Tired of the same old boring side dishes that disappear into the background of your meal? These Maple Pecan & Brie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are about to become the star of your fall dining table! Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes loaded with creamy brie cheese, crunchy maple-glazed pecans, and a touch of cinnamon create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
As a seasonal recipe developer who’s tested over 50 sweet potato recipes, I’ve refined this dish to highlight the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The natural sweetness of the potatoes paired with the richness of brie creates an irresistible combination that works equally well for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
In this recipe guide, you’ll discover how to select the perfect sweet potatoes, prep shortcuts to save time, foolproof cooking methods, and creative serving suggestions that will elevate your fall feast to restaurant-quality status.
Why These Maple Pecan & Brie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Work
- Uses affordable, seasonal ingredients available at any grocery store
- Can be prepped ahead and finished just before serving
- Offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy and crunchy
- Works as a versatile side dish or vegetarian main course
- Impresses guests while requiring minimal cooking skills
Choosing the Perfect Sweet Potatoes for Stuffing
Best Varieties for This Recipe
For Maple Pecan & Brie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, look for medium-sized Jewel or Garnet sweet potatoes. These varieties have a moderately sweet flavor and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the rich brie. Their consistent shape also makes for even cooking and attractive presentation.
Shopping Tips
When selecting sweet potatoes, look for firm specimens with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid any with soft spots, wrinkles, or sprouts. Medium-sized potatoes (about 8-10 ounces each) work best for individual servings and cook more evenly than very large ones.
Substitutions
If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you can substitute small butternut squash halves (seeds removed) or even large russet potatoes, though you’ll lose some of the signature sweetness that makes this dish special.
Ingredients & Prep for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Preparation Essentials
Before roasting, scrub sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water using a vegetable brush. Pat dry, then pierce each potato 5-6 times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. A light coating of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before roasting will help create a deliciously crispy skin.
Key Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 8-10 oz each)
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Optional: 2 tbsp dried cranberries
Pantry Staples
Olive oil for roasting, sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for those who enjoy a slight heat contrast with the sweetness.
Looking for more creative appetizer ideas? Check out my Three Cheese Tomato Bruschetta Dip that pairs perfectly with these sweet potatoes for a complete entertaining menu!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Pre-Cooking Sweet Potato Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- After washing and drying the sweet potatoes, rub them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack with a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.
Cooking Method for Sweet Potatoes
- Roast the sweet potatoes for 45-55 minutes until they’re completely tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes roast, prepare the maple pecan topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the chopped pecans.
- Toast the pecans for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Pour in the maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Stuffing and Finishing Sweet Potatoes
- When sweet potatoes are done, remove from oven but leave the oven on.
- Carefully slice each potato lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Gently push the ends toward the center to create an opening.
- Use a fork to slightly fluff the insides of each potato.
- Stuff each potato with cubes of brie, dividing evenly among all potatoes.
- Spoon the maple pecan mixture over the stuffed potatoes.
- Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, until the brie is melty and gooey.
Resting and Serving Sweet Potatoes
Let the stuffed sweet potatoes rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly and prevents burnt mouths from the molten cheese! Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and, if using, dried cranberries.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Avoiding Common Sweet Potato Mistakes
- Don’t rush the initial roasting process. Undercooked sweet potatoes won’t have that luscious creamy texture that makes this dish special.
- Keep the brie cold until just before cubing and stuffing to make it easier to handle.
- If your sweet potatoes are taking too long to cook, you can microwave them for 4-5 minutes before finishing in the oven to speed things up.
Tool Recommendations
A sharp chef’s knife makes slicing the roasted sweet potatoes much easier. Silicone-tipped tongs are perfect for handling the hot potatoes, and a small offset spatula helps with stuffing without burning your fingers.
Storage & Reheating Sweet Potatoes
These stuffed sweet potatoes can be made up to the stuffing point and refrigerated for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The pecan topping can be stored separately in an airtight container and added just before the final heating.
If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy my Thai Basil Beef Mince Spring Rolls for another impressive entertaining option!
Flavor Variations for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Spicy Sweet Potato Twist
Add a kick to your Maple Pecan & Brie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by incorporating 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of finely diced jalapeño to the maple pecan mixture. The heat contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the maple and the richness of the brie.
Dietary Adaptations
| Dietary Need | Adaptation | Flavor Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | Replace brie with cashew cheese and use coconut oil instead of butter | Slightly nuttier profile with similar creaminess |
| Gluten-Free | Already naturally gluten-free! No changes needed | Original flavor preserved |
| Dairy-Free | Substitute brie with dairy-free cheese alternative | May be slightly less rich but still delicious |
| Nut-Free | Replace pecans with pepitas or sunflower seeds | More subtle crunch with earthy flavor |
Global Flavor Inspirations
Transform this dish with international flair by trying these variations:
- Mediterranean: Swap the brie for feta and add olives and oregano
- Asian-Inspired: Use honey instead of maple syrup and add a touch of five-spice powder and sesame seeds
- Mexican: Top with cotija cheese, pepitas, and a sprinkle of chili powder
Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These Maple Pecan & Brie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes shine alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and bright citrus cut through the richness of the dish perfectly.
For protein pairings, try serving alongside a roast chicken or grilled tempeh for vegetarians. For a complete fall-themed dinner, pair with roasted Brussels sprouts and a glass of Gewürztraminer or hard apple cider.
For entertaining, set up a sweet potato bar with different toppings and let guests customize their own! For more impressive entertaining ideas, check out my Burrata and Oven-Roasted Tomato Salad that complements these sweet potatoes beautifully.
Need more visual inspiration? Browse my Pinterest collection where I’ve gathered stunning presentation ideas for sweet potato dishes that will elevate your table styling instantly!
FAQs About Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Can I prepare these sweet potatoes in advance?
Absolutely! You can roast the sweet potatoes up to 2 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, then proceed with the stuffing and final heating.
How do I know when my sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked?
A perfectly roasted sweet potato will yield easily to a fork inserted into the thickest part. The skin should be slightly wrinkled, and you might see some caramelized sugar that has seeped out during roasting.
Can I freeze these stuffed sweet potatoes?
While you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes alone, I don’t recommend freezing them after adding the brie and maple pecan topping as the texture will suffer. Instead, freeze the plain roasted potatoes, then thaw and add fresh toppings before serving.
Conclusion
These Maple Pecan & Brie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes represent fall comfort food at its finest. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, melty brie, and crunchy maple-glazed pecans creates a memorable dish that balances sophisticated flavor with simple preparation.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or planning your holiday menu, this versatile recipe deserves a starring role. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your unique take on this fall favorite! And remember, sweet potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving—this dish is a worthy addition to your regular rotation all season long.
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Maple Pecan & Brie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Festive Fall Feast!
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, caramelized sweet potatoes stuffed with creamy Brie, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup — a festive, melt-in-your-mouth fall dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients
4 medium sweet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash and dry sweet potatoes, then pierce each several times with a fork.
3. Rub with olive oil, sprinkle lightly with salt, and bake for 45–50 minutes until tender.
4. Remove from oven and carefully slice each potato open lengthwise.
5. Fluff the insides gently with a fork, then add slices of Brie to each hot potato so it begins to melt.
6. Drizzle with melted butter and maple syrup, then top with toasted pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary and serve warm.
Notes
For extra indulgence, add a few dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
Swap Brie for goat cheese or camembert for a different flavor twist.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any cozy fall dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: stuffed sweet potatoes, maple pecan brie, fall side dish, festive sweet potatoes