Elegant Holiday Sweet Potato Rounds

This sweet potato rounds appetizer has become my signature holiday contribution ever since I first served it at our family Thanksgiving gathering three years ago. The combination of creamy brie, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans atop perfectly roasted sweet potato creates an impressive yet surprisingly simple bite that always disappears quickly.

I originally created these when looking for an alternative to traditional crackers for a cheese board. The roasted sweet potato rounds proved to be not only more flavorful but turned a simple appetizer into something guests still talk about years later.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes Choose firm ones with smooth skin for the most consistent rounds
• Olive oil Helps create a crisp exterior on the sweet potato rounds
• Salt and pepper Always use freshly ground for the best flavor profile
• Brie cheese Look for a wheel that yields slightly to pressure for optimal meltability
• Cranberry sauce The tanginess balances the sweet potato and rich cheese perfectly
• Chopped pecans Toast them lightly beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor
• Fresh thyme or rosemary Adds an aromatic quality that elevates the entire appetizer
• Honey or maple syrup Optional but adds a beautiful finishing touch and extra complexity

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Allow at least 10 minutes for your oven to fully reach temperature before adding the sweet potatoes.

Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Peel your sweet potatoes completely and slice into half inch rounds using a sharp knife. Try to make the slices as uniform as possible so they cook evenly. Toss them thoroughly in olive oil ensuring each piece is coated on both sides. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Roast to Perfection

Arrange the rounds in a single layer on your baking sheet giving each piece space to roast properly. Bake for about 20 minutes then flip each round carefully with a spatula. Continue roasting for another 5 minutes until the edges begin to caramelize and the centers are fork tender.

Add Cheese

Remove the tray from the oven and quickly place a small slice of brie on each round. The residual heat will begin melting the cheese immediately. Return to the oven for just 3 to 5 minutes until the brie becomes soft and creamy but not completely melted away.

Apply Toppings

While still warm top each round with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce spreading it slightly over the melted brie. Immediately sprinkle with the toasted chopped pecans allowing them to slightly adhere to the warm components below.

Final Garnish

Just before serving add a few small leaves of fresh thyme or a light drizzle of honey across the tops. This finishing touch adds both visual appeal and a final layer of complementary flavor that brings everything together beautifully.

Bookmark

The first time I served these at our annual holiday cocktail party they created such a sensation that several guests asked for the recipe before leaving. What I love most about this appetizer is how the sweet potato provides a substantial base that holds up to the toppings while adding its own natural sweetness to the flavor profile.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can roast the sweet potato rounds up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes before adding the cheese and proceeding with the remaining steps. This makes holiday entertaining much more manageable when preparing multiple dishes.

Perfect Substitutions

If brie isn't available or to your taste goat cheese makes an excellent alternative offering a tangier flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the sweet potato and cranberry. For a dairy free version consider a cashew based cheese spread or simply omit and increase the cranberry sauce slightly.

The cranberry sauce can be swapped for fig jam pomegranate molasses or even a spicy pepper jelly for a surprising twist on the flavor profile. Each variation creates an entirely new appetizer experience while maintaining the same elegant presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these rounds on a large wooden board or slate platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and perhaps some additional whole cranberries for a stunning visual presentation. They pair beautifully with sparkling wine champagne or a light pinot noir.

For a complete appetizer spread serve alongside some marcona almonds a small bowl of olives and perhaps some thinly sliced prosciutto for guests who enjoy meat options. The sweet potato rounds become the centerpiece of an elegant and satisfying starter course.

Your Questions Answered About This Recipe

→ Can I make these sweet potato rounds ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the sweet potato rounds up to 24 hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes until warm, then add the brie, cranberry sauce, and pecans as directed.

→ What can I substitute for brie cheese?

Goat cheese, camembert, or even cream cheese make excellent substitutes for brie. Each will provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture that pairs so well with the sweet potato and cranberry.

→ How do I know when the sweet potato rounds are perfectly roasted?

The sweet potato rounds should be fork-tender and lightly browned at the edges. They need to be cooked enough to be easily eaten but firm enough to hold the toppings. If they're too soft, they'll fall apart when picked up.

→ Can I use canned cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Both jellied and whole berry canned cranberry sauce work well. For a more homemade flavor, you can dress up canned sauce by adding orange zest, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or some chopped rosemary.

→ How should I serve these sweet potato appetizers?

These are best served warm or at room temperature on a platter garnished with fresh herbs. They can be eaten with fingers as a pick-up appetizer, though providing small plates and forks gives guests options for more elegant dining.

→ Are these sweet potato rounds gluten-free?

Yes, these sweet potato rounds are naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to check your cranberry sauce if using store-bought, as some specialty varieties might contain gluten-containing additives.