Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish! Hasselback Potatoes take the humble spud and transform it into a show-stopper—golden and crisp on the outside, tender and buttery within, each fan-like slice inviting flavor into every bite. Not only do these potatoes taste as good as they look, but they also turn any meal into something worth celebrating. Whether you’re pulling out all the stops for a holiday spread or jazzing up a weeknight dinner, Hasselback Potatoes will wow your family and friends without much extra effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making delicious Hasselback Potatoes doesn’t require a kitchen full of fancy ingredients—just a few everyday stars coming together to create magic. Every element brings its own flair, from hearty potatoes to herby thyme, creating that irresistible flavor and stunning presentation.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (4 medium): These varieties hold their shape beautifully and get those crispy, golden edges we love.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps the potatoes crisp up while bringing a delicious depth of flavor.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and that classic, craveable buttery taste.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses every slice with a mellow aromatic punch. Don’t skip this!
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the wonderful flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of heat to balance the buttery notes.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon) or dried (1/2 teaspoon): Thyme’s earthiness weaves right into the potatoes for herbal warmth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Gives a nutty, salty layer that makes these potatoes extra special. Highly recommended for cheese lovers!
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Finish with parsley for a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Hasselback Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), so it’s nice and hot when your potatoes are ready. Give your potatoes a thorough wash and dry—the skin’s going to crisp up and you want it clean! For perfect Hasselback Potatoes, lay each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons as you slice. Cut thin slits (about 1/8 inch apart) almost all the way through, letting the utensils prevent your knife from going straight to the bottom. Repeat this with all four potatoes; it’s a small detail that guarantees those signature fanned layers.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Basting Mix
In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. This seasoned mixture is your potato’s best friend—a fragrant blend that soaks into every nook and cranny, building flavor with every brush.
Step 3: Arrange, Brush, and Bake
Place your sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or nestle them into a baking dish. Now, generously brush the olive oil mixture all over and between the potato slices. Don’t be shy; the more you get into each crevice, the tastier your Hasselback Potatoes will be. Slide them into the oven to bake for 45 to 55 minutes, basting once or twice with the juices from the pan. You’re aiming for potato centers that are tender and edges that are irresistibly crisp.
Step 4: The Final Touch—Cheese and Garnish
If you’re using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the tops during the last 10 minutes of baking. The cheese will melt and brown into a gorgeous, savory crust. When the potatoes are perfectly golden, take them out and finish with a fresh scatter of parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Trust me, this step makes your Hasselback Potatoes look absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Hasselback Potatoes
Garnishes
Finishing touches can turn great Hasselback Potatoes into something unforgettable. A dusting of fresh parsley always adds lively color and a delicate herbaceous note. You might also try snipped chives, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a light drizzle of herbed sour cream—each option brings a different personality to the table without overpowering the potato’s natural flavor.
Side Dishes
Hasselback Potatoes are superstars at any meal, easily pairing with roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, or a simple salad for a satisfying vegetarian spread. They’re just as at home nestled into a holiday dinner as they are stealing the show alongside your favorite weeknight comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra flair, serve your Hasselback Potatoes individually on small plates with a sprinkle of microgreens or set them on a shareable platter surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables. Want to wow guests? Slide a sliver of cheddar or prosciutto between the slices during baking, or top with a dollop of sour cream and crispy bacon bits for a loaded version. Let your imagination play!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hasselback Potatoes store beautifully! Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll still taste fantastic as a quick side or a hearty snack the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Hasselback Potatoes even longer, freezing is a great option. Place baked and cooled potatoes on a tray to freeze until firm, then pop them into freezer bags or containers. They’ll hold up for about two months—perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the holidays.
Reheating
To get the best results when reheating, pop your potatoes back into a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, uncovered. This keeps them crisp and lively. While the microwave is fast, it can make the slices a bit soft, so the oven is definitely the way to go if you have time.
FAQs
Can I make Hasselback Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can slice and assemble the potatoes up to a day in advance, brushing them with the olive oil mixture. Store them covered in the fridge, then bake fresh when you’re ready—just add 5 to 10 minutes to the total baking time if they go into the oven chilled.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Leave the skins on for Hasselback Potatoes! The skin crisps up beautifully and gives you that rustic look and taste. Just be sure to scrub them well before slicing.
What potatoes work best for this recipe?
Both russet and Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully. Russets get extra crispy and fluffy inside, while Yukon Golds offer a rich, buttery flavor and hold their shape. Feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
My potato slices aren’t fanning apart—how can I fix that?
If the potato still looks a bit tight after baking for 15–20 minutes, gently press down on either end with tongs or a spatula to help open up the slices a bit. Basting a little extra oil between the cuts can also help them separate and crisp up evenly.
Can I make Hasselback Potatoes vegan?
Yes, you can! Just swap the butter for more olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, and omit the Parmesan or use your favorite vegan cheese. The result is still absolutely delicious and crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making Hasselback Potatoes yet, you’re in for such a delicious surprise! With minimal effort and just a few simple steps, you’ll create a side that looks gorgeous, tastes incredible, and always impresses. Give these a go at your next dinner—you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hasselback Potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional baked potatoes, with crispy edges and a tender inside, flavored with garlic, butter, and herbs. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes
Seasoning Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Optional:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes. Make thin slices, stopping before the bottom.
- Seasoning: Mix olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Brush over potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 45–55 minutes until tender, basting occasionally.
- Finish: Sprinkle with Parmesan in the last 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning by adding smoked paprika, rosemary, or your favorite spice blend.
- For a cheesy version, add shredded cheddar between the slices during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
