If you’ve never experienced the irresistible charm of Hasselback Potatoes, you’re in for a real treat. These Swedish-borne beauties take the humble spud to the next level, with golden, ultra-crispy edges, tender insides, and a parade of garlicky butter and Parmesan in nearly every bite. Hasselback Potatoes make for the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight, offering both stunning presentation and delectable flavor. It’s comfort food that’s made to impress, whether it’s a casual weeknight or a festive dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of staple ingredients stand between you and swoon-worthy Hasselback Potatoes. Each one is easy to find but essential, making sure every bite delivers contrast in taste, texture, and color.
- Russet potatoes: The star of the show—russet potatoes crisp up beautifully and hold their shape for that signature accordion look.
- Unsalted butter (melted): For nutty richness and those glorious crispy edges.
- Olive oil: Helps the butter coat every slit and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Garlic (minced): For savory depth and a fragrant, enticing aroma that will fill your kitchen.
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme): Lends earthy, aromatic notes—fresh thyme is extra lovely, but dried works in a pinch.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and ensuring every slice tastes just right.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled at the end for a cheesy, savory finish that crisps in the oven.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The vibrant green garnish that brings freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Hasselback Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), setting the stage for perfectly roasted potatoes. Give each potato a good wash and dry—scrubbing is key because we’re keeping the skins on for both flavor and texture. Gather two wooden spoons or chopsticks; these will keep you from slicing all the way through your potatoes.
Step 2: Slice With Precision
Carefully place a potato between the utensils, then use a sharp knife to cut thin slits about 1/8 inch apart. Stop just before you reach the bottom, so the potato fans out but remains intact. Repeat for the rest. This step is the hallmark of Hasselback Potatoes, creating pockets for butter and seasoning to seep in and tons of crispy edges after baking.
Step 3: Whip Up the Flavorful Butter Blend
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture smells incredible right from the start and is about to transform your spuds into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Brush Generously
Set the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to coat each one liberally with the butter mixture, making sure you get plenty into all those little slits. If you want the full Hasselback Potatoes experience, gently fan the slices as you brush, making sure every nook and cranny gets flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the potatoes for 45–55 minutes, until the outside is gorgeously crispy and the inside is meltingly tender. About halfway through, brush them one more time with the remaining butter mixture—this is your ticket to dream-worthy richness and extra flavor. The aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 6: The Cheesy Finish
For the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated Parmesan generously over each potato so it melts and forms a golden crust. This final flourish is what takes Hasselback Potatoes from great to utterly addictive.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
As soon as your potatoes hit the desired crispiness, pull them from the oven and shower them with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and watch them disappear—you might want to sneak one before they’re all gone!
How to Serve Hasselback Potatoes
Garnishes
The beauty of Hasselback Potatoes is that they’re delicious as-is, but just a sprinkle of fresh parsley brings color and brightness to the plate. Want to get even fancier? Try a dash of chives, a drizzle of sour cream, or a dusting of smoked paprika for a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are the perfect partner for so many mains! Serve Hasselback Potatoes alongside roast chicken, a juicy steak, pan-seared salmon, or a simple herby salad. They also love to cozy up to grilled veggies or a hearty mushroom ragout, making them truly versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative! Arrange Hasselback Potatoes on a platter for the center of your table or serve them individually in mini cast-iron skillets for a personalized touch. For party appetizers, try using baby potatoes to make bite-sized versions—they’ll be gobbled up in no time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Hasselback Potatoes store beautifully. Place cooled potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and they’re just as lovely the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze baked Hasselback Potatoes if needed. Wrap each potato individually in foil, then seal in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that perfect crisp, reheat Hasselback Potatoes in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven restores that irresistible crunch!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Yes, you can use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture or even baby potatoes for a fun appetizer version. Just adjust baking times as needed, since smaller potatoes cook faster than full-sized russets.
How do I get the slices perfect without cutting all the way through?
The trick is to place your potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons. This way, when you slice down, your knife hits the utensil before reaching the bottom, leaving the potato intact and neatly fanned out.
Are Hasselback Potatoes gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you stick with the listed ingredients. Always check labels if you add any extra toppings or seasonings just to be sure.
Can I make these vegan?
Definitely. Substitute extra olive oil for the butter, and either skip the cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative to keep Hasselback Potatoes plant-based and delicious.
How do I keep the potatoes from drying out?
Brushing with the butter-oil mixture both before and halfway through baking ensures moistness. Also, be sure not to overbake—pull them out when the outside is crisp and the inside is fork-tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of a show-stopping, soul-soothing side dish, Hasselback Potatoes are always a winning choice. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and they have a magical way of turning an ordinary meal into something memorable. Gather your friends or family, and give them a try—you might just find yourself making them on repeat!
Print
Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hasselback Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and loaded with garlicky butter flavor. A perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 6 medium russet potatoes
Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes. Slice slits about 1/8 inch apart, stopping just before cutting through the bottom.
- Brush with butter mixture: Combine melted butter, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Brush generously over the potatoes, ensuring it gets into the slits.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45–55 minutes, brushing with more butter mixture halfway through. Sprinkle Parmesan during the last 10 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- For a loaded version, top with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream.
- To make it vegan, use olive oil instead of butter and skip cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
