Sweet Potato Brie Bites: The Ultimate Festive Appetizer

Sweet Potato Brie Bites are the kind of holiday appetizer that disappears in minutes and for good reason. The sweet-savory combo of roasted sweet potato, melty Brie, tart cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey hits every cozy, festive note. They’re elegant enough for a holiday spread but simple enough for a casual gathering. No pastry. No stress. Just warm, creamy, crunchy perfection in every bite. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels homemade and a little special, this one’s it. Let’s break it down step by step.

Why Love Sweet Potato Brie Bites

• Elegant yet easy: They look impressive but require minimal prep.
• Flavor-packed: Sweet, creamy, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite.
• Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or intimate dinners.
• Naturally gluten-free: No pastry or bread needed.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different toppings or dietary swaps.
• No fancy tools required: Just a baking sheet and an oven.
• Make-ahead friendly: Roast the potatoes ahead and assemble when needed.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Sweet Potato Brie Bites:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 450 g), sliced into ½-inch (1.25 cm) rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 oz (115 g) Brie cheese, sliced
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries or cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
• 1 teaspoon honey, for drizzling
• Optional: Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Tip: Choose sweet potatoes that are evenly shaped for uniform rounds.

How to Make Sweet Potato Brie Bites

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds and place them on the baking sheet.
3. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
5. Top each round with Brie, then return to the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.
6. Add the toppings: Spoon on cranberries, sprinkle with walnuts, and drizzle with honey.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme, if using. Serve warm.

Tips for Roasting & Melting Brie Perfectly

• Uniform slices matter: Cut sweet potato rounds evenly so they roast at the same rate. Aim for ½-inch thick too thin and they’ll burn, too thick and they won’t cook through.
• Don’t crowd the pan: Space out the slices so they roast, not steam.
• Flip once, halfway: This ensures both sides get golden and slightly crisp.
• Use ripe Brie: Softer Brie melts faster and blends better with the sweet potato.
• Don’t overbake the cheese: 2–3 minutes is all it takes just until soft and glossy.

Substitutions or Variations

• Vegan option: Swap Brie for a creamy vegan cheese or a cashew-based spread. Drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey.
• Nut-free version: Replace walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or leave them out entirely.
• Cranberry swap: Use pomegranate seeds, fig jam, or even chopped dried apricots if cranberries aren’t your thing.
• Herb twist: Add a sprinkle of rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different festive vibe.
• Add a savory kick: Try a thin layer of caramelized onions under the Brie or a touch of cracked pepper on top.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes you can roast the sweet potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate. Just reheat them briefly before adding the Brie and toppings.

Can I use goat cheese instead of Brie?

Absolutely. Goat cheese adds a tangier flavor and works well with the sweet potato and cranberry combo.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

It’s optional! You can skip it or use a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Nope. The skin softens during roasting and helps hold the bites together.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Brie Bites aren’t just another holiday appetizer they’re the kind of cozy, elegant bite that turns heads and disappears fast. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself to something seasonal and special, this recipe delivers. No stress, no fuss just melty Brie, golden sweet potato, and that perfect touch of sweet and crunch.

If you try them, let us know how it went. Did you add your own twist? Make them vegan? We’d love to hear. Save or share this recipe it might just become your new holiday classic.