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Philadelphia Loaded Sweet Potato Hasselbacks

Philadelphia Loaded Sweet Potato Hasselbacks are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy roasted sweet potatoes with creamy Philadelphia soft cheese, smoky bacon, melted mature Cheddar and fresh herbs. Easy to prepare and packed with rich flavour, this crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday lunches, festive gatherings or an indulgent side dish that everyone will love. 🍠🧀
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, Continental
Servings 6
Calories 445 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife Essential for making thin, even Hasselback slices without cutting all the way through the sweet potatoes.
  • 1 Large Chopping Board: Provides a sturdy, safe surface for slicing the sweet potatoes and preparing all the other ingredients.
  • 1 Pastry Brush: Perfect for evenly brushing the sweet potatoes with the butter and olive oil mixture to encourage even roasting and crispy edges.
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl Ideal for combining the melted butter, olive oil and seasonings before coating the sweet potatoes.
  • 1 Box Grater: Used to grate the mature Cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts evenly over the Philadelphia Loaded Sweet Potato Hasselbacks.
  • 1 Large Roasting Tray: Gives the sweet potatoes enough room to roast evenly.
  • 1 Baking Paper Or Parchment Paper: Prevents the potatoes from sticking to the roasting tray and makes cleaning up quick and easy.
  • 2 Measuring Spoons Ensure accurate measurements of the seasonings and other ingredients for consistent flavour every time.
  • 1 Serving Spoon Or Small Palette Knife: Makes it easy to fill the roasted sweet potatoes neatly with the creamy Philadelphia cheese mixture.
  • 1 Oven: Preheated to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6) to roast the sweet potatoes until golden, tender and perfectly cooked.

Ingredients
  

  • 6 Medium Sweet Potatoes: Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes (approximately 250–300g each)
  • 250 g Philadelphia Original Soft Cheese: Adds the signature creamy richness that melts beautifully into every slice.
  • 8 Rashers Smoked Streaky Bacon, Finely Chopped: Provides a delicious smoky flavour and crispy texture.
  • 150 g Mature Cheddar Cheese, Grated: Melts into a golden, bubbling topping.
  • 4 Spring Onions, Finely Sliced: Bring a mild onion flavour, fresh crunch and vibrant colour to every serving.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Chives, Finely Chopped: Add a delicate onion-like flavour.
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, Melted: Helps the sweet potatoes roast evenly.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Coats the potatoes evenly, preventing them from drying out.
  • 1 tbsp Sea Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and seasons every delicious layer.
  • ½ tbsp Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and balances the richness of the cheese filling.
  • ½ tbsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and balances the richness of the cheese filling.
  • ½ tbsp Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and balances the richness of the cheese filling.
  • ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Optional): Introduces a subtle smoky flavour and enhances the golden roasted appearance of the potatoes.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Sprinkled over the finished dish for a burst of freshness, colour and extra flavour.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Sweet Potatoes

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6) so it's ready for roasting.
  • Wash And Dry the Sweet Potatoes: Scrub 6 medium sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
  • Slice The Sweet Potatoes: Place a sweet potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks to prevent cutting all the way through. Using a sharp chef's knife, make thin slices about 3–5mm apart, leaving the base intact. Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Season The Sweet Potatoes

  • Prepare the Coating: In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional).
  • Brush Generously: Use a pastry brush to coat each sweet potato thoroughly, ensuring the butter mixture reaches between as many slices as possible for maximum flavour and crispiness.

Step 3: Roast Until Tender

  • Arrange On The Roasting Tray: Place the seasoned sweet potatoes onto a parchment-lined roasting tray, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
  • Bake: Roast for 50–60 minutes, brushing with any remaining butter mixture halfway through cooking. The potatoes are ready when the centres are tender, and the edges are beautifully crisp and caramelised.

Step 4: Cook The Bacon

  • Fry Until Crispy: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the finely chopped smoked streaky bacon in a frying pan over a medium heat for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • Drain Excess Fat: Transfer the cooked bacon to kitchen paper to remove excess oil while maintaining its crisp texture.

Step 5: Prepare The Filling

  • Soften The Philadelphia Cheese: Allow the 250g Philadelphia Original Soft Cheese to sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it's easier to spread.
  • Prepare The Toppings: Slice the spring onions, finely chop the fresh chives and parsley, and grate the mature Cheddar cheese if not already prepared.

Step 6: Fill The Sweet Potatoes

  • Open The Slices Carefully: Once roasted, gently fan out the slices using a fork without breaking the potatoes.
  • Add The Cream Cheese: Spoon the softened Philadelphia cheese generously into the openings of each sweet potato.
  • Top With Bacon: Sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly over the potatoes.
  • Finish With Cheddar: Scatter the grated mature Cheddar over each potato, allowing some cheese to fall between the slices for extra flavour.

Step 7: Bake Again

  • Return To The Oven: Place the filled Philadelphia Loaded Sweet Potato Hasselbacks back into the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the Cheddar has completely melted and is bubbling beautifully.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

  • Finish With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle over the sliced spring onions, chopped chives and fresh parsley for colour and freshness.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy while hot, creamy and wonderfully crispy for the very best flavour and texture.

Notes

  • 🍠 Choose Evenly Sized Sweet Potatoes: Selecting sweet potatoes of a similar size ensures they roast evenly and finish cooking at the same time.
  • 🔪 Use The Hasselback Technique Carefully: Place each sweet potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks while slicing to prevent cutting all the way through.
  • 🧈 Brush Well With Butter And Oil: Coating the potatoes thoroughly, including between the slices, helps achieve beautifully crispy edges and a rich roasted flavour.
  • 🧀 Use Room-Temperature Philadelphia Soft Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to soften before filling the potatoes for easier spreading and a smoother, creamier texture.
  • 🥓 Cook the Bacon Until Crispy: Crispy bacon adds the perfect smoky crunch and complements the soft, creamy filling.
  • 🧀 Grate Cheese Freshly: Freshly grated mature Cheddar melts more evenly and creates a delicious golden topping compared with pre-grated cheese.
  • 🌿 Add Fresh Herbs At The End: Sprinkle over the spring onions, chives and parsley just before serving to preserve their fresh flavour and vibrant colour.
  • 🔥 Serve Immediately: Philadelphia Loaded Sweet Potato Hasselbacks are at their best when served straight from the oven while the cheese is hot, melted and wonderfully creamy.
  • 🧊 Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to restore the crispy texture.
  • ❤️ Customise To Your Taste: Feel free to add jalapeños, roasted vegetables, shredded chicken or extra cheese to make the recipe your own while keeping the creamy, comforting flavour.
Keyword Philadelphia Loaded Sweet Potato Hasselbacks