Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are a simple yet stunning recipe that transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a crispy, flavorful dish with tender insides and caramelized edges. Perfect as a side or main, they combine an impressive presentation with easy preparation, customizable seasonings, and nutritious benefits, making them ideal for any occasion.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes, firm
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Variations
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili powder for spicy kick
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for sweet touch
- Toasted pecans or walnuts for nutty crunch
- Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives for herbal infusion
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Place each potato on a cutting board and make evenly spaced slices about 1/8 inch apart, cutting down almost to the bottom but not all the way through, allowing the potato to fan out during baking.
- Season Generously: Brush or drizzle olive oil or melted butter into every slice and over the surface of the potatoes. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder or minced garlic, and fresh herbs (if using) generously into and over the cuts to maximize flavor.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Place the sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and caramelized and the inside is soft when pierced with a fork. Rotate the baking tray halfway through cooking for even roasting.
- Add Final Touches: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the potatoes (if using) to allow it to melt and create a golden, savory crust.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally top with fresh parsley, chives, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use chopsticks placed on either side of the sweet potato while slicing to prevent cutting all the way through.
- Ensure uniform slice thickness for even cooking and appealing presentation.
- Do not skimp on olive oil or butter between slices; it promotes crispiness and flavor infusion.
- Begin checking tenderness around 35 minutes to avoid overcooking, especially for smaller potatoes.
- Reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness instead of using a microwave.
- Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional; leaving skin on adds nutrients and helps keep slices intact.
- Garlic powder can be substituted with onion powder or smoked paprika if desired.
- Make this recipe vegan by using olive oil and omitting Parmesan cheese or using nutritional yeast as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium sweet potato
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Hasselback, Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Crispy Sweet Potatoes, Healthy Side Dish, Easy Dinner Side, Gluten Free, Vegan Option