If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with color, flavor, and a hint of drama, look no further than these Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberries & Toasted Pecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce. Each bite is a celebration: caramelized, savory sweet potatoes layered with creamy brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, all finished with a luscious, tropical-sweet chili pineapple sauce that will make your taste buds dance. This recipe is your ticket to appetizer stardom and you won’t believe how easy it is to pull together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how each simple ingredient plays a starring role. Every component not only adds a pop of taste and texture but also elevates the look of your ecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose large, firm sweet potatoes for easy slicing and a sturdy base that caramelizes beautifully while roasting.
- Olive oil: A quick drizzle gives those sweet potato rounds the perfect crisp edges and rich flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Just a half teaspoon brings a gentle, sophisticated smokiness that pairs perfectly with the sweet and creamy toppings.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
- Brie cheese: Velvety, melty, and just the right amount of decadence to make these rounds utterly irresistible.
- Dried cranberries: Colorful gems of tartness that balance the richness of the brie and the nuts.
- Pecans, chopped and lightly toasted: A crunchy finish that adds warmth and nuttiness; toasting them really makes their flavor pop.
- Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, finely chopped): Adds a sweet, tropical zing to the sauce—don’t skip the chopping for that perfect saucy texture.
- Sweet chili sauce: The secret to the sauce’s addictive sweet-spicy kick that unites all the flavors.
- Fresh lime juice: Just a tablespoon brightens up the whole sweet chili pineapple sauce and keeps it lively.
How to Make ecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potato Rounds
Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Slice the sweet potatoes into even 1 cm (½-inch) rounds for uniform roasting. Lay them out in a single layer, drizzle generously with olive oil, sprinkle on smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give them a quick toss right on the tray for even coverage. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway so both sides get that gorgeous golden color and caramelized, tender finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, whip up your show-stopping sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pineapple with sweet chili sauce and a splash of fresh lime juice. Stir well so the flavors meld together into that fruity, tangy, sweet-spicy blend. Let it sit while everything else comes together—the sauce matures beautifully as it rests.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Once the sweet potatoes are done, it’s time to build the ecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce. Top each round with a generous slice of brie cheese, then scatter on a few dried cranberries and the toasted pecans. Try to get a bit of each topping on every round! Pop the tray back in the oven for 5–7 minutes until the brie starts to ooze lusciously over the sides and the toppings are glossy.
Step 4: Finish
Pull the tray out and, while everything is still nice and warm, use a spoon to drizzle the sweet chili pineapple sauce over each round. That saucy gloss is the finishing touch—making every bite multi-dimensional and utterly delicious.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the finished sweet potato rounds to a serving platter and bring them to the table immediately. They’re at their best when the cheese is warm and melty, making the ecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce an irresistible appetizer or upscale side for a special meal.
How to Serve ecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Garnishes
For a final flourish, you can sprinkle extra toasted pecans, a few more dried cranberries, or even a scattering of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. A little zest of fresh lime over the platter adds a pop of color and a bright aroma that makes your ecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce truly shine.
Side Dishes
Pair these rounds with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal, or serve alongside a festive roast or glazed ham for holiday gatherings. Their unique sweet-tart-nutty flavor profile makes them a stunning complement to everything from citrusy chicken to hearty vegetarian mains.
Creative Ways to Present
You can arrange the ecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce on a rustic wooden board for casual parties, or stack them artfully on a fancy platter for something more elegant. For a bite-sized appetizer, use smaller rounds and serve with decorative toothpicks—guests can just grab and go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. Keep the sauce separately to avoid soggy bottoms, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They won’t be quite as crisp but are still plenty delicious for a quick snack or next-day lunch.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze the roasted (but untopped) sweet potato rounds. Lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, just thaw, reheat, add toppings, and pop back in the oven. Avoid freezing the sauce or brie for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the rounds on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and everything is heated through. Add a fresh drizzle of the sauce just before serving to recapture that magic touch.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! Camembert works beautifully, or you could try a creamy goat cheese for a tangier bite. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts nicely to create that irresistible texture.
What’s a good substitute for pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, try walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a different twist. Toasting the nuts first brings out their best flavor, no matter which variety you choose.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Opt for a dairy-free soft cheese or creamy vegan spread in place of the brie. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free and just as flavorful.
Can sweet potatoes with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce be served at room temperature?
While these rounds are most magical straight from the oven, they’re still tasty at room temperature. The cheese won’t be as gooey, but the flavors remain vibrant—just save the final drizzle of sauce for right before serving!
Can I make the sweet chili pineapple sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge. Its flavors actually develop and intensify as it sits, making your ecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce even more delicious when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if these ecans with a Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce become your new go-to party favorite! They’re easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to wow at any gathering. Give them a try and prepare to field requests for the recipe all night long!