Sweet Potato Brie Cranberry Bites – Easy Holiday Appetizer

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Potato Brie Cranberry Bites are the kind of appetiser that feels both refined and effortless. With caramelised sweet potato rounds, creamy melted Brie, and a bright dollop of cranberry sauce, each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and tart flavours. These bites are ideal for holiday gatherings, brunch spreads, or cocktail parties, yet simple enough to enjoy on a quiet evening. When testing variations, I even enriched a homemade cranberry sauce with a splash of almond milk, and it still set beautifully. Their vibrant colours make them visually striking, while the flavours remain warm, comforting, and seasonally inspired.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet potatoes
They serve as the sturdy, naturally sweet base. When roasted, their edges caramelise, offering an irresistible contrast to the creamy cheese.

Brie cheese
Soft, buttery, and mild, Brie melts beautifully over warm sweet potatoes, adding luxurious creaminess.

Cranberry sauce
Its tart brightness cuts through the sweetness of the potatoes and richness of the Brie, creating a balanced flavour profile.

Olive oil
Brushed onto the slices, it promotes even roasting and enhances caramelisation.

Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that prevent the dish from tasting overly sweet and help highlight each component.

Fresh rosemary or thyme
Just a tiny sprig adds a fragrant, festive note and elevates the presentation dramatically.

Directions

Preheat your oven to a moderate roasting temperature. Slice the sweet potatoes into even rounds—thick enough to remain sturdy once topped. Spread them on a lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then roast until the potatoes become tender and the edges start to caramelise.

Remove the tray from the oven and add a small square of Brie to each round. Return the pan to the oven briefly to allow the cheese to soften and melt. Once melted, top each piece with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. Finish with a tiny sprig of rosemary or thyme for aroma and visual appeal.

Serve immediately for the best texture, though these bites remain delicious when enjoyed closer to room temperature.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people as an appetiser. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and roasting takes 20–25 minutes depending on your oven.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the oven just until warmed through and the Brie softens again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the Brie overly melted and the potatoes slightly rubbery.

Variations and Customizations

Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Brush the rounds with maple syrup before roasting for deeper sweetness and caramel notes.

Pecan or Walnut Crunch
Add chopped toasted nuts over the cranberry layer to introduce texture and warmth.

Goat Cheese Swap
Replace Brie with goat cheese for a tangier, sharper bite.

Apple Cranberry Bites
Add a thin slice of apple under the cranberry sauce for extra fruitiness.

Spiced Cranberry Topping
Mix a pinch of cinnamon or chilli flakes into the cranberry sauce for a festive twist.

Savory Herb Brie Bites
Sprinkle dried rosemary or thyme directly onto the Brie before melting.

Balsamic Glaze Finish
Drizzle a small amount of balsamic reduction over the finished bites for a rich, tangy accent.

Prosciutto Accent
Crown each bite with a tiny curl of prosciutto for a salty, savoury finish.

Honey-Drizzled Brie Bites
Finish with a light drizzle of honey for sweet depth.

Vegan Sweet Potato Bites
Use plant-based cheese and dairy-free cranberry sauce to create a vegan-friendly version.

FAQs

Can I make the sweet potato slices ahead of time?

What type of Brie works best for melting?

Can I use canned cranberry sauce?

Should I peel the sweet potatoes?

How thick should I slice the potatoes?

Can these be served cold?

How do I keep the Brie from sliding off as it melts?

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Can I add nuts or seeds for crunch?

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Brie Cranberry Bites combine simplicity with elegance, offering a seasonal flavour trio that never fails to impress. Warm, creamy, sweet, and slightly tart, they are perfect for entertaining and effortless enough to prepare any time you want a festive nibble. With numerous ways to customise them, this recipe can be tailored to any gathering or palate. These vibrant little bites are sure to become a staple on your holiday appetiser menu year after year.

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