Hasselback Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Elevate your side dish game with these Hasselback Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes. This visually stunning recipe features perfectly sliced sweet potatoes drizzled with a luscious maple glaze and topped with crunchy pecans, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, these sweet potatoes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of maple syrup and crunchy pecans, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion
Hasselback Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an excellent side dish for any gathering. Their unique presentation elevates a simple dish into a centerpiece that will impress your family and friends. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a holiday feast, or a cozy family dinner, these sweet potatoes bring warmth and flavor to the table.
Moreover, the combination of savory and sweet flavors makes these Hasselback sweet potatoes a versatile addition to a variety of meals. The rich taste of maple syrup perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while the crunchy pecans add texture. This harmonious balance will satisfy both sweet and savory lovers alike, making it a favorite in your household.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and boosting your immune system. With their high fiber content, sweet potatoes also promote digestive health, making them a smart choice for a healthy side dish.
In addition to being nutritious, sweet potatoes are also low in calories and have a low glycemic index. This means they provide a steady release of energy without causing spikes in blood sugar levels. Including sweet potatoes in your diet can help maintain energy levels and overall health, making them a fantastic choice for health-conscious individuals.
Tips for Perfect Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
To achieve the perfect Hasselback effect, ensure your sweet potatoes are similar in size, which will promote even cooking. When slicing, use wooden spoons on either side of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the potato while allowing it to cook evenly.
Choosing high-quality ingredients is essential for enhancing the flavor of your dish. Opt for pure maple syrup for the glaze to ensure a rich, authentic taste. Freshly chopped pecans will give a delightful crunch that elevates the dish further. With these simple tips, you can create a truly sensational side dish that everyone will want to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Maple Glaze
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon maple sugar (optional)
Make sure to wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly before slicing.
Steps
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the sweet potatoes Hasselback style, making evenly spaced cuts along the length of each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Season and Drizzle
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, making sure the oil gets into the cuts.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until warm.
Add the Toppings
After 30 minutes, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and gently brush the warm maple glaze over them. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and maple sugar, if using.
Final Bake
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers of these delicious Hasselback Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. This will help to retain their texture and flavor, making them just as delightful as when they were freshly made.
For those busy weeknights, you can also prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time. Follow the preparation steps until you are ready to bake. When it's time for dinner, just pop them in the oven, drizzle with glaze, and add the toppings for a quick and easy side dish.
Serving Suggestions
These Hasselback Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Consider serving them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a savory vegetarian dish. Their unique flavor profile complements both traditional and contemporary meal themes, making them a versatile choice for any menu.
For an added twist, try serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese. The creaminess of the yogurt or the saltiness of the cheese enhances the flavor of the sweet potatoes, offering a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Customizing the Recipe
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by experimenting with different spices and toppings. For example, you can substitute the cinnamon with nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile. Additionally, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an elegant touch.
You can also switch up the nut topping; walnuts or hazelnuts work beautifully as alternatives to pecans. Customize this recipe to suit your palate, and it will become the go-to dish for all your future gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted as regular potatoes might require longer to become tender.
→ Can these be made ahead of time?
You can prep the sweet potatoes a day in advance and bake them when ready to serve.
Hasselback Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with these Hasselback Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes. This visually stunning recipe features perfectly sliced sweet potatoes drizzled with a luscious maple glaze and topped with crunchy pecans, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, these sweet potatoes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Maple Glaze
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon maple sugar (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the sweet potatoes Hasselback style, making evenly spaced cuts along the length of each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, making sure the oil gets into the cuts.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until warm.
After 30 minutes, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and gently brush the warm maple glaze over them. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and maple sugar, if using.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 15g