Delicious Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are a wholesome holiday side dish that is nice and hearty! These hasselback potatoes are topped with cheese AND maple candied bacon, making them a standout side dish for any holiday meal.
This post has been sponsored by Cache Valley® Creamery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As the holiday season approaches, the quest for the perfect side dish begins. While traditional sweet potato casseroles often steal the spotlight, this year, elevate your festive spread with something truly spectacular: Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes. This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a show-stopping dish, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and undeniably cheesy flavors. It’s a wholesome and hearty addition that promises to be a memorable part of your Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special gathering.
The beauty of hasselback potatoes lies in their elegant presentation and incredible texture. Each potato is thinly sliced, creating delicate fanned layers that become wonderfully crisp on the outside while remaining tender and fluffy on the inside. These crevices are then lovingly basted with a fragrant herb butter, allowing every bite to be infused with flavor. But what truly sets this dish apart is the luxurious topping: a generous blanket of perfectly melted Cache Valley® Creamery cheese, crowned with irresistible maple candied bacon. This combination ensures a unique taste experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe, making it a fantastic alternative to classic sweet potato preparations.
The Irresistible Allure of Cheese on Your Holiday Table
As you plan your holiday meal, whether it is Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other gathering, it’s time to head on over to your local Safeway to get cheesy with things. Cheese holds a special place in holiday culinary traditions, often appearing in various forms, from elegant cheese boards to comforting casseroles. It’s an ingredient that brings warmth, indulgence, and a sense of celebration to any festive meal. For many, including myself, the holidays wouldn’t feel complete without the rich, satisfying presence of cheese. It adds a layer of comfort and decadence that is simply unparalleled, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This recipe fully embraces the magic of cheese, making it a central component of these decadent sweet potatoes, ensuring a delectable experience that will delight every palate.
While sweet potatoes are a beloved staple, I’ve often found myself seeking a fresh perspective beyond the overly sweet, marshmallow-topped casseroles prevalent during this season. My goal was to reinvent the classic sweet potato side, making it both innovative and incredibly flavorful. The hasselback technique, paired with savory cheeses and sweet maple bacon, achieves just that, delivering a truly unforgettable dish that is far from ordinary. These are, without a doubt, among the finest hasselback sweet potatoes you could ever prepare, offering a sophisticated twist on a comforting favorite that will stand out on any holiday table.
Why Cache Valley® Creamery Cheese Makes All the Difference
The quality of cheese is paramount in elevating these hasselback sweet potatoes from good to absolutely exceptional, and that’s precisely why Cache Valley® Creamery Cheese is my go-to choice. Having shared recipes with Cache Valley Creamery before (like this Tear-Apart Sourdough Holiday Cheese Dip!), I consistently return to their products. Their cheeses are renowned for their rich, smooth texture and robust, full-bodied flavor, characteristics that are essential for optimal melting. This makes them perfectly suited for coating every delicate crevice of these hasselback sweet potatoes, ensuring a luxuriously gooey finish that pulls beautifully when served.
For this specific recipe, I carefully selected a harmonious combination of Cache Valley® Colby & Monterey Jack and Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella. The Colby & Monterey Jack blend offers a delightful mildness with a hint of tang, providing a creamy base that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes. The Whole Milk Mozzarella, on the other hand, contributes a fantastic stretch and an extra layer of creamy richness, making for an incredibly satisfying cheese pull. This thoughtful blend of cheeses not only melts beautifully but also harmonizes flawlessly with the sweet potatoes, creating a savory foundation that perfectly balances the sweet and salty notes of the candied maple bacon and the fresh aroma of thyme leaves sprinkled on top. It’s a flavor combination that truly sings on the palate, ensuring every bite is a burst of delight.
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Essential Ingredients for Perfect Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Crafting these delectable hasselback sweet potatoes requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
Bacon. Use thick cut bacon to make the candied bacon topping! Thick-cut bacon is essential for our maple candied topping, providing a substantial, chewy texture and robust flavor that stands up beautifully to the sweetness of maple and brown sugar. Thin bacon would crisp too quickly and might get lost in the dish’s richness. For the best results, look for a good quality, smoky variety.
Sugar. You will need brown sugar for the candied bacon. Either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar will work. Brown sugar, whether light or dark, is key for creating that irresistible caramelized crust on the bacon. Its subtle molasses notes complement the maple syrup wonderfully, adding depth to the overall sweet and savory profile of the dish.
Maple syrup. Maple syrup brings added depth of flavor to the candied bacon. Pure maple syrup is non-negotiable here, as it provides a rich, distinct sweetness and a beautiful, glossy glaze to the bacon. This sweet coating forms a perfect counterpoint to the savory bacon, making it truly “candied” and utterly addictive.
Sweet potatoes. Select medium sweet potatoes for the recipe! You want to make sure they are medium to large in size so they will hold up to the hasselback preparation. Opt for firm, unblemished medium to large sweet potatoes. Their consistent size and shape are crucial for successful hasselback slicing, ensuring they hold their fan-like structure and provide ample surface area for all the delicious toppings and flavor infusions.
Spices. All you need is garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. A simple yet incredibly effective blend of garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper works wonders, enhancing the natural sweetness of the sweet potato without overpowering it. Garlic powder offers a subtle warmth that pairs exceptionally well with the fresh herbs we’ll be using.
Herbs. Fresh thyme and rosemary give the potatoes the best flavor! You could also use fresh chives. Fresh thyme and rosemary are the aromatic stars of our herb butter, infusing the potatoes with an earthy depth that evokes the essence of holiday cooking. These classic herbs are highly recommended for their vibrant flavor. For a milder, slightly oniony kick, fresh chives are also a delightful alternative.
Cheese. Shredded colby and monterey jack blend, in addition to shredded mozzarella are used in this recipe. This is truly the heart of our cheesy hasselback creation! We use a harmonious blend of Cache Valley® Colby & Monterey Jack for its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor, combined with Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella for its incredible melt and desirable cheese pull. This combination ensures a rich, gooey topping that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes and savory bacon.
Butter. Use unsalted butter for this recipe! It’s better than using olive oil for the delicious flavor. Unsalted butter is preferred over olive oil here, as it provides a richer, more luxurious flavor and contributes significantly to achieving that coveted golden-brown crispiness on the potato edges. It also serves as an excellent vehicle for thoroughly infusing the herbs and garlic into every delicate slice.
How to Make Delish Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable holiday side dish that combines sweet, savory, and cheesy perfection in every bite.
Step 1: Make Candied Maple Bacon
Candied maple bacon is surprisingly simple to make and adds a phenomenal sweet-and-savory crunch to our sweet potatoes. To begin, arrange your thick-cut bacon in a single, even layer on a rack. Place this rack inside a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Generously sprinkle the bacon with brown sugar, then drizzle evenly with pure maple syrup. The crucial step for perfect candied bacon is to place it in a cold oven, THEN turn on the oven. This method allows the bacon fat to render slowly and the sugars to caramelize gradually, resulting in beautifully crisp and evenly glazed candied bacon every time, much more reliably than starting in a hot oven or using a cast-iron skillet. Cook until it reaches your desired crispness and a deep, glossy caramelization (approximately 15-20 minutes after the oven reaches temperature, but cooking time may vary). Once done, remove it from the oven, allow it to cool slightly on the rack (it will crisp up more as it cools), then roughly chop it into small, delectable pieces. Set aside until ready to use.
Step 2: Prep Your Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
To achieve the signature hasselback look, start by thoroughly washing and scrubbing your sweet potatoes, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a clean canvas for our flavors. The key to successful hasselback slicing is precision: place each sweet potato between two wooden spoon handles or chopsticks. These act as clever stoppers, preventing your knife from cutting all the way through the potato. Using a very sharp chef’s knife, make thin, uniform 1/8-inch slits across the potato, stopping approximately 1/2-inch from the bottom. It’s vital not to cut through the base, or your potato will fall apart during baking and lose its elegant fanned structure. Aim for even slices to ensure consistent cooking. Thick slices will not only take longer to cook but also won’t fan out as beautifully or absorb as much flavor.
Step 3: Infuse with Herb Butter and Bake
Now, it’s time to create the aromatic herb butter that will infuse our sweet potatoes with incredible flavor. 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. The rich butter acts as a perfect vehicle for these fragrant herbs and spices. Place your prepped hasselback sweet potatoes on a clean baking sheet (you might want to line it with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray for easier cleanup). Generously brush half of the herb butter mixture over each potato, ensuring it seeps into all the delicate crevices. Bake for an initial 30 minutes. After this time, remove the potatoes from the oven, brush them with the remaining herb butter, and return them to bake for another 25-35 minutes, or until they are wonderfully soft and tender in the center, and the edges are slightly crisped and golden. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Finish with Gooey Cheese and Candied Bacon
Once your sweet potatoes are perfectly baked and tender, it’s time for the decadent final touches. Break out your Cache Valley® Colby & Monterey Jack and Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella cheeses. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the top of each hasselback sweet potato, ensuring it falls into the fanned slices. Return the potatoes to the oven to bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and wonderfully gooey, creating an irresistible golden crust. The aroma alone will be intoxicating! Finally, remove the glorious cheesy potatoes from the oven and sprinkle them liberally with your pre-chopped maple candied bacon and a final flourish of fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Need some more inspiration for side dishes? Check out my side dish recipes page!
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Achieving restaurant-quality hasselback sweet potatoes at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Medium to large, firm sweet potatoes work best for this recipe. Consistency in size helps them cook evenly, ensuring all potatoes are perfectly tender at the same time.
- Sharp Knife is Key: A very sharp chef’s knife makes slicing much easier and safer. This results in clean, uniform cuts that fan out beautifully and absorb flavor effectively.
- Use the Chopstick Trick: This is a game-changer! Placing chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato prevents you from slicing all the way through the base, perfectly preserving the hasselback structure.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the potatoes ample space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, preventing those delicious crispy edges from forming. Use two sheets if necessary.
- Fresh Herbs are Best: While dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch, fresh thyme and rosemary provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor that truly elevates the dish to a holiday-worthy status.
- Monitor Candied Bacon Closely: Candied bacon can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly due to the sugar content. Keep a close eye on it, especially towards the end of its cooking time, and remove it as soon as it’s perfectly crisp and glossy.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and gooey, stretchy cheese, serve these hasselback sweet potatoes as soon as they come out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Feast
These Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are robust enough to stand alone as a delightful vegetarian main course (without bacon, of course!), but they truly shine as an accompanying side dish to a grand holiday meal. Their blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors makes them incredibly versatile. They pair exceptionally well with classic holiday roasts and main dishes such as:
- Roast Turkey: The savory bacon and sweet potato complement the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey beautifully, adding a modern twist.
- Glazed Ham: The maple notes in the candied bacon echo the sweetness of a glazed ham, creating a cohesive and mouth-watering flavor profile across your entire meal.
- Prime Rib or Beef Tenderloin: The richness of the melted cheese and the earthy depth of the herbs provide a fantastic, indulgent counterpoint to robust beef dishes, balancing their richness.
- Roasted Chicken or Pork Loin: For smaller gatherings or weeknight meals, these potatoes effortlessly elevate a simple roasted chicken or pork loin into a more festive and memorable dining experience.
Consider serving them alongside other complementary green vegetables like roasted asparagus, sautéed Brussels sprouts, or a classic green bean casserole to add balance and vibrant color to your holiday plate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Got questions about making these sensational hasselback sweet potatoes? We’ve got answers to help you perfect this incredible holiday side dish.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While I highly recommend sweet potatoes for their unique sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the savory bacon and cheese, russet potatoes are an excellent alternative if you prefer a more traditional, savory potato profile. Their starchy texture bakes up wonderfully in the hasselback style, developing crispy edges and a fluffy interior. Simply follow the same preparation and baking instructions for equally delicious results. You could also try Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, though they might not fan out as dramatically as russets or sweet potatoes.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the maple candied bacon entirely. The cheesy hasselback sweet potatoes, infused with herb butter and baked to perfection, are flavorful and satisfying enough to stand on their own. For an added layer of texture and flavor, you could consider sprinkling toasted pecans or walnuts over the top, or even a drizzle of a high-quality balsamic glaze before serving, ensuring a truly delicious and hearty vegetarian side dish for your holiday table. The rich cheese and aromatic herbs ensure it remains a delightful option.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store. Any leftover Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they still make for a delightful meal the next day, and the flavors often meld even further.
Reheat. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave until heated through. For a crispier result, especially to revive those delicious fanned edges and melted cheese, place them in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed and the cheese is bubbly again. Covering with aluminum foil during the initial part of oven reheating can help prevent the potatoes from drying out, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow for re-crisping.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potato Recipe
This recipe isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary experience designed to impress and delight. Here’s why you’ll want to make it a holiday tradition:
- Explosion of Flavor: Enjoy the perfect symphony of sweet from the potatoes and maple, savory from the bacon and herbs, and rich creaminess from the melted Cache Valley cheese. It’s a flavor profile that truly satisfies every craving.
- Stunning Presentation: The hasselback technique creates a visually striking dish that looks far more complicated to make than it actually is, making you look like a gourmet chef with minimal effort!
- Hearty & Wholesome: Sweet potatoes are packed with beneficial nutrients, making this a satisfying and relatively wholesome indulgence that’s perfect for a substantial meal.
- Versatile for Any Holiday: While ideal for Thanksgiving and Christmas, these potatoes are fantastic for any special occasion, family dinner, or even a sophisticated weeknight meal throughout the year.
- A Fresh Take on Sweet Potatoes: Say goodbye to boring, traditional casseroles! This recipe offers an exciting, modern, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy everyone’s favorite orange tuber.
Finally, if you make this 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 love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this delicious dish, and it brings me so much joy to see your culinary creations come to life.
Feel free to drop any questions below too, if you have them! I’m always happy to help ensure your culinary success and provide any additional tips or advice.
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me and helps spread the word about these fantastic recipes to a wider audience!
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Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
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, add bacon in one layer on a rack. Place the rack on an aluminum foil lined rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle bacon with maple syrup and sprinkle with brown sugar. Place in the oven.
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Turn oven to 425°F. You want to put the bacon in a cold oven and allow it to bake as the oven preheats so the bacon candies properly! Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes (time may vary based on how quickly your oven heats up, so check it a couple of times). Remove from oven when done (keep oven on) and roughly chop bacon. Set aside.
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While the bacon is cooking, spray a separate baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Wash and scrub sweet potatoes well, then pat dry with paper towels.
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Using a sharp knife, slice 1/8-inch wide slits into each sweet potato, stopping 1/2-inch from the bottom of the potato. You don’t want to cut straight through! Place on baking sheet.
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In a small bowl, whisk together butter, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Brush half the butter onto the potatoes and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove from oven and brush with remaining butter. Return to the oven to bake for another 25 minutes, until soft and tender in the center.
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Remove potatoes from oven and sprinkle with both shredded cheeses. Return to oven and bake until the cheeses are melted, about 5 minutes.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle with candied bacon and fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately.