Irresistible Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes: Your Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
Experience the ultimate holiday side dish with these Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes! Hearty, wholesome, and bursting with flavor, these beautifully sliced sweet potatoes are lavishly topped with rich, melted cheese and crispy, sweet maple candied bacon. Prepare to elevate your festive meal to new heights with this standout recipe that promises to be a memorable addition to any holiday table.
This post has been sponsored by Cache Valley® Creamery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As the holiday season approaches, whether you’re meticulously planning your Christmas feast, a traditional Thanksgiving spread, or any other festive gathering, it’s the perfect time to visit your local Safeway and get creative with cheese. For many, including myself, cheese is an indispensable component of holiday dining. It brings warmth, richness, and that comforting familiar flavor that defines festive meals.
Whether it’s a sophisticated cheese plate for appetizers or decadent cheesy potatoes accompanying the main course, cheese is that singular ingredient that elevates any dish. Speaking of potatoes, sweet potatoes are a personal favorite for holiday sides. However, I’ve found myself growing tired of the traditional marshmallow-topped casseroles that often dominate the festive menu. This year, I wanted to introduce sweet potatoes in a truly innovative and irresistible way! These Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are not just any side dish; they are, without a doubt, the most delicious and visually appealing hasselback sweet potatoes you could ever create.
The secret to these sensational potatoes lies in the cheese – and not just any cheese, but premium Cache Valley® Creamery Cheese! Having crafted numerous recipes with Cache Valley Creamery before (like the delightful Tear-Apart Sourdough Holiday Cheese Dip), I consistently return to their cheeses for their unparalleled quality. They are consistently rich, incredibly smooth, and packed with authentic flavor. These characteristics make them absolutely perfect for melting, especially when nestled into the delicate slices of these hasselback sweet potatoes. The way the cheese melts and oozes into every crevice ensures a burst of savory goodness with every bite.
For this particular recipe, I’ve chosen a harmonious blend of Cache Valley® Colby & Monterey Jack and Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella. This combination is ideal because their distinct flavors complement the inherent sweetness of the potatoes beautifully. The Colby & Monterey Jack offers a mild, buttery, and slightly tangy profile, while the Whole Milk Mozzarella provides that classic milky creaminess and incredible stretch when melted. This dynamic duo creates a perfectly balanced and utterly irresistible cheesy layer that truly makes these hasselback sweet potatoes unforgettable. And let’s not forget the crowning glory: the sweet and salty candied maple bacon and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, adding layers of texture and aromatic freshness!
Why Choose the Hasselback Method?
The hasselback technique, originating from Sweden, involves slicing potatoes into thin, accordion-like segments while keeping the bottom intact. This method isn’t just for show; it’s a game-changer for flavor and texture. The numerous slits allow the herb-infused butter to seep deep into the potato, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Furthermore, these open “pockets” become ideal cradles for the melting Cache Valley cheeses and crispy bacon, guaranteeing a beautiful presentation and an incredible flavor distribution. The edges of each slice also become wonderfully crispy during baking, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, tender interior. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
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Ingredients Overview
Crafting these delectable hasselback sweet potatoes requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that harmonize perfectly to create an explosion of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Essential for the candied bacon topping. Thick-cut bacon holds up well to the candying process, becoming wonderfully crisp without being overly brittle, and provides a satisfying meaty chew. Its robust flavor is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the maple and brown sugar.
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient is vital for creating the irresistible candied glaze on the bacon. Both light brown sugar and dark brown sugar work beautifully, adding a rich, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes as it bakes.
- Maple Syrup: Beyond just sweetness, maple syrup adds a distinct depth of flavor to the candied bacon. Its earthy, complex notes pair exceptionally well with the smokiness of the bacon and the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium to large sweet potatoes. Their size is important as it allows for the precise hasselback slicing technique without them falling apart. Sweet potatoes also bring a natural sweetness and a wealth of vitamins and fiber to the dish.
- Spices (Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper): A simple yet effective blend to season the sweet potatoes. Garlic powder infuses a savory aroma, while salt and black pepper enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary): Fresh herbs are non-negotiable here! Fresh thyme and rosemary impart an aromatic, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor that beautifully complements the sweet and savory elements. You could also incorporate fresh chives for a mild oniony note. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh provides the best vibrancy.
- Premium Cheese Blend: The star of the show! We use a combination of shredded Cache Valley® Colby & Monterey Jack and Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella. This blend offers a fantastic balance: the Colby & Monterey Jack brings a mild, slightly tangy, and buttery flavor, while the mozzarella provides excellent melting properties and a creamy, stretchy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Used to create the herb butter mixture. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish and provides a richer, more luxurious flavor compared to olive oil, ensuring the potatoes are moist and flavorful.
Crafting Your Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes!
Step 1: Make Candied Maple Bacon
Creating perfectly candied maple bacon is surprisingly straightforward and adds an incredible sweet and savory crunch to your dish. Begin by arranging your thick-cut bacon in an even layer on a rack, which should be placed inside a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This setup allows air to circulate, ensuring even crisping. Generously sprinkle the bacon with brown sugar, then drizzle evenly with maple syrup. The key to consistently perfect candied bacon is to place it in a *cold oven* before turning the oven on. This gradual heating allows the sugar and maple syrup to slowly caramelize onto the bacon as it cooks, resulting in a beautifully candied finish every time. This method is much more reliable than starting with a hot oven or using a cast-iron skillet for candying. Once the bacon is cooked to a rich, crispy candiness, remove it, roughly chop it into delectable pieces, and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
To begin prepping your hasselback sweet potatoes, first thoroughly wash and scrub them clean, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. The crucial step is the slicing. Using a very sharp chef’s knife, make thin, even slits across each sweet potato, approximately 1/8-inch wide. The trick is to stop cutting about 1/2-inch from the bottom of the potato. This ensures the potato stays together while allowing the slices to fan out beautifully during baking. A great tip for preventing accidental full cuts is to place two wooden chopsticks or the handles of two wooden spoons parallel to each side of the sweet potato while slicing; they will act as a guide and stop the knife from going all the way through. Avoid making the slices too thick, as this will significantly increase the cooking time and prevent the desired accordion effect.
Step 3: Bake Potatoes to Perfection
While the bacon is cooking, prepare your flavorful herb butter. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, finely chopped fresh thyme, finely chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This aromatic mixture will infuse the sweet potatoes with incredible taste. Place your prepped hasselback sweet potatoes on a clean baking sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Brush half of the herb butter mixture generously over the potatoes, making sure to get some into the slits. Bake the potatoes for an initial 30 minutes. After this time, remove them from the oven, brush them with the remaining herb butter, and return them to bake for another 25 minutes, or until they are wonderfully soft and tender when pierced in the center. The potatoes should be slightly caramelized at the edges and deeply fragrant.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish
Now for the ultimate cheesy indulgence! Once your sweet potatoes are perfectly tender, remove them from the oven. It’s time to break out the Cache Valley® Colby & Monterey Jack and Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella. Generously sprinkle both shredded cheeses over the top of each hasselback sweet potato, allowing the cheese to fall into the beautifully fanned-out slices. Return the potatoes to the oven for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and gooey. The aroma will be intoxicating! Once removed, sprinkle the top with your freshly chopped candied maple bacon and a scattering of fresh thyme leaves for a final touch of freshness and elegance. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Tips for Perfect Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Even Slicing is Key: Consistency in your hasselback cuts ensures even cooking. Take your time with this step, and use the chopstick trick for best results.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The herb butter not only adds incredible flavor but also helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully. Brushing twice ensures maximum flavor penetration and a tender interior with crispy edges.
- Monitor Your Bacon: Candied bacon can go from perfectly crisp to burnt quickly. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs can be substituted, fresh thyme and rosemary provide a vibrant, aromatic quality that truly elevates this dish.
- Warm Serving: These potatoes are best served fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still warm and gooey, and the bacon is crispy.
Need some more inspiration for side dishes? Check out my side dish recipes page!
Can I Use a Different Type of Potato?
While sweet potatoes offer a unique blend of sweetness and earthy flavor that pairs exquisitely with the cheese and maple bacon, you certainly can experiment with other potato varieties. Russet potatoes are an excellent alternative for hasselback preparation, as their starchy texture allows for beautiful fanning and a crispy exterior. Simply follow the same instructions as for sweet potatoes, keeping in mind that the overall flavor profile will shift towards a more savory, traditional potato experience. Yukon Gold or red potatoes could also work, offering a creamier interior, though their skins might not crisp up quite as much as russets.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To easily adapt this dish for a vegetarian diet, simply omit the maple candied bacon. The cheesy hasselback sweet potatoes, infused with herb butter and baked to perfection, are delicious enough on their own. If you wish to add a similar element of crunch and savory depth, consider a topping of toasted pecans or walnuts, perhaps lightly candied with a touch of maple syrup and a pinch of smoked paprika. Crispy fried sage leaves or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese could also provide a fantastic textural contrast.
How to Store Leftovers
This dish is truly best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, they can be stored and reheated. Add any remaining Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, for the best texture, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. This method will help revive some of the crispness. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the bacon may lose some of its crunch and the potatoes might become softer.
Finally, if you make this incredibly delicious cheesy hasselback sweet potatoes recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I absolutely adore hearing about your culinary creations, and I always make time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions below as well, if you have them – I’m here to help!
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you whip up this recipe! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and I love looking through all your wonderful photos. It genuinely means the world to me!
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Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Recipe
equipment
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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French Wire Whisk
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Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
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Utility Cutting Board
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Wusthof Knife Set
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Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 8 slices Thick Sliced Bacon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp maple syrup
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 4 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp finely chopped thyme leaves
- 1 tsp finely chopped rosemary
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup Cache Valley® Colby & Monterey Jack
- 1/3 cup Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella
- Garnish: fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
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To make the maple candied bacon, arrange bacon in a single layer on a rack placed inside an aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle bacon evenly with maple syrup and sprinkle with brown sugar. Place the baking sheet into a cold oven.
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Turn the oven to 425°F (220°C). The trick for perfectly candied bacon is to start it in a cold oven and allow it to cook as the oven preheats and comes to temperature. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes; cooking time may vary based on your oven’s heating speed, so check frequently towards the end. Remove from oven when crisp and candied (keep oven on for the potatoes) and roughly chop the bacon. Set aside.
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While the bacon is cooking, spray a separate clean baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
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Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly, then pat them completely dry with paper towels.
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Using a very sharp knife (and optionally, placing chopsticks on either side to prevent cutting through), slice 1/8-inch wide slits across each sweet potato, making sure to stop about 1/2-inch from the bottom. You want the potato to remain intact. Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the clean baking sheet.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, finely chopped thyme, finely chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Brush half of this herb butter mixture generously onto the potatoes, ensuring some gets into the slits. Bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove the potatoes from the oven and brush with the remaining herb butter. Return to the oven and continue to bake for another 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender in the center.
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Take the potatoes out of the oven. Generously sprinkle both the shredded Cache Valley® Colby & Monterey Jack and Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella cheeses over each potato. Return to the oven and bake until the cheeses are beautifully melted and bubbly, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
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Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with the chopped candied bacon and a final flourish of fresh thyme leaves. Serve these irresistible Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes while hot and gooey!