Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans
Introduction to Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans
There’s something about comfort food that speaks to the busy mom in all of us. If you’re juggling work, kids, and everything in between, you need recipes that are as easy as they are delicious. Enter my Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans. These bite-sized delights come together effortlessly and look gorgeous on any table. With their sweet, savory, and crunchy notes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to dish for impressing family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans
This recipe is a dream for busy moms! It’s quick to whip up, taking only 35 minutes from start to finish. The blend of creamy brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors that tantalize your taste buds. These sweet potato rounds are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fun way to sneak in some nutrition. You’ll find yourself making them over and over again!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans
Creating my Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans starts with some lovely ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, and I promise, you’ll find them relatively easy to gather. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sweet Potatoes: These beauties are the star of the show. Their natural sweetness complements the tangy brie and tart cranberries perfectly.
- Brie Cheese: Soft and creamy, brie adds a luxurious touch. Its meltiness becomes pure bliss once baked!
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, these little gems pack a flavor punch. They provide that lovely tartness to balance the sweet potatoes.
- Pecans: The crunch factor! Chopped pecans give a nice texture contrast and a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle on the sweet potatoes keeps them moist and adds a touch of richness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the wonderful flavors in this dish.
Feel free to play around with the ingredients as well! For instance, if brie isn’t your favorite, goat cheese can offer a surprising twist. Want it sweeter? A drizzle of honey before serving might just be your new favorite touch!
Exact quantities of everything are listed at the bottom of the article for your convenience, and you can print them out straight from there. Happy cooking!
How to Make Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans
Let’s dive into making these delightful Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans. The process is not only straightforward, but it’s also quite rewarding. Grab your apron, and let’s create something delicious!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 400°F. This is crucial for even cooking. We want those sweet potato rounds to bake perfectly, so don’t skip this step. While the oven warms up, you can prepare the other ingredients!
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Next, grab your medium sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch rounds. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Arrange the rounds on your lined baking sheet in a single layer. Brushing them lightly with olive oil helps to keep them moist. Plus, trust me, it adds a rich flavor that everyone will love!
Step 3: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Now it’s time to bake! Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let those sweet potato rounds work their magic for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden and become tender. You want to be able to poke them with a fork easily—that’s the sign of perfection!
Step 4: Add Toppings
Once baked, it’s time for the fun part—toppings! Take each sweet potato round and place a slice or some crumbles of creamy brie on top. Then, add a few tart cranberries and a sprinkle of crunchy pecans. Each bite will have a delightful mix of flavors and textures!
Step 5: Final Bake
Pop the baking sheet back in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Keep an eye on the cheese; you want it melted and gooey, while the cranberries soften just a bit. The goal is to achieve a beautifully melty topping that will make everyone’s mouth water.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Finally, it’s time to indulge! Take your Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans out of the oven and serve them warm. They look stunning on a platter garnished with extra pecans or a sprig of fresh parsley. Trust me, these rounds will not only satisfy your taste buds but also impress anyone at your table!
Tips for Success
- Ensure even slicing of the sweet potatoes for consistent cooking.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Experiment with different cheeses if brie isn’t your favorite.
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil; it adds necessary moisture and flavor.
- Let the rounds cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth!
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A sturdy one is ideal; if unavailable, a cast-iron skillet works too.
- Parchment paper: Perfect for easy cleanup, but aluminum foil can be a good substitute.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for slicing sweet potatoes; a sturdy paring knife will do in a pinch.
- Cutting board: Look for a non-slip one for safety while chopping.
Variations
- Herbed Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sweet potatoes before baking for an aromatic boost.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the brie before the final bake to add heat and depth.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap out pecans for crispy fried onions or sunflower seeds to keep the crunch without the nuts.
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based brie alternative and drizzle maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness.
- Fruit Fusion: Experiment with dried fruits like raisins or cherries; they’ll add a chewiness and sweetness that complements the dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a refreshing green salad for a complete meal.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables to complement the sweetness.
- Serve alongside a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, for an elegant touch.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
- Offer a selection of dips like balsamic glaze for an extra flavor boost.
FAQs about Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans
Can I make Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato rounds and toppings in advance. Just assemble them and store in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake them fresh for that gooey brie experience!
What can I substitute for brie?
If brie isn’t your favorite, goat cheese works wonderfully for a tangy twist. You could also try cream cheese for a milder option that still melts beautifully.
Are these sweet potato rounds good for meal prepping?
Definitely! Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans make a great meal prep option. Store separate components in the fridge for up to 2 days to enjoy an easy, satisfying snack or side dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries are a perfect alternative. They won’t be as firm when they cook, but they’ll provide that delicious tartness just the same!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—my Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans are not just a recipe, but an experience of joy! Picture the smiles around your table as you serve these delectable bites. They’re perfect for any occasion, inviting everyone to indulge in their sweet and savory charm. I hope you find as much pleasure in making and sharing these rounds as I do. Whether for a simple dinner or a festive gathering, they’ll surely remind you of the magic that happens when flavors come together. Happy cooking and enjoy every delightful bite!
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Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and visually appealing sweet potato rounds topped with melty brie cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced or crumbled
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly browned.
- Top each sweet potato round with a slice or crumble of brie cheese, a few fresh cranberries, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the cranberries are slightly softened.
- Serve the Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry & Pecans warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a sweeter version, drizzle with honey before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Great as an appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 round
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg