Hasselback Potatoes

Imagine the satisfying crunch of perfectly crisp potato edges giving way to a buttery, tender interior with each heavenly bite. That’s the magic of Hasselback Potatoes, a Swedish classic that transforms ordinary spuds into an extraordinary culinary experience. These accordion-like potatoes aren’t just visually stunning; they’re designed to capture seasonings in their delicate folds, creating flavor pockets throughout. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or elevating your weeknight meal, Hasselback Potatoes deliver restaurant-quality results with surprisingly simple techniques. You’ll learn how to create this impressive side dish with precision cutting, proper seasoning, and foolproof baking methods that guarantee perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Hasselback Potatoes are about to become your new favorite side dish for countless reasons. First, they create the perfect textural contrast—impossibly crispy on the outside while maintaining a creamy, tender center that standard roasted potatoes simply can’t match. The thin slices open up during baking, creating delicate, golden-brown edges that provide an amazing crunch factor.

Unlike many impressive dishes, sliced hasselback-style potatoes are remarkably straightforward to prepare. The dramatic presentation suggests hours of labor, but the actual hands-on time is minimal. You’ll also appreciate the versatility—they work beautifully with any protein from roasted chicken to grilled steak.

The accordion-like cuts serve a brilliant functional purpose too, creating perfect crevices for butter, herbs, and seasonings to melt into, infusing the entire potato with flavor rather than just seasoning the surface. This means every single bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and rich, herb-infused flavor.

Ingredients

For perfect Hasselback Potatoes, you’ll need:

• 4 large Russet potatoes (about 8-10 ounces each) – their high starch content creates the ideal crispy exterior
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy quality, but Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor that works beautifully in this hasselback potato recipe. The combination of butter and olive oil is crucial—butter provides rich flavor while oil raises the smoking point, allowing for higher heat cooking without burning.

Pro Tips

Perfect Cutting Technique: The hallmark of exceptional Hasselback Potatoes is the precise cutting. Place wooden chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through. Make thin slices (about ⅛-inch apart) across each potato, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks. This creates the signature accordion effect while keeping the potato intact at the base.

Butter Bath Midway: For extraordinarily flavorful potato fans, implement the “double baste” technique. After 30 minutes of baking, remove the potatoes and gently fan out the slices that have begun separating. Brush with additional melted herb butter, making sure it drips down between all the slices. This intermediate step ensures the butter penetrates deep into the potato for flavor that goes beyond the surface.

Crisping Secret: To achieve restaurant-quality crispness, increase the oven temperature to 425°F for the final 10-15 minutes of baking. This temperature boost creates perfectly golden, crunchy edges while maintaining that desirable creamy center that makes hasselback-style potatoes so irresistible. The contrast between textures is what elevates this potato dish above ordinary roasted potatoes.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes and Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Remember, moisture is the enemy of crispness, so don’t skip this crucial step! The drier your potatoes, the crispier your Hasselback Potatoes will become.

Step 2: Create the Signature Cuts

Place a potato on a cutting board with two wooden spoons or chopsticks positioned lengthwise on either side. Make thin, parallel cuts width-wise across each potato, about ⅛-inch apart, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks or spoons. This clever technique ensures you don’t accidentally cut through the potato completely. Repeat with all potatoes, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Prepare Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, whisking until well incorporated. This aromatic mixture will be the flavor foundation for your Hasselback Potatoes.

Step 4: First Butter Application

Using a pastry brush, generously brush the herb butter mixture over each potato, carefully working it between the slices. Don’t rush this step—take your time to ensure the butter mixture gets into all those little crevices for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 5: Initial Bake

Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven. You’ll notice the slices starting to separate naturally as they cook. Gently fan them out a bit more with a fork to create more space between the slices.

Step 6: Second Butter Application and Final Bake

Brush the potatoes with the remaining herb butter mixture, making sure it drips down between the slices. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to fall between the slices as well. Return to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are deeply golden, crispy on the edges, and fork-tender in the center.

Step 7: Final Touch

Garnish your perfectly crisp Hasselback Potatoes with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately for maximum crispiness and visual impact.

Variations

Loaded Hasselback Potatoes: Transform your Hasselback Potatoes into a meal-worthy dish by adding toppings similar to loaded baked potatoes. After the final baking, sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, additional shredded cheddar cheese, and return to the oven just until melted. Finish with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions for an indulgent twist on the classic hasselback recipe.

Mediterranean Hasselback Potatoes: For a lighter, fresh take, swap the herb butter for a mixture of olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, and oregano. During the last 15 minutes of baking, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Garnish with chopped fresh dill and parsley before serving. This Mediterranean-inspired variation pairs beautifully with grilled fish or lamb.

Sweet Hasselback Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a nutritious alternative with natural sweetness. Replace the savory herbs with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat balance. After baking, drizzle with a little maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans for a side dish that borders on dessert.

Storage and Serving

Hasselback Potatoes are at their absolute crispiest when served immediately after baking. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and re-crisped—avoid microwaving, which will make them soggy and defeat the purpose of their beautiful texture.

For an elegant presentation, serve these impressive potatoes on a warmed platter with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh herbs. They make the perfect accompaniment to roast beef or herb-crusted rack of lamb for special occasions. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Create a stunning potato bar for casual entertaining by presenting the hasselback-style potatoes with various toppings in small bowls—sour cream, chives, bacon, different cheeses, and compound butters—allowing guests to customize their potato experience.

FAQs

Can I make Hasselback Potatoes ahead of time?
You can prepare the potatoes with their cuts up to 4 hours ahead and store them in cold water to prevent browning. Pat them completely dry before applying butter and baking for the best results. For optimal crispness, Hasselback Potatoes should be baked just before serving.

Why aren’t my potatoes fanning out like traditional Hasselback Potatoes?
The cuts might be too far apart or not deep enough. Aim for ⅛-inch spacing and cut almost all the way through (about 1/8 inch from the bottom). After the initial 30 minutes of baking, you can gently separate the slices with a fork to encourage more fanning.

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes! While Russets are traditional for Hasselback Potatoes, Yukon Golds create a buttery texture, and red potatoes hold their shape well. Adjust cooking time slightly for smaller varieties.

Are Hasselback Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, traditional Hasselback Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect side dish for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I prepare Hasselback Potatoes in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 370°F for about 40 minutes, brushing with butter mixture halfway through. They won’t accommodate as many potatoes at once, but they’ll cook faster and become exceptionally crispy.

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