Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry and Pecans are one of those dishes that make you feel like you really nailed it in the kitchen, even if you’re just working with a tiny space and basic tools. I remember the first time I made these—they were for a friend’s holiday gathering, and I was a little nervous about how they’d turn out. But here’s the thing: I had a hunch that sweet potatoes, creamy brie, and tart cranberry sauce would come together beautifully. Spoiler alert: they did!
When I took my first bite, I couldn’t believe how delicious they were. The crunch of the pecans, the sweetness of the potatoes, the tangy cranberry—everything just clicked. Plus, they looked gorgeous on the plate, which is always a bonus. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to whip up something impressive without spending an entire day in the kitchen. It’s healthy too, which is a nice bonus if you’re trying to eat better but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself staring into your fridge, wondering what you can make that’s both easy and delicious, these Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry and Pecans are for you. They’re a crowd-pleaser, and honestly, they taste like a little slice of fall, no matter what time of year it is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- **Quick and Easy**: Prep and cook time is around an hour, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors creates a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- **Healthy Twist**: Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, and by using dairy-free brie, you can cater to dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.
- **Budget-Friendly**: Most of these ingredients are affordable and can be found at your local grocery store, especially if you keep an eye out for sales.
- **Versatile**: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal.
Honestly, this recipe is super approachable, even for beginners. It doesn’t require any ninja-level skills—just a willingness to experiment and have fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 Large Sweet Potatoes – Make sure they’re wide enough to create a bite-sized disc that can hold toppings.
- Olive Oil Spray or Avocado Oil Spray – I like to add a light mist of oil on the potatoes while they’re cooking.
- Salt – Sprinkle a little salt on the sweet potatoes before baking.
- ¾ Cup Cranberry Sauce – You may need more or less depending on how many you make.
- ¼ Cup Pecans – Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- ½ Cup Dairy-Free Brie – I used the brand ‘Nuts 4 Cheese’ for a creamy topping.
- Now, let’s talk about substitutions. If you can’t find dairy-free brie, regular brie works just as well. And if cranberries aren’t your thing, try using a fruit chutney or even apple sauce for a different flavor profile.
Let’s Get Started
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s the perfect temperature for roasting sweet potatoes to that golden perfection we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Slice Sweet Potatoes
Slice your sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. You want them thick enough to stand up to the toppings but not so thick that they take forever to cook. If your knife skills are a bit rusty, don’t worry! Just take your time.
Step 3: Prepare Baking Sheet
Place the sweet potato slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Mist them lightly with olive oil spray and sprinkle with salt. The oil helps them crisp up nicely, and the salt brings out that sweet potato flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Rounds
Bake the sweet potato rounds for 15 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling amazing! After that, flip them over and bake for another 15 minutes until they’re golden and tender.
You might run into a little frustration here if some slices are uneven. Just keep an eye on them; the thinner ones may cook faster, so feel free to pull them out as needed.
Bringing It All Together
Step 5: Top with Cranberry and Brie
Now, it’s time to add the good stuff! Take each sweet potato round and top it with a dollop of cranberry sauce and a thin slice of brie. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Final Bake
Bake for an additional 10 minutes. You want the brie to melt and get all gooey while the cranberry warms up. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overbake; we want that lovely melty texture.
Step 7: Add Pecans and Finish Baking
Finally, add a pecan on top of each round and bake for an additional 5 minutes. The pecans will toast up beautifully and add that extra crunch we love.
Serve warm, and watch them disappear!
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry and Pecans
- **Don’t Skimp on the Salt**: A little salt can go a long way in enhancing the sweet potato flavor.
- **Experiment with Toppings**: Feel free to mix it up! Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- **Make Ahead**: You can slice the sweet potatoes and prep the toppings in advance to save time on busy days.
- **Watch Closely**: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your rounds to ensure they don’t burn.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, might be a stretch), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works, but if you want that crispy texture back, pop them in the oven for a few minutes. Just know that the pecans might lose some crunch, so add fresh ones on top if you can!
Living alone means I usually end up eating the same dish for a couple of days, and while these are delicious, I recommend sharing them with friends if you can. They taste best fresh, but I’ve made them last by getting creative with how I serve them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry and Pecans
Can I use regular brie instead of dairy-free?
Absolutely! Regular brie will work just fine if you’re not avoiding dairy.
What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
You could use a chutney, fruit preserves, or even just a tart apple sauce. Get creative!
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potato rounds and toppings ahead of time. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They should be golden and tender when pierced with a fork. If they’re still hard, give them a few more minutes.
What else can I serve with these?
They make a great appetizer, but you can also pair them with a salad for a light meal or serve them as a side dish with roasted meats.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s it! Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry and Pecans are an easy, delicious dish that’s sure to impress your friends or family—or just make your weeknight dinner a little more special. I’m already thinking about when I can whip them up again. Maybe for my next gathering, or just as a cozy snack while binge-watching my favorite show.
Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a fun experiment, and recipes like this make it even easier. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those sweet potatoes, and let’s get cooking!
Sweet Potato Bliss Bites with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans
Ingredients
- 2 Large Sweet Potatoes – Make sure they’re wide enough to create a bite-sized disc that can hold toppings.
- Olive Oil Spray or Avocado Oil Spray – I like to add a light mist of oil on the potatoes while they’re cooking.
- Salt – Sprinkle a little salt on the sweet potatoes before baking.
- ¾ Cup Cranberry Sauce – You may need more or less depending on how many you make.
- ¼ Cup Pecans
- ½ Cup Dairy-Free Brie – I used the brand ‘Nuts 4 Cheese.’
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, mist lightly with oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flip, and bake another 15 minutes until golden.
- Top each slice with a dollop of cranberry sauce and a thin slice of brie. Bake for 10 more minutes.
- Add a pecan on top of each and bake an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm.
