With their crispy-edged fans and rich, buttery centers, Hasselback Potatoes are so much more than just a side dish—they’re edible art you get to devour! This Swedish classic transforms simple spuds into crispy, golden roasted beauties that always bring a bit of drama and plenty of flavor to the table. Whether you’re making dinner for guests or adding flair to a weeknight meal, Hasselback Potatoes never fail to impress. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable and far easier than their stunning looks might suggest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hasselback Potatoes is how just a handful of wholesome ingredients create so much savory, satisfying flavor. Each one brings its own subtle magic, from the comforting richness of butter, to aromatic herbs, to a dusting of nutty Parmesan.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (4 medium): The ideal balance of fluffiness inside and a crisp skin—select potatoes that are similar in size for even roasting.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds luscious richness and helps create those irresistibly crisp edges.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Elevates flavor and ensures the potatoes get evenly golden and crunchy.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers big, bold flavor right into every delicious slice.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A peppery bite ramps up the overall taste.
- Dried thyme or rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle, herby aroma—use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): For a savory, crispy topping—sprinkle it on in the final minutes of baking.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The bright green finish wakes up every bite—add just before serving.
How to Make Hasselback Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C), which is the magic temperature for perfectly crispy Hasselback Potatoes. Give your potatoes a good scrub and dry, since the skin will get beautifully crisp in the oven. A clean, dry surface helps everything roast up golden brown.
Step 2: Slice with Precision
Now comes the fun part! Place each potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks—this simple trick prevents you from slicing all the way through. Carefully cut thin slits across each potato, about 1/8 inch apart. The closer and more even the slits, the more impressive your finished Hasselback Potatoes will look (and taste!).
Step 3: Make and Brush the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your chosen herb. Generously brush this mixture all over the potatoes, taking extra care to work it down into the slits. This is where those classic Hasselback Potatoes layers soak up all the flavor and begin their journey to crispiness.
Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection
Position the potatoes cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet for maximum crisp. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, brushing with more butter mixture halfway through, until they’re tender in the center and the edges are luxuriously crispy. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on generously during the last 10 minutes so it melts and browns beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let your Hasselback Potatoes take center stage! Shower them with chopped fresh parsley just before serving. This green burst makes the flavors shine and adds a lovely pop of color that says, “Eat me now!”
How to Serve Hasselback Potatoes
Garnishes
While these golden beauties look stunning straight from the oven, finishing with a flourish is part of the fun. Fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of flaky salt, or even a dollop of sour cream or herbed aioli can all take your Hasselback Potatoes from great to unforgettable. Play with fresh herbs and finishing touches each time for variety and a little showmanship.
Side Dishes
Hasselback Potatoes pair like a dream with classic proteins—think juicy steak, golden roast chicken, perfectly grilled fish, or even a hearty meatless main. They’re also equally at home on a holiday spread as they are alongside burgers for a cozy Sunday dinner. For something lighter, serve them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining (or just love a pretty plate), arrange your Hasselback Potatoes on a wooden board with vibrant dipping sauces—like lemon-garlic aioli, chimichurri, or spicy ketchup. You can also stuff the slits with thin slices of cheese, prosciutto, or even roasted vegetables before baking for a playful, personalized twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Hasselback Potatoes, let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a bit of their crispness, but the rich, roasted flavors only deepen—making them perfect for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze baked Hasselback Potatoes. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, and expect slightly softer results, though the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
To recapture as much crispiness as possible, reheat your potatoes in a 400°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. A quick blast in the air fryer also works wonders! Microwave reheating is fast, but best for convenience, as it can soften the edges instead of crisping them.
FAQs
How do I keep from accidentally slicing all the way through the potatoes?
The chopstick trick is your best friend here! Placing a chopstick or wooden spoon on either side of the potato neatly stops your knife, making those deep, beautiful slits without worry.
Can I use other types of potatoes for Hasselback Potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Golds and russets give the best combo of crisp and fluffy, but red potatoes or even small fingerlings will work if that’s what you have. Simply adjust your baking time accordingly.
Are there dairy-free options?
Swap the butter for a plant-based version or use all olive oil—Hasselback Potatoes are naturally adaptable and just as tasty with vegan alternatives.
Can I prep Hasselback Potatoes ahead of time?
You can slice and soak the potatoes in cold water a few hours before baking, which helps remove some starch and prevents browning. When ready, dry thoroughly, assemble, and bake as directed.
What toppings go well with Hasselback Potatoes?
The sky’s the limit! Beyond parsley and Parmesan, try chopped chives, crumbled bacon, a drizzle of tangy yogurt or sour cream, or even spicy sriracha for a little kick.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let their elegant look fool you—these Hasselback Potatoes are deliciously accessible and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time. Whether you savor them as a simple weeknight side or show them off at your next dinner party, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Gather your favorite potatoes, unleash your creativity, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of crisping, buttery slices. You’ll be hooked from the very first forkful!
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Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hasselback Potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional baked potatoes, with crispy edges and a tender inside, flavored with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. A perfect side dish 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
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
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. Slice thin slits across the top, about 1/8 inch apart, without cutting all the way through.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Coat Potatoes: Brush potatoes with butter mixture, ensuring it gets into the slits. Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 45–60 minutes, brushing with more butter halfway through, until crispy outside and tender inside.
- Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan in the last 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use chopsticks to prevent cutting through the potatoes completely.
- Pair with steak, chicken, or enjoy with sour cream or aioli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
