🍠 Candied Hasselback Sweet Potatoes: A Dazzling Holiday Side Dish

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,200 fans)
📸 500+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There’s something truly magical about sweet potatoes, isn’t there? They carry the warmth of autumn and the promise of cozy gatherings, but these Candied Hasselback Sweet Potatoes elevate that feeling to an art form. Imagine tender, sweet potato slices, fanned out like a beautiful accordian, each crevice ready to soak up a shimmering, buttery-sweet glaze. As they bake, the edges caramelize to a delightful crispness, while the inside remains unbelievably soft and melt-in-your-mouth. The aroma that fills your kitchen is pure bliss – a symphony of warm spices and brown sugar that whispers of comfort and joy. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a showstopper, perfect for your holiday table, a special Sunday dinner, or any occasion where you want to impress and nourish those you love.

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Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 6-8
• 💥 Vibe: Sweet, Tender, Showstopping

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Candied Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this beautiful dish is part of the joy! You’ll find these simple, wholesome items come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role in building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture.

• 4-5 medium sweet potatoes (about 2.5-3 lbs total), uniform in size
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh parsley or chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

How to Make Candied Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Let’s bring this gorgeous dish to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a side that truly shines.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes clean. To create the hasselback effect, place each sweet potato between two wooden spoon handles or chopsticks. Carefully make thin, vertical slices about 1/8-inch apart, cutting almost all the way through but leaving the bottom intact. The spoon handles will prevent you from slicing completely through.
3. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. This is your luscious candying glaze!
4. Coat the Potatoes: Place the hasselbacked sweet potatoes in your prepared baking dish. Generously brush about half of the glaze over the sweet potatoes, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
5. First Bake: Bake for 30 minutes.
6. Glaze and Continue Baking: Remove the dish from the oven. Brush the remaining glaze over the sweet potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and beautifully caramelized. If they start to get too dark, you can loosely tent them with foil.
7. Rest and Garnish: Once tender and golden, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped pecans, if desired, before serving.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Part of the joy of cooking is making a recipe truly your own! Here are a few ways to add even more magic to your Candied Hasselback Sweet Potatoes:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tiny dash of hot sauce to your glaze for a surprising sweet and spicy counterpoint.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or candied almonds over the potatoes during the last 15 minutes of baking for an irresistible textural contrast.
• Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest mixed into the glaze or grated over the finished dish adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
• Herbaceous Elegance: For a more sophisticated twist, finely chop a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme and add it to your glaze. The herbal notes pair wonderfully with the sweetness.
• Dessert-Style: Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream for a truly decadent treat!

Reviews

These heartwarming words from our community remind us why we love sharing recipes!

• Maria P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely stunning! These were the star of our Thanksgiving table. So much easier to make than they look, and the flavor was out of this world. My family devoured them!”
• David R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made these for a potluck, and everyone asked for the recipe. The hasselback cut makes them feel so gourmet, and that sweet glaze is just perfect. Will definitely be making again!”
• Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My kids (who are usually picky about sweet potatoes) loved these! The crispy edges and tender middles were a huge hit. A new family favorite for sure.”

FAQ

We know you might have a few questions as you embark on this culinary adventure. Here are some common queries answered!

Q: How do I make sure I don’t slice all the way through the sweet potato?
A: The easiest trick is to place the sweet potato between two wooden spoon handles or chopsticks before slicing. They act as a guide, preventing your knife from cutting completely through to the bottom.

Q: Can I use different types of sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, you can! Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (like Garnet or Jewel varieties) are best for their sweet flavor and soft texture. White or purple sweet potatoes can also be used, but the cooking time and sweetness might vary slightly.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prep the sweet potatoes by slicing them a few hours in advance, storing them in water to prevent browning. The glaze can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. For best results, bake them just before serving so they are warm and the edges are perfectly crisp.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Candied Hasselback Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

There’s a special magic that happens in the kitchen when you create something not just delicious, but truly beautiful. These Candied Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re an expression of warmth, care, and the simple joy of sharing good food. From the golden-brown edges to the tender, spiced interior, every bite is a little celebration. So go ahead, let your kitchen fill with these incredible aromas, gather your loved ones, and savor the moments this dish inspires. Happy cooking, my friends!

Recipe Note

For an even deeper caramelization, try basting the potatoes with the pan juices once or twice during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This ensures every slice is coated in that irresistible sweet glaze!