Tired of the same old side dishes that leave your dinner guests unimpressed? This Layered Pear, Sweet Potato & Brie Bake transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping comfort dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. The combination of sweet, earthy, and creamy flavors creates a harmony that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and this layered bake came to life during one autumn dinner party when I wanted something special that wouldn’t keep me trapped in the kitchen. The magic happens as the pears caramelize, sweet potatoes become tender, and the brie melts into a decadent blanket over everything. As someone who believes food should bring people together, I’ve perfected this dish through countless family gatherings.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect ingredients, prep techniques that maximize flavor, and serving suggestions that elevate this dish from a side to the star of your table. Plus, I’ll share my pro tips for make-ahead options perfect for busy hosts.
Why This Layered Pear Sweet Potato & Brie Bake Works
● Uses seasonal ingredients that are affordable and readily available
● Prep can be done hours ahead for stress-free entertaining
● Versatile enough for everyday dinners or holiday celebrations
● Balances sweet and savory elements perfectly
● Creates a stunning presentation with minimal effort
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Layered Pear Sweet Potato & Brie Bake
Best Pear Varieties for Baking
Firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape beautifully during baking, while maintaining just enough juiciness. Look for pears that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t too soft, as they’ll continue to soften during baking.
Sweet Potato Selection
Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with firm, smooth skin and deep orange flesh. These indicate higher sugar content and better flavor. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkled skin.
Brie Considerations
A wheel of young brie (8-12 oz) works best for this recipe it’s creamy without being runny. Remove from refrigeration 20 minutes before using for optimal melting properties.
Ingredients & Prep for Layered Pear Sweet Potato & Brie Bake
Essential Components
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 firm pears, cored and thinly sliced
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Seasoning Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Preparation Essentials
Slice sweet potatoes and pears to equal thickness (about ⅛ inch) using a mandoline if available. This ensures even cooking and creates beautiful layers in the final dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Layered Pear Sweet Potato & Brie Bake
Pre-Cooking Prep for Layered Pear Sweet Potato Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and nutmeg
- Toss sweet potato slices in half of the seasoning mixture until evenly coated
Assembling Your Layered Pear Sweet Potato Bake
- Arrange half the sweet potato slices in overlapping rows in the baking dish
- Layer half the pear slices over the sweet potatoes
- Place half the brie slices scattered throughout
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and sprinkle with thyme
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients
- Cover with foil
Baking Your Layered Pear Sweet Potato Dish
- Bake covered for 30 minutes
- Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until top is golden and sweet potatoes are tender
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving
Checking for Doneness in Your Layered Bake
Insert a knife into the center it should slide through the sweet potato layers with minimal resistance. The top should be golden brown with bubbling cheese and the pears should be tender but not mushy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Layered Pear Sweet Potato & Brie Bake
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Slice ingredients to consistent thickness for even cooking
- Don’t skimp on the resting time this allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier
- If top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil while continuing to bake
Tools That Make a Difference
- Mandoline slicer for uniform sweet potato and pear slices
- Ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution
- Offset spatula for clean serving
Make-Ahead Options
Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Check out my Pinterest page for beautiful food photography and collection ideas: GusRecipes on Pinterest. My autumn comfort food board is perfect if you’re loving this sweet potato and pear combination!
Flavor Variations for Layered Pear Sweet Potato & Brie Bake
Herb Infusions
- Swap thyme for sage or tarragon for a different aromatic profile
- Add a bay leaf to the baking dish for subtle depth (remove before serving)
Cheese Alternatives
- Try Camembert for a stronger flavor
- Goat cheese crumbles create a tangy contrast to the sweet elements
Sweetness Adjustments
- Replace maple syrup with honey or brown sugar
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom for warm spice notes
| Variation | Main Substitution | Additional Ingredients | Best Served With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Harvest | Add thinly sliced apples | Cinnamon, walnuts | Roasted turkey |
| Savory Focus | Use Gruyere instead of Brie | Caramelized onions, sage | Grilled chicken |
| Holiday Special | Add cranberries | Orange zest, pecans | Baked ham |
| Mediterranean | Use feta instead of Brie | Oregano, pine nuts | Lamb chops |
Serving Suggestions for Layered Pear Sweet Potato & Brie Bake
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a light main course
- Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a complete meal
- For brunch, top with a poached egg for added richness
- Garnish with toasted walnuts or pecans for textural contrast
For an elegant presentation, serve directly from the baking dish at the table. The visual impact of the layers adds to the dining experience.
FAQs About Layered Pear Sweet Potato & Brie Bake
Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
A: Yes! Replace the brie with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Several cashew-based options work beautifully.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes).
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While possible, the texture of the pears and cheese may change upon thawing. If freezing, do so before baking, then thaw completely before cooking.
Q: My sweet potatoes aren’t cooking evenly. What went wrong?
A: Uneven slicing is typically the culprit. Try using a mandoline for consistent thickness, or parboil thicker sweet potato slices for 3-4 minutes before assembling.
Conclusion
This Layered Pear, Sweet Potato & Brie Bake transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels special enough for celebrations yet easy enough for weeknight comfort food. The combination of sweet, earthy, and creamy elements creates perfect harmony on your plate.
I’d love to see your creation! Tag @GusRecipes on social media when you make this dish. Join thousands of home cooks who’ve added this versatile bake to their regular rotation of favorites.
Ready for more delicious ideas? Explore my other comforting recipes that bring warmth to your table all season long!
Print
Layered Pear, Sweet Potato & Brie Bake: Ultimate Comfort Dish!
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A stunning layered bake featuring tender sweet potatoes, juicy pears, creamy Brie, and a golden maple-pecan topping the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and rich textures for your holiday table.
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
8 oz Brie cheese, sliced (rind on or off)
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Layer half of the sweet potato slices on the bottom of the dish.
3. Top with half of the pear slices and half of the Brie.
4. Repeat with remaining sweet potatoes, pears, and Brie.
5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, maple syrup, chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Spoon the mixture evenly over the top layer.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the topping is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme and drizzle with a little extra maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Substitute Brie with Camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor.
Add thinly sliced onions or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra depth.
This bake pairs beautifully with roast meats or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pear and sweet potato bake, brie casserole, maple pecan topping, holiday side dish, layered vegetable bake