Tired of the same old appetizers that take forever to prepare but disappear in seconds? Say hello to these irresistible Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie and Cranberry! In just 15 minutes, you can create an elegant, flavor-packed appetizer that will have your guests thinking you spent hours in the kitchen.
This sweet potato rounds recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory and sweet with creamy brie melting into roasted sweet potato coins, topped with tart cranberry sauce and finished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
In this guide, you’ll discover why this recipe works so brilliantly, how to select perfect sweet potatoes, simple preparation steps, and creative variations to make this appetizer your own signature dish.
Why These Sweet Potato Rounds Work Magic
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients available year-round
- Roasts in just 15 minutes for maximum flavor development
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, casual get-togethers, or elegant dinner parties
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly
- Balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one perfect bite
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Your Rounds
Best Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe
For the perfect sweet potato rounds, look for medium-sized sweet potatoes with uniform width throughout—this ensures your rounds cook evenly. Orange-fleshed varieties like Jewel or Garnet sweet potatoes offer the ideal sweetness that pairs beautifully with the brie and cranberry.
Buying Tips
Choose firm sweet potatoes without soft spots or wrinkles. The skin should be smooth and relatively unblemished for the most attractive rounds. Medium-sized potatoes (about 2-3 inches in diameter) work best for creating the perfect appetizer-sized rounds.
Substitutions
If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you can substitute regular potatoes for a different but still delicious flavor profile. For a lower-carb option, thick-cut rounds of zucchini can work, though they’ll need less cooking time.
Sweet Potato Rounds: Ingredients & Prep
Sweet Potato Prep Essentials
Scrub sweet potatoes thoroughly—no need to peel them as the skin adds texture and nutrition. Slice into ½-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform thickness, which ensures even cooking.
Toppings for Sweet Potato Rounds
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
Pantry Staples
Olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and a touch of honey if you want to enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Rounds Cooking 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 rounds and place them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Sweet Potato Rounds Cooking Method
- Roast sweet potato rounds for 10 minutes on the first side.
- Flip each round carefully using a spatula.
- Continue roasting for another 5 minutes until fork-tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Topping Sweet Potato Rounds
- Remove the tray from the oven and top each round with a slice of brie.
- Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the brie begins to melt.
- Remove from oven and immediately top each round with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Finishing Sweet Potato Rounds
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over each round while still warm.
- If using nuts, add them now for a delightful crunch.
- Let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds
Avoiding Soggy Sweet Potato Rounds
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—leave space between each round for proper heat circulation.
- Pat sweet potatoes dry after washing to remove excess moisture.
- For extra crispiness, place rounds on a wire rack over the baking sheet.
Tool Recommendations
A sharp chef’s knife or mandoline slicer creates uniform rounds. A high-quality baking sheet conducts heat evenly, while parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Storage & Reheating Sweet Potato Rounds
These are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. If you want more inspirational ideas, check out my Pinterest collection for creative appetizer variations that will impress your guests!
Sweet Potato Rounds Flavor Variations
Sweet & Spicy Twist
Add a drizzle of hot honey or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to balance the sweetness with heat. Substitute pepper jack cheese for brie for an extra kick.
Mediterranean Variation
Top sweet potato rounds with goat cheese instead of brie, and replace cranberry sauce with olive tapenade or sun-dried tomato spread. Finish with fresh basil instead of thyme.
Fall Harvest Flavor
Replace cranberry sauce with apple butter and brie with sharp cheddar. Sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped rosemary for an autumnal twist.
| Variation | Cheese Option | Sauce/Spread | Herbs/Toppings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Brie | Cranberry sauce | Fresh thyme |
| Mediterranean | Goat cheese | Olive tapenade | Fresh basil |
| Fall Harvest | Sharp cheddar | Apple butter | Rosemary & cinnamon |
| Savory | Blue cheese | Fig jam | Crispy prosciutto & honey |
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Rounds
- Arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs for a stunning presentation.
- Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling Prosecco to complement the sweet-savory balance.
- Serve alongside other finger foods like BBQ recipes for a complete appetizer spread.
- For a meal, pair with a light salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sweet potato rounds.
Sweet Potato Rounds FAQs
Can I make these sweet potato rounds ahead of time?
You can roast the sweet potato rounds up to 24 hours in advance, but add the toppings just before serving for best results. Reheat the pre-roasted rounds at 350°F for 5 minutes before adding brie and proceeding with the recipe.
How thick should I slice the sweet potatoes?
Aim for ½-inch thickness. Too thin, and they’ll burn; too thick, and they won’t cook through in 15 minutes. Uniform slicing ensures even cooking.
Can I use different cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! Goat cheese, camembert, or even blue cheese work beautifully. Each cheese will bring a different flavor profile to complement the sweet potatoes and cranberry.
Conclusion
These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie and Cranberry are more than just an appetizer—they’re a show-stopping blend of flavors and textures that come together in just 15 minutes. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes creates the perfect canvas for creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce, while fresh thyme adds an aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
Give this recipe a try at your next gathering, or simply make it as a special treat for yourself! With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these sweet potato rounds are bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. For more delicious and quick recipes, visit Bikren.com and discover a world of culinary inspiration!
Ready to share your creation with others? Tag your photos with #SweetPotatoRounds and inspire others to try this magical appetizer that proves elegant food doesn’t have to be complicated!
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Sweet Potato Rounds: Brie Cranberry Magic in 15 Mins!
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 20 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie and Cranberry are pure holiday magic — crispy, caramelized sweet potatoes topped with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a hint of thyme. The perfect festive appetizer ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 oz brie cheese, sliced
1/3 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary leaves
Optional: chopped pecans or drizzle of honey for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Remove from the oven and top each round with a slice of brie.
5. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the brie softens and begins to melt.
6. Top each round with a dollop of cranberry sauce.
7. Finish with fresh thyme and, if desired, chopped pecans or a drizzle of honey.
8. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Notes
Use goat cheese for a tangier variation.
These bites are perfect for holiday parties, charcuterie boards, or festive dinners.
To save time, pre-roast the sweet potatoes and assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: sweet potato rounds, brie cranberry bites, holiday appetizer, easy festive snacks