Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: 50–60 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Course: Appetizer or Side Dish
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes - 2 medium sweet potatoes, washed and cut into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings - 4 oz (115 g) Brie cheese, sliced
- ⅓ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
For the Spicy Honey - 3 tablespoons honey
- ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Season the Sweet Potatoes
Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized rounds, approximately ½ inch thick. Pat dry and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Roast Until Tender
Arrange the rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender.
Step 4: Smash the Sweet Potatoes
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Gently press each round with the bottom of a sturdy glass or a flat spatula until flattened to about ¼ inch thick.
Brush lightly with a little additional olive oil if desired.
Step 5: Roast Until Crispy
Return the sweet potatoes to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Add the Brie
Place a slice of Brie on each sweet potato round. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is soft and melted.
Step 7: Toast the Walnuts
Place the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from the heat immediately to prevent burning.
Step 8: Prepare the Spicy Honey
In a small bowl, combine the honey and red pepper flakes. Add the optional lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
Warm gently for 20–30 seconds in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat to help blend the flavors. Do not boil.
Step 9: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the sweet potato rounds on a serving platter. Top with dried cherries, toasted walnuts, and fresh thyme. Drizzle with spicy honey and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
Nutrient Approximate Amount
Calories 280–340 kcal
Protein 6–8 g
Carbohydrates 30–36 g
Dietary Fiber 4–5 g
Net Carbohydrates 26–32 g
Total Fat 16–21 g
Saturated Fat 4–6 g
Sugar 15–20 g
Sodium 200–350 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Nut Information and Allergens - Tree nuts: Contains walnuts, which are tree nuts and a major food allergen.
- Peanuts: Not included in the standard recipe, but cross-contact is possible.
- Dairy: Contains Brie cheese.
- Gluten: Naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are verified gluten-free.
Nut-free alternative: Omit the walnuts and use toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if safe for everyone eating the dish. You can also leave out the crunchy topping entirely.
Allergy note: Check ingredient labels and prevent cross-contact with nuts and other allergens.
Tips for Best Results - Cut the sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Pat the rounds dry before roasting to help them crisp.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Roast until tender before smashing to prevent breaking.
- Add the Brie near the end so it melts without becoming overly runny.
- Drizzle the spicy honey just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
- Use Granny Smith apples or extra dried cherries on the side for an additional sweet-tart touch.
Storage and Reheating - Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Heat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–10 minutes, until heated through.
- Make ahead: Roast and smash the sweet potatoes in advance. Refrigerate, then crisp them in the oven and add the Brie and toppings just before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended after assembling, because the sweet potatoes and Brie may become soft or watery.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of dried cherries?
Yes. Dried cranberries provide a similar sweet-tart flavor and work beautifully.
Q2: Can I replace Brie cheese?
Yes. Camembert, goat cheese, or a mild creamy cheese can be used.
Q3: How do I make the sweet potatoes extra crispy?
Use a hot oven, leave space between the rounds, and roast them until golden before adding the cheese.
Q4: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook the rounds at 400°F (200°C), turning halfway through. Smash once tender, then air-fry until crispy. Add the Brie during the final few minutes.
Q5: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them for a regular honey drizzle.
Q6: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Roast and smash the sweet potatoes ahead, refrigerate them, then crisp and top them shortly before serving.
Q7: Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, provided the Brie uses vegetarian-friendly rennet. Check the cheese label if necessary.
Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaged ingredient labels.
Q9: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the Brie and add extra herbs and toppings.
Q10: Are walnuts essential?
No. You can omit them or use an appropriate seed alternative. The dish will still be delicious.
Q11: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes. Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness and pairs well with sweet potatoes and Brie.
Q12: How should I serve this appetizer?
Arrange the rounds in a single layer on a platter, drizzle with spicy honey just before serving, and garnish with fresh thyme.
Enjoy your Crispy Sweet Potato Smash with Brie, Dried Cherries & Spicy Honey Walnuts!
Leave a Reply