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If you’ve been looking for a show-stopping side dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and a satisfying crunch to your table, then you are absolutely going to love this Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe. These tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes are flavored deeply with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then topped with toasted pecans for a beautiful blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into an irresistible centerpiece you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and nutty notes, along with a lovely color contrast that makes the dish pop on your plate.
- 6 medium sweet potatoes: Choose uniform potatoes about 2 ½ lbs. total for even cooking and a perfect presentation.
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted): Butter adds a rich creaminess that seeps deliciously into every slice.
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive or avocado): The oil helps crisp up the edges of each thin slice beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a touch to enhance all the natural sweetness without overpowering it.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Brown sugar melts into the potatoes, caramelizing for a sweet, deep flavor.
- ¼-½ teaspoon cinnamon (to taste): Cinnamon adds warmth and subtle spice that complements the sweet potato perfectly.
- ½ cup pecans (coarsely chopped): Pecans bring a delightful crunch and nutty finish when toasted on top.
How to Make Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high heat is essential to get the outsides of your sweet potatoes beautifully caramelized while keeping the inside soft and tender. At the same time, prep your potatoes by washing and drying them well—clean potatoes ensure smooth slicing and better flavor absorption.
Step 2: Create the Signature Hasselback Slices
Here’s the fun part! Lay a pair of chopsticks on your cutting board and place one sweet potato between them lengthwise. They act as a clever barrier so your knife stops at just the right depth, keeping the bottom of each potato intact. Slice thinly about ⅛ to ¼-inch apart, creating delicate “fans” out of your potatoes. This technique lets all the buttery, sugary goodness seep into every slice and makes for a stunning presentation. Repeat with all six potatoes and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Brush on the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Sauce
Whisk together melted butter, oil, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. Using a pastry brush, generously coat half of this luscious mixture onto the sweet potatoes, making sure to gently separate the slices so the sauce gets in between. This step is key to getting rich flavor inside every crevice and allowing the edges to crisp up beautifully.
Step 4: Bake and Finish with Pecans
Cover your baking sheet with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften without drying out. Then brush on the remaining sauce and bake uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes. Once your potatoes are tender and caramelized, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top and reduce the oven to 375°F. Pop the potatoes back in for 5 to 10 minutes until the pecans toast lightly, adding that perfect nutty crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, consider sprinkling a little extra brown sugar and cinnamon over the top for a finishing touch. Serve your Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm, soft potatoes and crisp, toasted pecans. It’s a dish that will wow everyone at your table, guaranteed!
How to Serve Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Adding subtle garnishes enhances both flavor and presentation. A light drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a dollop of whipped cream cheese with fresh herbs can elevate this dish further. Each garnish complements the natural sweetness and nutty crunch wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These hasselback sweet potatoes pair beautifully with a range of mains. Think savory roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a simple grain bowl for a vegetarian option. Their sweet and spiced profile balances smoky meats and green vegetable sides like sautéed kale or garlic green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the potatoes family-style on a rustic wooden board, letting guests admire the tender slices and glossy pecan topping before digging in. Or plate individual servings topped with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an elegant holiday table. Their striking layered look makes them a natural centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the slices intact, try to handle them gently and avoid stacking too many on top of each other.
Freezing
While freezing hasselback sweet potatoes isn’t ideal due to their delicate sliced structure, you can freeze baked, individual slices laid flat on a parchment-lined sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Use within one month for best quality and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F to preserve the crispiness of the edges and toast the pecans a bit again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potatoes mushy and lose that signature texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor that really elevates the dish. Coconut sugar is also a great alternative if you want a slightly different sweetness.
Is it necessary to use chopsticks to slice the sweet potatoes?
Using chopsticks is a helpful trick to prevent slicing all the way through the potato, but if you don’t have them, you can place the potato on a sturdy surface and carefully cut while stopping before you hit the bottom. Just take your time for even slices.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace butter with your favorite vegan butter or coconut oil, and use maple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten if you’d like. The flavor will still be delicious and satisfying.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a knife or fork, and the edges will be caramelized and golden brown. The pecans should be toasted but not burnt for the best crunch.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
You can slice the sweet potatoes a few hours ahead and keep them covered in water to prevent browning. Just pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and baking to ensure they crisp properly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way the sweet, buttery layers of the Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe come together in every bite. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and elegant, perfect for moments when you want to impress but keep things simple. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe as much as I do—it’s guaranteed to add a little extra warmth and joy to your meal.
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Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Hasselback Sweet Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced sweet potatoes brushed with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced glaze and topped with toasted pecans for added crunch and flavor. Perfect as a comforting side dish, these potatoes are baked to tender perfection with a crispy, caramelized exterior.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 6 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 ½ lbs. total)
Glaze
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar), plus more for topping
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cinnamon, to taste
Topping
- ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash, scrub, and dry each sweet potato thoroughly. Place two chopsticks parallel on a cutting board and position a sweet potato between them. Using a sharp knife, make thin slices approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch apart along the length of the potato. The chopsticks prevent you from cutting all the way through, keeping the base intact. Repeat this method for all six sweet potatoes. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, oil, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Using a pastry brush, apply half of this mixture evenly over the potatoes, making sure to spread the slices apart gently with your fingers or a fork so the glaze penetrates every layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the potatoes to start cooking evenly and soak in the glaze.
- Continue Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil, brush the potatoes with the remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Check for doneness; the potatoes should be tender and caramelized.
- Add Pecans and Toast: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the topping and reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Return the potatoes to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the pecans are lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle extra brown sugar and cinnamon on top for added sweetness and spice. Serve the hasselback sweet potatoes immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Using chopsticks or similar objects as slicing guides helps ensure even cuts and prevents slicing all the way through.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider using toasted walnuts instead of pecans.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness and spice level.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are similar size for even cooking.
