Tired of the same old appetizers that leave your guests reaching for water? Sweet potato rounds topped with creamy brie and tart cranberries deliver the perfect harmony of flavors that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. These delightful bites offer a sophisticated yet approachable appetizer that balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes in every perfectly portioned round.
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook. My journey with sweet potato rounds began during a holiday gathering when I needed something special yet simple to serve. The combination of roasted sweet potato with creamy brie and tart cranberries created such magic that it’s now requested at every family celebration. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless test batches, ensuring the sweet potatoes achieve that perfect texture—crisp edges with a tender center that supports the luxurious toppings.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect sweet potatoes, preparing them for optimal crispiness, balancing the complementary flavors, and presenting them beautifully for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, need an elegant appetizer, or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these sweet potato rounds will become your new go-to recipe.
Why These Sweet Potato Rounds With Brie & Cranberry Work
- Simple ingredients that create complex flavors – just sweet potatoes, brie, and cranberry sauce create a symphony of taste
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare components in advance for quick assembly
- Naturally gluten-free – perfect for accommodating dietary restrictions
- Versatile for any occasion – elegant enough for holidays, simple enough for weeknight enjoyment
- Balanced nutrition – combines healthy carbs with protein and antioxidants
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Brie & Cranberry Rounds
Best Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe
Garnet or Jewel sweet potatoes offer the ideal balance of sweetness and structure for these rounds. Look for medium-sized potatoes with uniform width—about 2-3 inches in diameter—to create consistent rounds that cook evenly and look appealing on your serving platter.
Buying Tips
Select firm sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid any with soft spots, wrinkles, or sprouts. The deeper orange the flesh, the sweeter and more nutrient-dense your rounds will be. For an even more interesting presentation, consider Japanese purple sweet potatoes for striking color contrast with the white brie and red cranberries.
Substitutions
While traditional orange sweet potatoes are ideal, white sweet potatoes or even large carrots cut on the diagonal can work in a pinch. If you’re looking for a decadent dessert option instead, sweet potatoes also pair beautifully with dessert applications.
Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie & Cranberry Ingredients & Prep
Sweet Potato Prep Essentials
Scrub sweet potatoes thoroughly but leave the skin on for added nutrition and structure. Slice them into ½-inch rounds for the perfect balance between crispy edges and tender centers. For best results, pat the rounds dry with paper towels before roasting to remove excess moisture.
Toppings & Seasonings
Sweet Potato Rounds Base
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Creamy Brie Layer
- 6 oz brie cheese, rind removed and thinly sliced
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey for drizzling
Cranberry Topping
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Garnish Options
Fresh thyme leaves, chopped pecans, or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate the presentation and add textural contrast. For more sweet options that would complement these, check out these irresistible lemon shortbread cookies.
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie & Cranberry Instructions
Pre-Cooking Sweet Potato Rounds Prep
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, toss the rounds with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange the rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Cooking Method for Sweet Potato Rounds
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Carefully flip each round and continue roasting for another 10-12 minutes until the edges begin to crisp and the centers are fork-tender.
- Remove from the oven but keep the oven on.
Adding Brie & Cranberry to Sweet Potato Rounds
- Place a small slice of brie on each sweet potato round.
- Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the brie begins to melt.
- Remove and immediately top each round with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Finishing Sweet Potato Rounds
Allow the rounds to cool slightly for 3-5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs, nuts, or a drizzle of honey. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld while making the rounds easier to handle.
Looking for recipe inspiration? Check out my Pinterest page for more delicious appetizer ideas that will impress your guests!
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie & Cranberry
Avoiding Soggy Sweet Potato Rounds
- Pat sweet potatoes thoroughly dry before roasting
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—leave space between rounds for air circulation
- Use a wire rack over your baking sheet for maximum crispness
- If making ahead, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before adding toppings
Tool Recommendations for Sweet Potato Rounds
- Sharp chef’s knife or mandoline for even slices
- Heavy-duty baking sheets that won’t warp
- Silicone spatula for gentle flipping without breaking rounds
- Small cheese plane for perfect brie slices
Storage & Reheating Sweet Potato Rounds
Store assembled rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results when reheating, place in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. The microwave will work in a pinch but may make the rounds softer.
Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie & Cranberry Flavor Variations
Herb & Spice Twists
- Cinnamon-Maple: Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon to sweet potatoes before roasting and drizzle with real maple syrup after adding brie
- Rosemary-Garlic: Increase garlic powder to ½ teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary to the olive oil mixture
- Smoky-Sweet: Add ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika to sweet potatoes before roasting
Dietary Adaptations
For dairy-free guests, replace brie with a cultured cashew cheese or creamy dairy-free spread. The sweet potato base is naturally gluten-free, making these rounds perfect for mixed dietary needs at gatherings.
Global Flavor Inspirations
| Variation | Sweet Potato Seasoning | Cheese Option | Topping | Garnish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Oregano & lemon zest | Feta | Olive tapenade | Fresh mint |
| Mexican | Cumin & chili powder | Queso fresco | Pico de gallo | Cilantro |
| Asian Fusion | Five spice powder | Skipped | Mango chutney | Green onion |
| French | Herbs de Provence | Triple cream brie | Fig jam | Fresh thyme |
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie & Cranberry
These versatile rounds work beautifully as part of a larger grazing board with nuts, fruits, and additional sweet treats. For a more substantial appetizer spread, pair them with:
- A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Toasted walnuts or pecans with honey
- Sparkling water with cranberry juice and rosemary sprigs for a non-alcoholic option
- Sparkling rosé or Prosecco for an elegant pairing
FAQs About Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie & Cranberry
Can I make sweet potato rounds ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the sweet potato rounds up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before adding the brie and cranberry topping.
How do I keep sweet potato rounds from getting soggy?
Make sure to slice them evenly at ½-inch thickness, pat them dry before roasting, and use a hot oven (425°F). For extra crispness, place them on a wire rack while baking.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce for sweet potato rounds?
Absolutely! Both homemade and canned cranberry sauce work well. For canned, I recommend whole berry sauce rather than jellied for better texture. Mix in some orange zest and chopped herbs to elevate the flavor.
How do I serve sweet potato rounds at a party?
They’re best served slightly warm or at room temperature. If preparing for a party, you can fully assemble them up to 2 hours before serving and keep at room temperature. For longer periods, refrigerate and gently rewarm before serving.
Conclusion
Sweet potato rounds topped with creamy brie and tart cranberries create a perfect harmony of flavors that will elevate any gathering. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes provides an ideal canvas for the rich, melty cheese and bright cranberry topping. Best of all, they’re simple to make but impressive to serve.
I’d love to see your creations! Tag @bikrenfood on social media when you make these sweet potato rounds, and join the thousands of home cooks who’ve made this recipe a staple in their entertaining repertoire. And remember, cooking is about bringing joy to those around your table—these bite-sized delights are sure to do just that.
For your next culinary adventure, why not try my recipe for herb-crusted rack of lamb? It’s another crowd-pleaser that’s easier than you might think!