Thanksgiving is a holiday synonymous with abundance, family, and, of course, incredible food. While the turkey often takes center stage, the side dishes are the unsung heroes that truly make the meal memorable. This year, elevate your Thanksgiving spread with a side dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Pecan Drizzle. This recipe takes the humble sweet potato to new heights, transforming it into an elegant and flavorful addition to your holiday table.
**Why Hasselback Sweet Potatoes?**
Hasselback potatoes, originally a Swedish preparation technique, involve thinly slicing a potato (or in this case, a sweet potato) most of the way through, creating a fan-like effect. This method offers several advantages:
* **Enhanced Texture:** The thin slices create crispy edges and a tender, fluffy interior, offering a delightful textural contrast.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The increased surface area allows for maximum absorption of flavors from the oil, spices, and, most importantly, the maple-pecan drizzle.
* **Visual Appeal:** The fanned-out sweet potatoes are simply beautiful, adding a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table.
* **Even Cooking:** The slices help the sweet potatoes cook more evenly.
**The Star of the Show: Maple-Pecan Drizzle**
While the Hasselback technique is impressive on its own, the maple-pecan drizzle is what truly elevates this dish. The sweet and nutty flavors perfectly complement the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a harmonious and irresistible combination.
**Recipe: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Pecan Drizzle**
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Sweet Potatoes:**
* 6-8 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cleaned
* 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* ½ teaspoon cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* **For the Maple-Pecan Drizzle:**
* ½ cup pecans, chopped
* ¼ cup pure maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
**Equipment:**
* Baking sheet
* Sharp knife
* Cutting board
* Small saucepan
* Whisk or spoon
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Place a sweet potato on a cutting board. To prevent cutting all the way through, place chopsticks or wooden skewers on either side of the sweet potato.
* Using a sharp knife, make thin, evenly spaced slices across the sweet potato, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks or skewers. Aim for slices about ⅛ inch apart.
* Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes.
**2. Season the Sweet Potatoes:**
* In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
* Brush the sweet potatoes with the olive oil mixture, making sure to get the seasoning in between the slices. Use your fingers to gently separate the slices and ensure even coverage.
* Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the sweet potatoes.
**3. Bake the Sweet Potatoes:**
* Arrange the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
* Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the edges are crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. You can check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of a sweet potato with a fork; it should be easily pierced.
**4. Prepare the Maple-Pecan Drizzle:**
* While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the maple-pecan drizzle. In a small saucepan, combine the pecans, maple syrup, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
* Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is simmering.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the drizzle has thickened slightly. Be careful not to burn the drizzle.
* Remove from heat and set aside.
**5. Assemble and Serve:**
* Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven.
* Generously drizzle the maple-pecan sauce over the baked sweet potatoes, making sure to get the sauce in between the slices.
* Serve immediately. Garnish with extra chopped pecans, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Sweet Potato Variety:** While any sweet potato will work, Jewel or Garnet varieties are particularly good for this recipe due to their sweetness and moist texture.
* **Spice It Up:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder flavor, omit it altogether. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the spice mixture.
* **Nut-Free Option:** If you have nut allergies, you can omit the pecans from the drizzle. You can also substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
* **Herbaceous Twist:** Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the sweet potatoes for a savory twist. Sprinkle the herbs over the sweet potatoes before baking.
* **Cheese Please:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sweet potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking for a savory and cheesy variation.
* **Make-Ahead Tip:** You can prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time by slicing them and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to bake them just before serving to ensure the best texture.
* **Vegan Option:** Substitute the butter in the maple-pecan drizzle with vegan butter or coconut oil.
* **Using a Mandoline:** For perfectly uniform slices, you can use a mandoline. However, be extremely careful when using a mandoline, as the blades are very sharp. Always use the handguard.
* **Doneness Check:** The sweet potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and the edges are crispy.
* **Serving Suggestions:** These Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. They also pair well with roasted chicken, pork, or fish.
**Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving:**
This dish pairs beautifully with other Thanksgiving classics. Consider serving it alongside:
* Roasted Turkey: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory flavor of the turkey.
* Stuffing: The textures of the crispy sweet potatoes and the soft stuffing create a delightful contrast.
* Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of the cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
* Green Bean Casserole: The creamy texture of the green bean casserole adds another dimension to the meal.
* Mashed Potatoes: A Thanksgiving staple that complements almost any dish.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):**
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 4-6g
* Cholesterol: 15-20mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
**Why This Recipe Works:**
This Hasselback Sweet Potato recipe is a winner for several reasons:
* **It’s Delicious:** The combination of crispy edges, fluffy interior, and sweet-and-nutty drizzle is simply irresistible.
* **It’s Visually Appealing:** The fanned-out sweet potatoes add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table.
* **It’s Relatively Easy to Make:** While the Hasselback technique may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite simple with a little practice.
* **It’s Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different spices, herbs, or nuts.
* **It’s a Crowd-Pleaser:** This dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
**Beyond Thanksgiving: Year-Round Sweet Potato Enjoyment**
While this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, don’t limit yourself to enjoying it only once a year! Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed year-round. Here are a few other ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into your diet:
* **Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges:** Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, spices, and herbs, and roast them in the oven for a healthy and satisfying snack or side dish.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** A healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries can be baked or air-fried for a crispy and delicious treat.
* **Sweet Potato Soup:** A creamy and comforting soup made with roasted sweet potatoes, broth, and spices.
* **Sweet Potato Hash:** A hearty and flavorful breakfast dish made with diced sweet potatoes, onions, peppers, and spices.
* **Sweet Potato Pie:** A classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
**Conclusion:**
This Thanksgiving, impress your guests with a side dish that’s both beautiful and delicious: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Pecan Drizzle. With its crispy edges, fluffy interior, and irresistible flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new holiday favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this show-stopping side dish. Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving!