Maple-Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (orange-fleshed), about 2 lb total
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons Bourbon maple syrup
• 1/3 cup cooked crumbled bacon
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Poke each sweet potato several times with fork. Place on microwavable plate. Microwave uncovered on High 5 minutes. Cool 5 minutes.
3. Using serrated knife, cut sweet potatoes crosswise into 1/8-inch slices, leaving bottom 1/4 to 1/2 inch intact. Place sweet potatoes in baking dish. Brush potatoes with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake 50 to 65 minutes or until completely tender. Brush with remaining tablespoon melted butter. Brush sweet potatoes with maple syrup. Top with bacon and thyme.