Elevate your holiday table with this Crispy Sweet Potato Smash with Melted Brie, Cranberries & Spicy Honey Walnuts. Crispy roasted sweet potatoes are layered with creamy melted Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts coated in a sweet-and-spicy honey glaze. This elegant appetizer or side dish delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.
β±οΈ Prep Time: 15 minutes
π₯ Cook Time: 40 minutes
π½οΈ Servings: 4
π₯ Calories: Approximately 465 kcal per serving
Ingredients π
π For the Sweet Potato Smash
π 2 medium sweet potatoes
π« 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
π§ 1 tsp garlic powder
πΆοΈ Β½ tsp smoked paprika
π§ Β½ tsp kosher salt
β« ΒΌ tsp freshly ground black pepper
π§ For the Brie & Cranberry Layer
π§ 225 g (8 oz) Brie cheese, sliced
π Β½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
πΏ 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
π° For the Spicy Honey Walnut Topping
π° Β½ cup chopped walnuts
π― 2 tbsp honey
πΆοΈ 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
π§ 1 tbsp unsalted butter
π 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
π§ ΒΌ tsp flaky sea salt
πΏ Optional Garnish
πΏ Fresh thyme sprigs
πΏ Chopped fresh parsley
β« Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions π©βπ³
1οΈβ£ Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220Β°C (425Β°F).
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
2οΈβ£ Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Place the whole sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
Bring to a boil and cook for 20β25 minutes, until just fork-tender without becoming too soft.
Drain well and allow them to cool slightly.
3οΈβ£ Smash the Sweet Potatoes
Arrange the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking tray.
Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or potato masher, gently flatten each potato to about 1.25 cm (Β½ inch) thick.
4οΈβ£ Season and Roast
Brush both sides generously with olive oil.
Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Roast for 20 minutes, carefully flip each potato, then continue roasting for 10β15 minutes, until the edges are deeply golden and deliciously crisp.
5οΈβ£ Melt the Brie
Place slices of Brie over each roasted sweet potato.
Return to the oven for 3β4 minutes, or until the cheese is soft, creamy, and melted.
6οΈβ£ Add the Cranberry Layer
Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the melted Brie.
Scatter the fresh thyme leaves over the top.
7οΈβ£ Make the Spicy Honey Walnuts
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped walnuts and toast for 2β3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Stir in the honey, crushed red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and flaky sea salt.
Cook for 1 minute until the mixture becomes glossy and coats the walnuts.
8οΈβ£ Finish and Serve
Spoon the warm spicy honey walnuts generously over each sweet potato smash.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, chopped parsley, and a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately while the Brie is warm, creamy, and perfectly melted.
Helpful Tips & Variations π‘
β Avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes during boiling so they hold their shape when smashed.
β Roast the potatoes with enough space between them to achieve extra crispy edges.
β Substitute pecans for walnuts for a richer, buttery flavor.
β Camembert is an excellent alternative to Brie if preferred.
β Add fresh pomegranate seeds for a festive burst of color and sweetness.
β A drizzle of hot honey just before serving adds even more bold flavor.
β Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven until the cheese becomes soft and bubbly again.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving) π₯
π₯ Calories: Approximately 465 kcal
πͺ Protein: 12 g
π Carbohydrates: 41 g
π§ Fat: 30 g
πΎ Fiber: 6 g
π¬ Sugar: 19 g
π§ Sodium: 430 mg
