Get ready to transform the humble sweet potato into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These Candied Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with a decadent caramelized coating that's crispy on the outside and meltingly tender on the inside. Imagine a dish so stunning, it looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant, but is surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim a small slice off the bottom of each potato to create a stable base for slicing.
- Place each sweet potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons to prevent cutting all the way through. Carefully make thin, parallel cuts across the potato, about 1/8 inch apart, stopping just short of cutting through the bottom.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Gently fan out the potato slices, being careful not to break them apart. Brush the butter-sugar mixture generously between the cuts and over the entire surface of each potato.
- Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, removing the potatoes every 15 minutes to baste with additional butter-sugar mixture and ensure even caramelization.
- The sweet potatoes are done when the edges are crispy, the center is tender when pierced with a fork, and the surface is golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with additional salt if desired before serving.
- Serve hot as a decadent side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Use chopsticks or wooden spoons as a cutting guide to prevent slicing completely through the potato. This keeps the bottom intact and creates those beautiful fan-like cuts.
- Make sure your sweet potatoes are similar in size to ensure even cooking. Choose potatoes that are relatively uniform in shape and size.
- Don't skip basting during cooking. The frequent brushing of the butter-sugar mixture is key to achieving that gorgeous caramelization and deep flavor.
- If you want extra crispiness, try broiling the potatoes for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- For a more complex flavor, experiment with adding a pinch of ground ginger or a drizzle of maple syrup to the butter mixture.
- Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after cooking – this helps them set and makes them easier to serve without falling apart.
- For a presentation that will wow your guests, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or a sprinkle of toasted pecans just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
