Tired of serving the same predictable appetizers at your holiday gatherings? Looking for something that wows guests without keeping you trapped in the kitchen? Sweet potato rounds with brie might just be your new holiday hero.
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook, and this sweet potato rounds with brie appetizer has become my signature holiday dish. It all started three years ago when I was hosting my first Thanksgiving as a newlywed. I wanted something elegant yet approachable that would keep guests happy while I finished the main courses. These sweet potato rounds with creamy brie were such a hit that my brother-in-law actually requested them instead of birthday cake the following month!
In this recipe, I’ll share my secrets for perfectly crispy sweet potato rounds topped with melty brie and festive garnishes. You’ll discover my prep shortcuts, make-ahead tips, and creative variations that have made this the most requested appetizer in my recipe collection.
Why These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie Work
- Uses affordable, seasonal ingredients that elevate everyday sweet potatoes
- Prep in advance and bake just before guests arrive for maximum wow-factor
- Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for different dietary needs
- Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy textures
- Makes a stunning presentation with minimal effort
- Can be served as finger food or plated appetizers
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Brie Rounds
Best Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe
Medium-sized sweet potatoes with uniform width work best for these rounds with brie. Look for Garnet or Jewel varieties which have a rich orange flesh and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy brie cheese.
Buying Tips
Select firm sweet potatoes without soft spots or wrinkles. The more consistent the diameter, the more uniform your rounds will be, creating that perfect appetizer presentation when topped with brie.
Substitutions
Can’t find sweet potatoes? Regular potatoes work too, though they’ll have a different flavor profile. For a twist, try Japanese purple sweet potatoes or even thick-cut butternut squash rounds.
Ingredients & Prep for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Sweet Potato Rounds Essentials
Thoroughly wash sweet potatoes but leave the skins on for extra nutrition and texture. Slice them into ½-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for consistency, which ensures they’ll cook evenly before the brie is added.
Toppings for Sweet Potato Rounds
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
Pantry Staples
High-quality olive oil, flaky sea salt, and fresh herbs elevate these simple ingredients. For maximum flavor, toast your nuts before chopping and use fresh herbs rather than dried.
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board filled with festive appetizers and party-perfect bites that pair beautifully with these sweet potato rounds!
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie Instructions
Pre-Cooking Sweet Potato Rounds Prep
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds (no need to peel).
- Toss rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Arrange in a single layer on baking sheets, avoiding overcrowding.
Cooking Method for Sweet Potato Rounds
- Bake sweet potato rounds for 15 minutes, then flip each round.
- Bake for another 10 minutes until edges begin to crisp and centers are tender.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
Adding Brie to Sweet Potato Rounds
- Place a small slice of brie on each sweet potato round.
- Return to oven for 3-5 minutes, just until cheese melts but doesn’t completely run off.
- Remove and immediately add toppings while cheese is still warm.
Finishing Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Let the rounds cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. This allows the melty brie to set slightly, making them easier to pick up and enjoy.
If you love easy, impressive appetizers like these sweet potato rounds with brie, you’ll definitely want to try my Lazy Day Creamy Chicken and Rice for your main course!
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Avoiding Soggy Sweet Potato Rounds
- Don’t slice rounds too thin, or they’ll burn before becoming crispy
- Pat sweet potatoes dry before tossing with oil
- Use parchment paper (not foil) to prevent sticking
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – leave space between each round
Tool Recommendations
An even-thickness mandoline slicer creates perfectly uniform sweet potato rounds, but a sharp chef’s knife works well too. Use a small offset spatula for easy flipping and serving.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Pre-bake sweet potato rounds up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes, then add brie and continue with the recipe. Fully assembled rounds are best enjoyed immediately.
Flavor Variations for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Sweet Variations
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon
- Top with a small spoonful of fig jam or apple butter
- Add dried cranberries and chopped pistachios for holiday color
Savory Variations
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme and a tiny drizzle of truffle honey
- Top with caramelized onions and fresh cracked pepper
- Add a small piece of crispy sage leaf and prosciutto crumbles
Dietary Adaptations
Replace brie with dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegan guests. For those avoiding dairy altogether, try topping sweet potato rounds with avocado slices and toasted pumpkin seeds.
| Topping Combination | Flavor Profile | Best Served With |
|---|---|---|
| Brie + Honey + Rosemary | Sweet & Herbal | Champagne or Prosecco |
| Brie + Candied Pecans + Cranberries | Holiday Classic | Mulled Wine or Cider |
| Brie + Caramelized Onions + Thyme | Rich & Savory | Red Wine or Craft Beer |
| Brie + Fig Jam + Walnuts | Elegant Sweet | White Wine or Sparkling Water |
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
- Arrange on a wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs for a rustic holiday presentation
- Serve alongside a charcuterie board as part of a grazing table
- Pair with dry sparkling wine or crisp apple cider
- Include a small dish of warm honey for guests to drizzle additional sweetness
For a complete holiday menu, consider serving these sweet potato rounds with brie as a starter, followed by my Cheesy Beefy Rolls for a crowd-pleasing main dish.
FAQs About Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Can I make sweet potato rounds with brie ahead of time?
You can prepare the sweet potato rounds up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Add the brie and reheat just before serving for the best melty cheese experience.
What can I substitute for brie?
Camembert works beautifully, as does goat cheese or even cream cheese. For a sharper flavor, try blue cheese or aged cheddar.
How do I keep sweet potato rounds crispy?
Make sure to slice them evenly at ½-inch thickness, use enough oil, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. A higher initial baking temperature (425°F) helps develop crispiness before adding the brie.
Can sweet potato rounds with brie be frozen?
I don’t recommend freezing the assembled appetizer, but you can freeze the pre-baked sweet potato rounds, then thaw, reheat, and add fresh brie when ready to serve.
If you’re looking for more impressive yet easy recipes like these sweet potato rounds with brie, check out my Mouthwatering Garlic Salmon Pasta that comes together in just 20 minutes!
Conclusion
Sweet potato rounds with brie are the holiday appetizer that truly has it all – easy preparation, impressive presentation, and crowd-pleasing flavor. The contrast between the crispy-edged sweet potatoes and the creamy, melted brie creates an irresistible bite that guests will remember long after the holiday season ends.
I’d love to see how your sweet potato rounds with brie turn out! Share your creations on social media and tag Bikren Cook – join our community of over 10,000 home cooks who’ve made this their go-to holiday appetizer. And don’t forget to save this recipe for your next gathering!
What holiday appetizer will you be pairing with these sweet potato rounds? Drop a comment below with your menu plans!