Introduction

These Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are a stunning and delicious side dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The accordion-like cuts allow the potatoes to cook evenly while creating crispy edges and a tender interior. This method works wonderfully with other root vegetables, much like the technique used in the Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe. Perfect for holidays or a special weeknight meal, they are sure to impress.

Ingredients

These Hasselback Sweet Potatoes bake up with crispy, caramelized edges and a tender, creamy interior, creating a beautiful presentation and incredible texture contrast.

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This method for Hasselback Sweet Potatoes is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Wash and scrub 4 medium sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure crispiness during roasting.

Trim a small slice from the bottom of each sweet potato to create a flat, stable base. This prevents them from rolling and makes slicing easier.

Step 2 — Make the Hasselback Cuts

Place a sweet potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoon handles. These act as guards to stop your knife from slicing all the way through.

Make thin, parallel cuts about ⅛-inch apart along the length of each potato, stopping when the knife hits the chopsticks. Repeat for all potatoes.

Step 3 — Season the Potatoes

Brush each Hasselback sweet potato generously with olive oil, making sure it gets into all the slices. Use a pastry brush to gently separate slices if needed.

Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder. Work seasoning into the cuts for maximum flavor.

Step 4 — Add Flavor Enhancers

For extra flavor, carefully insert thin slices of garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary between some of the cuts. This infuses the potatoes as they roast.

Drizzle with a small amount of maple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweet glaze, being careful not to make the potatoes too wet.

Step 5 — Roast the Potatoes

Place the prepared Hasselback sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 45-60 minutes.

Halfway through cooking, brush with more oil or butter to help the slices fan out and become crispy. The edges should start caramelizing.

Step 6 — Check for Doneness

Test doneness by inserting a knife into the thickest part of a potato—it should slide in easily with no resistance. The slices should be tender throughout.

Look for crispy, slightly browned edges and fanned slices. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning and Serving

Remove the Hasselback sweet potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the starches to set slightly.

Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of browned butter. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	41g
Fat	3g
Fiber	7g
Sodium	160mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Olive oil spray — Reduces fat content while still achieving crispy edges on your Hasselback Sweet Potatoes.
• Nutritional yeast — Provides a cheesy, savory flavor for a dairy-free, vegan alternative to Parmesan.
• Smoked paprika and garlic powder — A flavorful, low-sodium seasoning blend that enhances taste without salt.
• Crumbled turkey bacon or tempeh — Offers a lean protein alternative to traditional bacon toppings.
• Greek yogurt dip — A high-protein, lower-fat substitute for sour cream as a serving accompaniment.
• Almond flour breadcrumbs — Creates a gluten-free, crunchy coating if you add a crispy topping.
• Maple syrup and cinnamon — A natural, lower-glycemic sweetener option for a sweeter flavor profile.
• Roasted chickpeas — Adds plant-based protein and fiber as a hearty, lower-carb garnish alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops for a hearty dinner.
• Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, these Hasselback Sweet Potatoes make an impressive side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, chives, and crispy bacon bits for a loaded potato experience.
• Arrange on a rustic wooden board for family-style serving at casual dinners or potlucks.
• Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a drizzle of maple syrup for an elegant presentation.

These Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are versatile enough for weeknight meals yet special enough for entertaining guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Cutting slices all the way through the potato. Fix: Place chopsticks on either side of the potato to act as a cutting guide and prevent slicing through the bottom.
• Mistake: Using potatoes that are too small or irregularly shaped. Fix: Select medium, uniformly oval sweet potatoes for even cooking and a stable base.
• Mistake: Spacing the slices too far apart or too close together. Fix: Aim for slices about 1/8-inch apart to create the signature fan effect without the slices breaking off.
• Mistake: Skipping the oil brush between slices. Fix: Gently fan the slices and use a pastry brush to ensure oil and seasoning penetrate every crevice for maximum crispiness.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking sheet. Fix: Leave ample space between potatoes to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.
• Mistake: Baking at too low a temperature. Fix: Roast at 425°F (220°C) to achieve crispy edges and a tender, fully cooked interior.
• Mistake: Not testing for doneness with a fork or knife. Fix: Pierce the thickest part of a potato to ensure it’s soft all the way through before serving.
• Mistake: Adding sugary glazes or toppings too early. Fix: Apply honey or maple syrup in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning and bitter flavors.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Hasselback Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap cooled Hasselback Sweet Potatoes tightly in foil or plastic, then place in a freezer bag; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Bake at 375°F until hot and crisp, about 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always let your Hasselback Sweet Potatoes cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain food safety and texture.

Conclusion

These Hasselback Sweet Potatoes deliver impressive presentation with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below. For another sweet potato side, try Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes.

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FAQs

How do I slice Hasselback Sweet Potatoes without cutting all the way through?

Place a sweet potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoon handles. Slice down until the knife hits the chopsticks, which prevents cutting through the bottom. This technique creates perfect accordion slices for your Hasselback Sweet Potatoes.

What is the best way to season Hasselback Sweet Potatoes?

Brush the potatoes with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary. The seasoning gets into the slices, making these Hasselback Sweet Potatoes flavorful throughout.

How long does it take to bake Hasselback Sweet Potatoes?

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes. They are done when the slices fan out and the edges are crispy. The total time depends on the size of your sweet potatoes.