monds with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and perfect for sharing, these monds with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce will blow you away. Imagine tender roasted sweet potato rounds, topped with creamy brie, tangy dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together with a luscious, sweet, and slightly spicy pineapple sauce. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, blending together to create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. You’ll find that using just a handful of fresh and pantry staples makes this dish surprisingly easy to prepare but absolutely unforgettable.

• Sweet potatoes: The star base with natural sweetness and a sturdy texture perfect for roasting.
• Olive oil: Adds a rich depth and helps the sweet potato rounds crisp up beautifully.
• Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika: A trio that seasons and enhances the earthy sweetness of the potatoes.
• Brie cheese: Creamy, mild, and indulgently melty—just the right complement to the potatoes.
• Dried cranberries: Provide bursts of tart sweetness that contrast the rich brie.
• Toasted almonds: Add that much-needed crunch and a toasty flavor punch.
• Fresh parsley or thyme (optional): Light herbal notes and a pop of green to finish the dish.
• Pineapple chunks: The juicy base for the sauce, bringing tropical brightness.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness with a gentle kick of heat, lifting the flavors wonderfully.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances sweetness with a hint of acidity.
• Honey: Rounds out the sauce, adding smooth natural sweetness.

How to Make monds with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potato Rounds

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the sweet potatoes into half-inch thick rounds for the perfect bite-sized base. Lay them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender on the inside and lightly golden on the edges. This roasting step brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a lovely crispness.

Step 2: Add the Brie Cheese

Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, remove the tray from the oven and carefully top each round with a slice of brie. Pop them back in for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese softens and melts slightly. This touch of creamy indulgence turns the rounds into little bites of pure luxury.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

This is where the magic of the monds with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce truly comes alive. Blend the pineapple chunks, sweet chili sauce, lemon juice, and honey until smooth. If you prefer a warm drizzle, gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan—just enough to bring out the fragrant tropical notes and deep flavors without boiling it.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish

Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and sprinkle each with dried cranberries and toasted almonds. The cranberries’ tartness and almonds’ crunch create layers of texture that balance perfectly with the soft cheese and sweet potatoes. Finally, lightly drizzle your homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce over the top, then garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves if you like. Serve while warm for an irresistible appetizer experience.

How to Serve monds with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme not only bring a splash of color but also enhance the dish with subtle earthy and aromatic notes. If you want to go a step further, a few toasted coconut flakes can add a tropical twist that echoes the pineapple in the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish works wonderfully as a standalone appetizer for casual gatherings or pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Consider a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a simple quinoa salad tossed with cucumbers and herbs to complement the rich flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the sweet potato rounds on a rustic wooden board or a slate platter for an inviting presentation. Drizzle extra Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce around the plate for visual appeal and flavor. For a fun party twist, serve them on individual spoons or mini plates, perfect for easy, mess-free finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sweet potato rounds and sauce separately in airtight containers. Keep the potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the cheese topping remains intact to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing the cooked sweet potato rounds is possible but not ideal if you want to keep the best texture. If you choose to freeze, place the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, using within 1 to 2 months. Avoid freezing the sauce; instead, prepare it fresh for each serving.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore warmth and gently re-melt the brie. Avoid microwaving as it can make the sweet potatoes soggy and the cheese rubbery. Drizzle with fresh Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce after reheating for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of brie?

Absolutely! Creamy cheeses like camembert or a soft goat cheese can work beautifully, though brie offers the perfect mild richness that balances the sweet and spicy flavors best.

Is the Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a gentle warmth that complements its sweetness rather than overwhelming it. You can adjust the heat by choosing milder or spicier sweet chili sauces or adding a pinch of chili flakes if you want more kick.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can! Swap the brie for a plant-based cheese that melts well, and make sure your sweet chili sauce is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based and full of flavor.

How do I toast the almonds?

Toast chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

Can I prepare the sweet potato rounds ahead of time?

You can roast the sweet potatoes a few hours ahead and keep them covered at room temperature, but it’s best to add the brie and toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh and melty.

Final Thoughts

These monds with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce are a beautifully balanced treat that’s sure to become a favorite for your gatherings or cozy nights in. The combination of sweet, savory, spicy, and crunchy textures makes every bite a delight. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a standout crowd pleaser at your table!

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