Roasted Sweet Potato Smash with Brie, Cranberries & Spicy Honey Walnut Drizzle is a delicious combination of crispy roasted sweet potatoes, creamy melted Brie, chewy dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze. Every bite brings together savoury, creamy, sweet and slightly fiery flavours for an irresistible dish.

The sweet potatoes are roasted until tender, gently smashed and returned to the oven until their edges become beautifully golden and crisp. They’re then topped with soft Brie and finished with warm honey-coated walnuts and cranberries. Ready in just over an hour, this colourful recipe makes a wonderful appetiser, side dish or vegetarian addition to a special dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, caramelised sweet potato edges with a tender centre.
Creamy Brie melts beautifully over the warm potatoes.
Dried cranberries add a delicious sweet and fruity contrast.
Honey-coated walnuts provide crunch and texture.
The red pepper flakes add just the right touch of heat.
Perfect for entertaining, holidays or cosy family dinners.

Recipe Information

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: Approximately 455 per serving
Protein: Approximately 11 g per serving

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes

4 medium sweet potatoes
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder

For the Topping

200 g Brie cheese, sliced
½ cup (80 g) dried cranberries
½ cup (60 g) walnuts, roughly chopped

For the Spicy Honey Walnut Drizzle

¼ cup honey
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt

Equipment

Large baking sheet
Parchment paper
Fork or potato masher
Pastry brush
Dry skillet
Serving platter

How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato Smash

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet.

Roast for 35–45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Smash the Sweet Potatoes

Allow the roasted sweet potatoes to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.

Slice each sweet potato lengthwise and gently press or smash the flesh using a fork or potato masher.

Brush the smashed sweet potatoes with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder.

Step 3: Roast Until Crispy

Return the smashed sweet potatoes to the oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes.

Continue cooking until the edges are golden brown and crisp while the centres remain tender.

Step 4: Add the Brie

Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and arrange slices of Brie over the hot smashed potatoes.

Return the baking sheet to the oven for 3–5 minutes, until the Brie becomes soft and beautifully melty.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Honey Walnut Drizzle

While the Brie melts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat.

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

Add the honey and red pepper flakes. Stir gently until the walnuts are glossy and coated in the warm honey.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Transfer the warm sweet potato smashes to a serving platter.

Scatter the dried cranberries and honey-coated walnuts over the melted Brie.

Drizzle with any remaining spicy honey from the skillet and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

This roasted sweet potato smash works beautifully as an appetiser or side dish. Serve it alongside:

Roasted chicken
Grilled or roasted vegetables
Baked salmon
Fresh green salads
Warm crusty bread
Other festive side dishes

It also makes a beautiful addition to a holiday or entertaining spread, especially when served directly from a large platter.

Helpful Tips

Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes: Similar-sized potatoes will roast at a similar rate.
Don’t skip the smashing step: Flattening the cooked sweet potatoes creates more surface area for deliciously crispy edges.
Give them space: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so the sweet potatoes can roast properly.
Watch the walnuts: Honey can caramelise quickly, so keep the heat moderate and stir gently.
Add the toppings at the end: Cranberries and honey-coated walnuts are best added after the Brie has melted.

Easy Variations

Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness.
Swap walnuts for pecans if preferred.
Add fresh thyme for an aromatic herbal finish.
Use a little extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Add fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, reheat the sweet potato smashes in the oven until warmed through and crisp around the edges.

Add fresh cranberries and walnuts after reheating if desired.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 455
Protein: 11 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use smaller sweet potatoes?

Yes. Smaller sweet potatoes can be used, although the initial roasting time may need to be adjusted depending on their size.

How do I make the sweet potatoes extra crispy?

Make sure the sweet potatoes are well roasted before smashing them, then spread them out on the baking sheet and roast them again until the edges become deeply golden and crisp.

Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

You can roast and smash the sweet potatoes ahead of time, then finish them in the oven with the Brie just before serving.

Can I use another cheese instead of Brie?

Brie provides the creamy, soft texture intended for this recipe. If desired, another soft cheese can be used, although the flavour and texture will vary.

Can I make the honey walnut topping less spicy?

Yes. Simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or leave them out completely for a sweet honey walnut topping without the heat.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Sweet Potato Smash with Brie, Cranberries & Spicy Honey Walnut Drizzle brings together an irresistible mix of textures and flavours. The crispy sweet potato edges, creamy melted Brie, chewy cranberries and crunchy honey-coated walnuts create a beautiful contrast in every bite.

Finished with a touch of lemon and red pepper flakes, this colourful dish is an easy way to make sweet potatoes feel extra special. Serve it warm as an appetiser, side dish or centrepiece for your next gathering.