Hasselback Sweet Potato Recipe: Pizza Oven Tips and Tricks

Looking for a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious? Enter Hasselback sweet potatoes, a delightful twist on a classic recipe that’s perfect for cooking in a pizza oven.

Sweet potatoes, with their natural sweetness, vibrant color, and nutritional benefits, are an excellent choice for this method. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to impress your family, this crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside sweet potato will be a hit.

Why Sweet Potatoes Are a Good Choice

Natural Sweetness

They have a delightful natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory elements like garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese (Affiliate). This contrast adds a unique flavor profile to the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthier alternative to regular potatoes.

Vibrant Color

The vibrant orange color of these potatoes adds a beautiful and visually appealing element to your dish, making it even more enticing.

Texture

When baked, the potatoes become tender and creamy on the inside while developing a slightly crispy exterior, similar to Yukon Gold (Affiliate) potatoes.

Tips for Using Sweet Potatoes

Preparation

Slice the potatoes thinly, just like regular potatoes, using chopsticks or wooden spoons to avoid cutting through completely. Sweet potatoes can be firmer, so take care when slicing.

Cooking Time

May cook slightly faster than regular potatoes due to their higher sugar content, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Check for doneness after 25-30 minutes in the pizza oven.

Seasoning

Enhance the natural sweetness with complementary seasonings. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, along with the traditional garlic and herbs, can add a delightful twist.

Cheese Selection

While Parmesan works well, you might also try crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangy contrast to the sweet potato’s natural flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, especially pork and turkey. For added richness, they can be served with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Heat your pizza oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Wash and scrub your potatoes thoroughly.
• Slice the potatoes thinly. Sweet potato slices should be about 1/8 inch apart, stopping just before you reach the bottom.
• In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
• Brush the mixture generously over each sweet potato, making sure to get some of the mixture in between the slices.
• Place the potatoes on an oiled cast iron skillet.
• Put the skillet or stone in the preheated pizza oven.
• Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Rotate the skillet occasionally to ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
• About 5 minutes before the potatoes are done, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta over the top (if using).
• Continue cooking until the cheese is slightly melted and golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish and serve with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Additional Tips and Variations

Experiment with Toppings: Beyond cheese, consider topping your Hasselback sweet potato with crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and texture.

Herb Infused Oil: For an extra depth of flavor, infuse your olive oil with herbs and spices before brushing it on the sweet potatoes. Heat the oil with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then let it cool and strain out the solids.

Spicy Twist: If you like a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.

Sweet and Savory Combination: For a unique twist, mix in a little brown sugar or maple syrup with your garlic butter mixture before brushing it on the sweet potatoes. This will enhance their natural sweetness and create a caramelized effect as they bake.

Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the cheese, or use a vegan cheese option.

Serving Suggestions for Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Hasselback sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

Beef Tenderloin: The rich and tender beef tenderloin pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory notes of Hasselback sweet potatoes. To enhance the flavors, add a red wine reduction sauce.

Steak: Whether it’s a ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon, a well-cooked steak with garlic herb butter can complement the caramelized sweetness of the potatoes. Serve with a side of sautéed mushrooms for an extra touch.

Lamb Chops: The robust flavor of lamb chops, especially when seasoned with rosemary and garlic, is an excellent match for Hasselback sweet potatoes. The sweet and savory combination creates a delightful balance.

Roast Leg of Lamb: A beautifully roasted leg of lamb with mint jelly or an herb crust can be paired with Hasselback sweet potatoes for a stunning and flavorful meal. The potatoes’ sweetness offsets the rich taste of the lamb.

Pork Tenderloin: The sweetness of the potatoes complements the savory and slightly sweet flavors of a roasted pork tenderloin, especially if glazed with a balsamic reduction or apple cider sauce.

Turkey Breast: A perfect pairing for Thanksgiving or any festive meal, the creamy texture of sweet potatoes goes well with roasted turkey breast, especially with a hint of cranberry sauce.

Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside herb-marinated grilled chicken for a balanced meal. The juicy, smoky flavors of the chicken are a great match for the sweet, crispy potatoes.

Salmon: The richness of a baked or grilled salmon pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes. Consider a honey mustard glaze on the salmon to enhance the flavors.

White Fish: Light and flaky fish like cod or tilapia, seasoned with lemon and herbs, make a refreshing counterpart to the sweet and savory sweet potatoes.

Salads: Arugula and Beet Salad: A fresh salad with arugula, roasted beets, goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the sweet and hearty potatoes.

Kale and Quinoa Salad: Tossed with dried cranberries, almonds, and a citrus dressing, this salad adds a nutritious and flavorful touch to your meal.

Asparagus or Broccolini: Lightly charred and seasoned with garlic and lemon, these green vegetables add a crisp texture and bright flavor.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with a mixture of rice, beans, corn, and spices, these make a colorful and nutritious addition to your plate.

Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream can add a creamy and tangy element that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. You can also mix in some herbs like chives or dill for extra flavor.

Maple Syrup or Honey Drizzle: For those who enjoy a sweet touch, a light drizzle of maple syrup or honey can enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes and create a delicious contrast with the savory seasonings.

Balsamic Glaze: A rich balsamic glaze can add a tangy and slightly sweet note that pairs well with the caramelized edges of the sweet potatoes.

Eggs: Serve your Hasselback sweet potatoes with poached or fried eggs for a hearty and nutritious breakfast or brunch. The runny yolk adds a luxurious touch.

Avocado Toast: Pair with slices of avocado toast topped with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a trendy and satisfying meal.

Tacos: Use slices of your Hasselback sweet potatoes as a filling for vegetarian tacos. Add black beans, avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and delicious twist.

Buddha Bowls: Create a colorful and nutritious Buddha bowl by adding your sweet potatoes to a mix of quinoa, chickpeas, spinach, roasted veggies, and a tahini dressing.

Why Different Types of Sweet Potatoes Are Ideal for Hasselback Potatoes

Using different types of sweet potatoes can add unique flavors, textures, and colors to your Hasselback potatoes, enhancing both the visual appeal and taste of the dish.

Here are some popular varieties of sweet potatoes and why they are ideal for Hasselback potatoes:

Garnet (Red) Sweet Potatoes

Flavor: Garnet sweet potatoes have a rich, sweet flavor that intensifies when baked, making them an excellent choice for Hasselback potatoes.

Texture: They become creamy and tender inside while developing a crisp exterior when baked, providing a delightful contrast in textures.

Color: The deep reddish-purple skin and vibrant orange flesh add a striking visual appeal to the dish.

Jewel Sweet Potatoes

Flavor: Jewels are slightly less sweet than Garnets but still offer a pleasant sweetness that pairs well with savory seasonings.

Texture: These sweet potatoes have a moist and smooth texture when cooked, ensuring a tender inside and crispy outside.

Color: With their orange skin and flesh, Jewel sweet potatoes add a warm and inviting color to your Hasselback presentation.

Purple (Okinawan) Sweet Potatoes

Flavor: Purple sweet potatoes have a mildly sweet and slightly nutty flavor, offering a unique twist to the traditional sweet potato taste.

Texture: They are denser and drier than other varieties, which means they hold their shape well and develop a satisfying crispiness on the outside.

Color: The vibrant purple flesh adds a dramatic and visually stunning element to your dish, making it stand out on any table.

White Sweet Potatoes

Flavor: White sweet potatoes have a milder sweetness compared to their orange counterparts, with a slightly nutty flavor that complements savory ingredients.

Texture: They have a firmer texture, which helps them maintain their shape during baking, resulting in a perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft interior.

Color: The pale yellow or white flesh provides a nice contrast to the more colorful varieties, adding diversity to your dish’s appearance.

Hannah Sweet Potatoes

Flavor: Hannah sweet potatoes are very mild and slightly sweet, making them versatile for both sweet and savory recipes.

Texture: They are firm and starchy, holding up well during baking and ensuring that each slice stays intact and crispy on the edges.

Color: Their creamy white flesh and light tan skin add a subtle and elegant touch to your Hasselback potatoes.

Tips for Choosing and Using Different Varieties

Combine different varieties of sweet potatoes in one dish to create a visually stunning and flavorful platter.

Different varieties might have slightly different cooking times. Watch them while baking to ensure they are cooked to perfection without burning.

Experiment with seasonings that complement each variety. For example, cinnamon and nutmeg pair well with orange sweet potatoes, while rosemary and thyme enhance the flavors of white and purple varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hasselback potatoes?

Hasselback potatoes are a type of baked potato where the potato is sliced thinly across its width but not all the way through. This creates a fan-like appearance and allows for more surface area to become crispy and flavorful.

Why use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Sweet potatoes offer a delightful natural sweetness and vibrant color and are packed with nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They provide a unique flavor and visual appeal compared to regular potatoes.

How do I prepare sweet potatoes for Hasselback style?

Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch apart, using chopsticks or wooden spoons to avoid cutting all the way through. This creates the signature Hasselback look.

How long do sweet potatoes take to cook in a pizza oven?

Due to their higher sugar content, sweet potatoes generally cook faster than regular potatoes. In a pizza oven preheated to around 400°F (200°C), they usually take about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness to ensure they are tender inside and crispy outside.

What seasonings work best with sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes pair well with both sweet and savory seasonings. Traditional garlic, thyme, and rosemary work wonderfully. For a twist, you can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese option. The recipe will still be delicious and vegan-friendly.

Can I cook Hasselback sweet potatoes in a conventional oven?

Yes, if you don’t have a pizza oven, you can use a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and follow the same preparation and cooking instructions.

How do I store and reheat leftover Hasselback sweet potatoes?

Leftover sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Wrapping Up

Cooking Hasselback sweet potatoes in a pizza oven is a fantastic way to enjoy this nutritious and visually appealing dish. With their natural sweetness, vibrant color, and crispy edges, these sweet potatoes are sure to impress your guests and elevate your meal.

Hasselback sweet potatoes are a great idea for Thanksgiving dinner. Whether served alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables or as a unique addition to your favorite dishes, they are versatile and delicious.

Hasselback Potato Inspiration

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!