If you want to impress your friends and family with a dish that looks fancy but is actually super easy to make, this Hasselback Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. These potatoes are perfectly crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and infused with garlic and herbs. Each slice fans out beautifully during baking, soaking up buttery goodness and the optional sprinkle of Parmesan for a golden, flavorful finish that will steal the show at any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this lovely Hasselback Potatoes Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that irresistible balance of textures and flavors that makes this dish so charming.
- 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: Choose firm potatoes that hold their shape well and offer a creamy inside.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and helps crisp the edges perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a beautiful golden tone and a hint of fruity depth.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the potatoes with fragrant, savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors and balances the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (chopped): Fresh herbs lend an aromatic earthiness that complements the potatoes brilliantly.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Offers a nutty, tangy crust during the final baking minutes.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the presentation and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s warming up, wash and thoroughly dry your potatoes. This step ensures they roast to crispy perfection. Next, place each potato carefully between two chopsticks or wooden spoons—this clever little trick prevents you from slicing all the way through, keeping the potato intact while allowing it to fan out during baking.
Step 2: Slice with Care
Using a sharp knife, slice the potatoes thinly about ⅛ inch apart. The chopsticks act as a guard, stopping your knife at the right depth. This slicing technique is the heart of the Hasselback style and creates all those crispy, buttery layers everyone loves.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh thyme or rosemary. This mixture will soak into every slice and coat the exterior, infusing those potatoes with so much flavor while they bake.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Place your sliced potatoes on a baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet. Generously brush the butter mixture over each potato, making sure you get it between every slice for maximum flavor. Bake them for 45 to 55 minutes, and don’t forget to brush more butter halfway through baking to keep the potatoes moist and golden.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the potatoes with Parmesan cheese if you like. This addition adds a deliciously crisp and nutty crust that perfectly complements the garlic and herbs. For a little extra crunch, you can broil the potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, but watch closely so they don’t burn!
How to Serve Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley can elevate your presentation with vibrant color and light, herbal aroma. If you want to take things up a notch, chopped chives or a dollop of sour cream can also add a lovely finish that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These Hasselback potatoes are incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a fresh green salad. Their crispy, buttery texture complements just about any protein or vegetable, making them a standout side dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get really creative by slipping thin slices of cheese or cooked bacon between the potato slits before baking for an indulgent twist. Serve them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs or alongside a small bowl of garlic aioli for dipping—this dish can easily become the centerpiece of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Hasselback potatoes (which is rare because they are so delicious), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The crispiness will soften a bit, but the flavors will still be superb.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t the best option for these potatoes as the texture can become mushy after thawing. For the best outcome, enjoy them fresh or refrigerated within a few days.
Reheating
To revive leftover Hasselback potatoes, reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and somewhat crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes for the Hasselback Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully with this technique. Just slice them the same way and adjust baking time slightly depending on their size and firmness.
How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Brushing the potatoes generously with butter and oil throughout the baking process helps, plus broiling for the last few minutes adds a wonderful crisp finish. Also, choosing russet potatoes typically gives you a crispier texture.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can slice and brush them with the butter mixture a few hours before baking. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap out the butter for additional olive oil or a vegan butter substitute, and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
What’s the easiest way to slice potatoes thinly and evenly?
The chopstick or wooden spoon method is a simple and safe way to ensure your slices are evenly spaced without slicing all the way through. Using a sharp knife also makes a big difference in getting clean, consistent cuts.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong making this Hasselback Potatoes Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is genuinely easy to prepare, making it perfect for both everyday meals and celebrations. Give it a try and watch how those crispy, buttery layers become an instant favorite on your dinner table!
Print
Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hasselback potatoes are a simple yet impressive side dish featuring thinly sliced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes baked until crispy on the outside and tender inside. Infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese, this Swedish-inspired recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into a flavorful, elegant accompaniment perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
Toppings and Garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the potatoes to a crispy finish.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons to act as a guard. Thinly slice the potatoes about ⅛ inch apart, cutting down until the knife hits the chopsticks, preventing cutting all the way through.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary). Mix well to blend the flavors.
- Brush Potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet. Generously brush the butter mixture over the potatoes, ensuring you get the mixture between every slice for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. Halfway through baking, brush with additional butter mixture to keep the potatoes moist and flavorful.
- Add Cheese (Optional): In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes if using, allowing it to melt and add a rich layer of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked to a crispy exterior and tender interior, remove from oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for a delightful side dish.
Notes
- For an extra-crispy finish, broil the potatoes for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- Try adding thin slices of cheese or bacon between the layers for a heartier version.
