Crispy Sweet Potato Smash with Brie, Cranberries & Spicy Honey Walnuts is a delicious combination of crispy roasted sweet potatoes, creamy melted Brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts coated in spicy honey. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy flavors.

This beautiful appetizer or side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas dinners, parties, or an elegant Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Recipe Information
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
– Total Time: 60 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Course: Appetizer / Side Dish
– Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
– Cooking Method: Boiling and Oven-Roasting
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
– 3 medium sweet potatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the Toppings
– 6 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
– ½ cup dried cranberries
– ½ cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
For the Spicy Honey Glaze
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
– Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and cut them into thick rounds, approximately ¾–1 inch thick.

Place the rounds in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.

Cook for approximately 10–12 minutes until slightly tender but not falling apart.

Drain carefully and allow them to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.

Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
Step 3: Smash the Sweet Potatoes
Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press each sweet potato round until slightly flattened.

Do not press too hard; you want the rounds to remain intact.
Step 4: Season the Sweet Potatoes
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.

Drizzle with a little additional olive oil if needed.
Step 5: Roast Until Crispy
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Continue roasting until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Honey Walnuts
While the sweet potatoes roast, place a small skillet over medium-low heat.

Add the chopped walnuts and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add butter, honey, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.

Stir gently until the walnuts are coated in the spicy honey mixture.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Stir in the lemon juice and allow the walnuts to cool slightly.
Step 7: Add the Brie Cheese
Remove the crispy sweet potatoes from the oven.

Place a small slice of Brie cheese on each sweet potato round.

Return the baking sheet to the oven for approximately 3–5 minutes, until the Brie becomes soft and melty.
Step 8: Add the Cranberries
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven.

Sprinkle dried cranberries over the melted Brie.

The sweet-tart cranberries create a wonderful contrast with the creamy cheese.
Step 9: Add the Spicy Honey Walnuts
Spoon the prepared spicy honey walnuts over each sweet potato round.

Drizzle any remaining honey glaze lightly over the top.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh parsley and thyme leaves.

Arrange on a serving platter and serve warm while the Brie is creamy and the sweet potatoes are crispy.
Tips for the Best Crispy Sweet Potato Smash
– Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes for evenly sized rounds.
– Avoid overboiling the sweet potatoes, as they may fall apart when smashed.
– Let the cooked sweet potatoes dry briefly before roasting.
– Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
– Leave space between the rounds so they roast rather than steam.
– Roast at a high temperature for crispier edges.
– Use Brie at room temperature for easier melting.
– Toast walnuts before adding honey for a deeper, richer flavor.
– Add the cranberries after baking to preserve their texture.
– Serve immediately for the best combination of crispy and creamy textures.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
– Calories: 340 kcal
– Protein: 7 g
– Total Carbohydrates: 38 g
– Dietary Fiber: 5 g
– Total Sugars: 19 g
– Total Fat: 20 g
– Saturated Fat: 7 g
– Cholesterol: 30 mg
– Sodium: 280 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, Brie brand, cranberry variety, and amount of honey used.
Nut Information & Allergen Details
Nuts Included in This Recipe:
– Walnuts: ½ cup, chopped.
– Tree Nuts: Yes, walnuts are included.
– Peanuts: None.
– Almonds: None.
– Cashews: None.
– Pecans: None.
– Pistachios: None.
– Hazelnuts: None.
– Coconut: None.
Other Allergens:
– Dairy: Contains Brie cheese and butter.
– Gluten: Naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are verified gluten-free.
– Eggs: None.
– Soy: No intentional soy ingredients.
– Sesame: None in the standard recipe.
Important Allergy Note: Walnuts are a tree nut and can cause serious allergic reactions in people with walnut allergies. This recipe is not suitable for people with walnut or tree nut allergies as written.

Possible Substitutions:
– Nut-Free: Replace walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, provided they are safe for your dietary needs.
– Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free Brie-style cheese and plant-based butter.
– Lower-Sugar: Reduce the honey and choose unsweetened dried cranberries.
– Lower-Sodium: Use unsalted butter, reduce added salt, and choose a lower-sodium cheese alternative.
Always check packaged ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make sweet potato smash ahead of time?

Yes! You can boil and smash the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Refrigerate them in an airtight container. Roast and add the toppings just before serving for the best crispy texture.

Q2: How do I make sweet potatoes extra crispy?

Make sure the sweet potatoes are not overboiled, allow excess moisture to evaporate, use enough olive oil, and roast them at 425°F (220°C) with plenty of space between each piece.

Q3: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Yes! Fresh cranberries can be used, but they are much more tart. You may want to cook them briefly with a little honey before adding them.

Q4: What cheese can I use instead of Brie?

Camembert, goat cheese, feta, or cream cheese can work. Brie and Camembert provide the creamiest melted texture.

Q5: Can I make this recipe without walnuts?

Absolutely! Replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or crispy roasted chickpeas for a nut-free alternative. Check for cross-contamination if preparing for someone with an allergy.

Q6: Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?

Yes! Pecans are delicious with sweet potatoes, cranberries, and honey. However, pecans are also tree nuts.

Q7: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes! Arrange the smashed sweet potatoes in a single layer and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add Brie during the final 2–3 minutes and finish with cranberries and walnuts.

Q8: How can I make the honey glaze spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey mixture.

Q9: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes! Maple syrup works beautifully and provides a slightly different sweet, earthy flavor.

Q10: How do I keep the sweet potatoes from falling apart?

Avoid overcooking them during boiling. They should be fork-tender but firm enough to hold their shape when smashed.

Q11: Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for this recipe. Frozen sweet potato rounds may release more moisture and may not become as crispy.

Q12: How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q13: How do I reheat leftover sweet potato smash?

Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes or in an air fryer until heated through and crispy again.

Q14: Can I freeze this recipe?

You can freeze the roasted sweet potato rounds without the toppings. Freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Add fresh Brie, cranberries, and walnuts after reheating for better texture.

Q15: Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, provided the Brie cheese is made with vegetarian-friendly rennet.

Q16: Can I serve this recipe as an appetizer?

Absolutely! The individual sweet potato rounds make excellent bite-sized appetizers for parties, holiday dinners, and family gatherings.

Q17: Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The standard ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always verify packaged ingredient labels.

Q18: Can I make this recipe suitable for a low-sodium diet?

Yes. Reduce or omit added salt, choose a lower-sodium Brie alternative, and use unsalted butter. Check the nutrition labels of dried cranberries and other packaged ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious crispy sweet potato rounds with:
1. Grilled lemon garlic chicken.
2. Roasted turkey or chicken.
3. Mediterranean baked salmon.
4. Fresh arugula and feta salad.
5. Garlic butter shrimp.
6. Roasted Brussels sprouts.
7. Grilled vegetables.
8. A festive holiday cheese and appetizer platter.