BACON HASSELBACK SWEET POTATOES

Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 slices thick-cut bacon
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt
4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
Chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
To a large cast-iron pan, add the bacon in an even layer. Turn the heat to medium and cook until crispy, around 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and set aside. When cool enough to handle, break into pieces.
To the bacon fat in the pan, add the maple syrup, paprika and 2 teaspoons salt. Set aside.
One at a time, place a potato between the handles of 2 wooden spoons or 2 chopsticks. Slice each potato into 1/8-inch-thick slices; the spoon handles will prevent the knife from cutting all the way through. Place the potatoes in the pan and baste with the bacon fat/maple syrup mixture all over, including the bottoms and in between the slices. Roast until the potatoes are soft, basting halfway through, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and add bacon between the slices. Place on a serving platter and garnish with the chives and salt to taste.