can make rounds soggy.
Season adequately. Sweet potatoes need a good pinch of salt to enhance their natural flavor and create contrast with the sweet toppings.
Assemble just before serving for the best texture contrast. If made too far in advance, the rounds can become soggy from the toppings.
Tool Recommendations for Sweet Potato Rounds
- Mandoline slicer: Creates perfectly even slices for consistent cooking
- Heavy-duty baking sheets: Promote even heat distribution for proper caramelization
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking without adding additional oil
- Small offset spatula: Makes flipping and transferring rounds easier
Storage & Reheating Sweet Potato Rounds
Sweet potato rounds are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare components ahead:
- Slice and roast sweet potatoes up to 8 hours ahead, storing at room temperature
- Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes before adding toppings
- Fully assembled leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated at 350°F for 7-8 minutes
For a perfect make-ahead strategy, prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving.
Looking for more appetizer inspiration? Check out my collection of party-perfect bites on Pinterest where I share new creative combinations every week!
Flavor Variations for Sweet Potato Rounds
Savory Sweet Potato Rounds Options
- Mediterranean Style: Replace brie with goat cheese, cranberry with olive tapenade, and pecans with toasted pine nuts
- Southwest Inspired: Top with pepper jack cheese, avocado, and toasted pepitas
- Italian Twist: Use mascarpone cheese, fig jam, prosciutto, and balsamic reduction
Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Rounds
- Substitute cashew cheese for brie
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for roasting
- Top with extra pecans for added richness
- Drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey
Seasonal Sweet Potato Rounds Variations
| Season | Cheese Option | Fruit Component | Nut Choice | Herb/Spice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Chèvre | Strawberry preserves | Pistachios | Mint |
| Summer | Ricotta | Peach jam | Almonds | Basil |
| Fall | Brie | Cranberry sauce | Pecans | Thyme |
| Winter | Blue cheese | Fig spread | Walnuts | Rosemary |
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Rounds
Sweet potato rounds with brie, cranberry and pecans make a stunning addition to any appetizer spread. For the perfect presentation, serve them:
- On a wooden board or slate platter for rustic elegance
- Alongside a variety of textures like crunchy crostini and creamy dips
- As part of a holiday appetizer table with complementary colors and flavors
- With sparkling water with citrus for a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing
These sweet potato rounds pair beautifully with other finger foods like stuffed mushrooms, goat cheese-stuffed dates, or a simple cheese board with fruits and nuts.
For a substantial appetizer spread, calculate 3-4 rounds per person, increasing to 5-6 if serving as the main appetizer.
FAQs About Sweet Potato Rounds
Can I make sweet potato rounds ahead of time?
You can roast the sweet potato rounds up to 8 hours in advance and store at room temperature. For best results, add the toppings just before serving or at most 30 minutes before to prevent sogginess.
How do I keep my sweet potato rounds from getting soggy?
Ensure sweet potatoes are thoroughly dried before roasting, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and roast at a high temperature (425°F). Add toppings just before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze assembled sweet potato rounds?
I don’t recommend freezing the assembled appetizer as the texture will suffer significantly. However, you can freeze plain roasted sweet potato rounds for up to 3 months and add fresh toppings after reheating.
Are sweet potato rounds gluten-free?
Yes! This entire appetizer is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with gluten sensitivities. Just verify that your cranberry sauce doesn’t contain hidden gluten if using store-bought.
What’s the best way to slice sweet potatoes evenly?
A mandoline slicer set to ¼-inch thickness creates the most consistent rounds. If using a knife, create a flat edge first by slicing off a small portion of the sweet potato, then place that flat side down for stable, safe cutting.
Conclusion
Sweet potato rounds topped with brie, cranberry, and pecans represent the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. They transform simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests while being surprisingly easy to prepare.
I love how these sweet potato rounds elevate any gathering without hours of kitchen work. The combination of sweet, savory, creamy and crunchy elements in each bite creates a memorable appetizer experience that guests consistently rave about.
Why not try these sweet potato rounds at your next gathering? Whether it’s a holiday celebration or casual get-together, they’re sure to become a new favorite. And once you master the basic technique, the flavor variation possibilities are endless!
Share your own sweet potato round creations with me on social media I love seeing your kitchen successes and creative adaptations of my recipes!
Print
Sweet Potato Rounds: Brie, Cranberry & Pecan Bliss
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 24 rounds 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Rounds are caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside topped with creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of honey for the perfect sweet-savory bite.
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
4 oz goat cheese, softened
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch rounds and arrange in a single layer.
3. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
5. Allow to cool slightly, then spread each round with a bit of goat cheese.
6. Top with toasted pecans and drizzle lightly with honey.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
💡 Tips:
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
• Try feta or cream cheese instead of goat cheese.
• Add a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-spicy combo.
• Perfect as a holiday appetizer or side dish!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rounds
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: sweet potato rounds, holiday appetizer, goat cheese bites, healthy snacks