Tired of the same old holiday appetizers that leave your guests unimpressed? The search for that perfect festive starter that’s both impressive and easy to prepare can be frustrating. These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie are the solution you’ve been looking for – delivering elegant presentation with minimal effort. As a culinary enthusiast who has perfected appetizers for countless holiday gatherings, I’ve found this recipe to be the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and utterly delicious. In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect sweet potatoes, proper brie handling techniques, make-ahead options, and creative variations to make this appetizer uniquely yours.
Why These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie Works
● Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients even during busy holiday seasons
● Prep and assembly takes under 30 minutes for maximum hosting efficiency
● Perfect for elegant holiday gatherings or casual family celebrations
● Naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for various dietary needs
● Delivers impressive presentation with minimal cooking skills required
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Best Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe
Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes with uniform shape for consistent rounds. Orange-fleshed varieties (sometimes labeled as yams) work best for this recipe, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and structure. Choose firm potatoes without soft spots or sprouts for best results.
Cheese Selection
Brie is the star here, with its creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes. Select a wheel that feels slightly soft when gently pressed. For best flavor development, allow brie to come to room temperature before serving. If brie isn’t available, camembert or a mild goat cheese make excellent substitutions.
Garnish Options
Fresh herbs add color and flavor – rosemary, thyme, or sage are holiday classics. Consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or chopped pecans or walnuts for texture. For a tart contrast, dried cranberries work beautifully against the creamy cheese.
Ingredients & Prep for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Sweet Potato Prep Essentials
Scrub sweet potatoes thoroughly but keep skins on for structure and nutrition. Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds (uniform thickness ensures even cooking). Pat dry with paper towels before oiling to promote crispier edges.
Simple Seasoning Components
- 2-3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Pantry Essentials
High-quality olive oil enhances flavor while helping achieve golden edges. Flaky sea salt adds a professional touch when sprinkled just before serving. Fresh ground black pepper and optional garlic powder round out the flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Sweet Potato Rounds Prep
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds, keeping thickness consistent.
- In a large bowl, toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange rounds in a single layer on prepared baking sheets, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Cooking Method for Sweet Potato Rounds
- Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each round carefully with a spatula.
- Return to oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes until edges begin to crisp and centers are tender.
- Remove from oven but leave oven on.
Adding Brie to Sweet Potato Rounds
- Place a small piece of brie on top of each sweet potato round.
- Return to oven for 3-5 minutes, just until cheese begins to melt but not completely liquify.
- Check frequently as brie melts quickly!
Finishing Sweet Potato Rounds
- Remove from oven and immediately transfer to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup while still warm.
- Sprinkle with fresh rosemary and optional chopped pecans.
- Serve immediately while warm, though they’re delicious at room temperature too.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t slice sweet potatoes too thick or they won’t cook through properly
- Remove brie rind for smoother melting texture
- Watch closely during final melting – brie goes from perfectly melty to completely runoff quickly
- For make-ahead option, prepare rounds in advance and add cheese just before serving
Tool Recommendations
A mandoline slicer ensures uniform thickness for even cooking. Sharp chef’s knife works well if cutting by hand. Heavy-duty baking sheets prevent warping at high temperatures and promote even browning.
Storage & Reheating
These appetizers are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. For best results, check out my Pinterest page for visual storage tips and creative presentation ideas.
Flavor Variations for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
Sweet Options
- Drizzle with warm cinnamon-infused honey
- Top with candied pecans and a tiny pinch of cayenne for sweet-heat contrast
- Add a small dollop of fig jam beneath the brie for sophisticated sweetness
Savory Alternatives
- Sprinkle with crispy sage leaves and black pepper
- Add caramelized onions beneath the brie for depth of flavor
- Top with a small piece of roasted apple and thyme
Dietary Adaptations
For dairy-free guests, substitute with cashew-based vegan cheese. For lower-carb options, slice sweet potatoes slightly thicker and reduce cooking time. Make it a meal by serving alongside a Ultimate Green Bean Casserole for a complete holiday spread.
| Variation | Base | Cheese | Topping | Garnish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Holiday | Sweet potato | Brie | Honey drizzle | Fresh rosemary |
| Autumn Harvest | Sweet potato | Brie | Maple syrup | Toasted pecans |
| Mediterranean | Sweet potato | Brie | Balsamic glaze | Fresh thyme |
| Spiced Delight | Sweet potato | Brie | Honey | Cinnamon & cayenne |
| Festive Cranberry | Sweet potato | Brie | Cranberry sauce | Orange zest |
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie
These elegant bites pair beautifully with crisp apple cider or sparkling water with cranberry ice cubes for a festive non-alcoholic option. Serve alongside other finger foods like stuffed mushrooms or a Maple Pecan Flatbread for a varied appetizer spread.
Create a beautiful presentation by arranging rounds in concentric circles on a wooden serving board with fresh rosemary sprigs between layers. For a complete appetizer experience, consider pairing with a Caramelized Pear Flatbread to offer your guests variety in flavors and textures.
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 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the brie and do the final warming just before serving for best results.
How do I prevent my Sweet Potato Rounds from getting soggy?
Ensure your sweet potatoes are thoroughly patted dry before oiling, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and bake at a high temperature to promote crisping rather than steaming.
Can I use different cheeses for this Sweet Potato Rounds recipe?
Absolutely! While brie offers that perfect creamy melt, you can experiment with goat cheese, camembert, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
Are Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with gluten sensitivities.
How many Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie should I make per person?
For appetizers, plan on 3-4 rounds per person if serving multiple appetizers, or 5-6 per person if this is the main starter.
Conclusion
These Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie deliver everything a holiday appetizer should be – visually stunning, delicious, and simple to prepare even during the busy season. The combination of sweet potato’s earthiness with brie’s creamy richness creates an irresistible bite that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
Don’t just take my word for it – this appetizer consistently earns rave reviews from holiday gatherings. The versatility allows for endless customization to suit your taste and occasion. Whether you’re hosting an elegant soirée or contributing to a potluck, these festive bites will elevate your holiday spread without keeping you trapped in the kitchen.
Ready to impress your guests? Give these Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie a try at your next gathering and watch them disappear!
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Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie: A Festive Holiday Appetizer
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 20 rounds 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious roasted sweet potato rounds topped with creamy Brie, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of cranberries and pecans — a festive, bite-sized appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 oz Brie cheese, sliced into small pieces
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp dried cranberries, chopped
2 tbsp pecans, chopped and toasted
Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange sweet potato rounds on the sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
4. Top each warm round with a slice of Brie and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is slightly melted.
5. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey.
6. Sprinkle with cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Add a touch of balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist.
Substitute goat cheese for Brie for a tangier flavor.
Serve warm as an appetizer or side for holiday dinners or parties.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rounds
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: sweet potato appetizer, brie bites, holiday appetizer, festive finger food