Hasselback Potato

Introduction

The Hasselback Potato is a show-stopping side dish that transforms a simple baked potato into a crispy, flavorful masterpiece. Thin slices are cut into the potato without fully separating the pieces, allowing the exterior to crisp up beautifully while the interior remains tender and fluffy. Drizzled with butter or olive oil, sprinkled with salt, and topped with your choice of toppings—like garlic, herbs, cheese, or breadcrumbs—it’s a stunning combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

I first made a Hasselback Potato when I wanted to elevate a classic baked potato into something special. The crispy edges contrasted with the soft center in the most satisfying way, and each slice absorbed the butter and seasonings, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful. The visual appeal alone makes it a standout choice for any meal.

What I love about the Hasselback Potato is its versatility. You can customize it with endless toppings—add Parmesan for a cheesy touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even stuff it with bacon bits, sour cream, and chives. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or main attraction, the Hasselback Potato is sure to impress with its deliciously crispy, savory goodness.

Perfect for:

Dinner sides
Parties and gatherings
Holiday meals
Casual weeknight dinners
Potato lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Hasselback Potato will become a favorite in your kitchen:

Crispy Edges and Soft Centers: The thin slices create a delightful contrast of crispy and fluffy textures.
Flavorful Seasoning Penetration: Seasonings and toppings seep deep into the potato slices for maximum flavor.
Simple Ingredients: Only a few basic pantry staples required for a delicious result.
Versatile Seasoning Options: Customize with herbs, cheese, butter, and more.
Impressive Presentation: The fan-like shape elevates a simple potato into a stunning side dish.
Easy to Make Ahead: Hasselback potatoes can be prepped and baked in advance.
Health-Conscious Side Option: Bake with less oil and still get satisfying flavors.
Adaptable Recipe: Add cheese, sour cream, or other toppings to suit your taste.
Perfect Balance of Texture and Taste: A unique combination of crispy, fluffy, and savory elements.
Great Crowd Pleaser: A dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g, Protein: 4g

Ingredients

For the Hasselback Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Optional Toppings and Seasonings

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream for serving

Ingredient Highlights

Russet Potatoes: Perfect for baking with a starchy texture that crisps well.
Olive Oil & Butter: Create crispy edges and a rich, savory flavor.
Seasonings: Enhance your Hasselback potatoes with garlic, salt, and pepper.
Customizable Toppings: Cheddar, sour cream, and herbs can be added as desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Clean and Dry Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry with a towel.
Slice Potatoes Hasselback Style: Place each potato on a wooden spoon handle or chopstick to prevent cutting all the way through. Make thin, even slices across the potato, about ¼-inch apart.

Season the Potatoes:

Mix Olive Oil and Butter: Combine olive oil and melted butter in a bowl.
Brush Potatoes: Drizzle the oil and butter mixture over the potatoes, making sure it seeps between the slices. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Bake the Potatoes:

Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the potatoes on a lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.

Optional Toppings and Finishing Touches:

Add Cheese (Optional): In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes.
Garnish with Parsley: Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve:

Plate and Serve: Serve warm with sour cream or your preferred toppings.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Hasselback Potato:

Classic with Butter & Salt: Serve plain with butter and a sprinkle of salt.
Cheesy Delight: Add cheddar cheese for a savory twist.
With Sour Cream: Offer a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy touch.
Herbed Version: Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
Garlic Infused: Mix minced garlic into the oil and butter mixture.
Seasoned with Paprika: Dust with smoked paprika for a smoky edge.
Potato Bar Style: Set up a “Potato Bar” with various toppings like sour cream, cheese, and chives.
Stuffed Hasselback Potatoes: Stuff each slice with bits of cheese, and green onions.
Mini Hasselback Potatoes: Use small potatoes to create bite-sized versions.

Additional Tips

Use Wooden Spoon Trick: Placing a potato between a wooden spoon handle ensures even slicing without cutting all the way through.
Brush Thoroughly: Make sure your olive oil and butter mixture penetrates between all slices for even seasoning.
Adjust Cooking Time: Baking time may vary based on potato size. Check for crispiness.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize with your favorite spices and toppings.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Hasselback Potato: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based version.
Spicy Hasselback Potatoes: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a fiery kick.
Herb-Infused Hasselback Potatoes: Use rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a herby twist.
Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta, tomatoes, and oregano.
Loaded Hasselback Potatoes: Top with sour cream, chives, and cheddar cheese.
Garlic Parmesan Version: Sprinkle with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.

Special Equipment

Sharp Chef’s Knife – Essential for creating precise, thin slices in the potato.
Chopstick or Wooden Spoon Handles – Placed on either side of the potato to prevent slicing all the way through.
Mandoline Slicer (Optional) – For evenly slicing if you’re comfortable using it safely.
Small Brush – To coat the slices with oil, butter, or seasonings.
Basting Spoon – Handy for spreading melted butter or sauce into the potato’s crevices.
Baking Sheet – For cooking the potatoes in the oven.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat – To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Potato Holder or Slicing Guide – Helps achieve uniform cuts and maintain the potato’s stability.
Pastry Bag or Squeeze Bottle (Optional) – For piping cheese or sauce into the slits for added flavor.
Oven Thermometer – Ensures your oven is at the right temperature for perfectly cooked potatoes.

FAQ Section

1. What are Hasselback Potatoes?
Hasselback Potatoes are a Swedish dish featuring potatoes sliced thinly but not all the way through, creating a fan-like appearance.
2. How do I make the perfect cuts in Hasselback Potatoes?
Place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to prevent slicing all the way through.
3. Which type of potato works best for Hasselback Potatoes?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. Russets get crispy, while Yukon Golds have a creamy texture.
4. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, peeling is optional. The skin crisps up nicely and adds flavor and texture. Wash the potatoes thoroughly if you leave the skin on.
5. How can I ensure the slices fan out while cooking?
Brush the potatoes generously with melted butter or oil, ensuring it seeps into the slices. This helps them separate as they bake.
6. What are some popular toppings for Hasselback Potatoes?
Common toppings include cheese, sour cream, chives, garlic butter, or breadcrumbs. You can also get creative with herbs, spices, or even hot sauce.
7. How long do Hasselback Potatoes take to cook?
Typically, they take 45–60 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) oven. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes.
8. Can I make Hasselback Potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes and make the cuts ahead of time. Store them in water to prevent browning and bake when ready.
9. Are Hasselback Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any toppings or seasonings used are also gluten-free.
10. Can I cook Hasselback Potatoes in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the potatoes for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Conclusion

The Hasselback Potato is a beautiful and delicious twist on a classic baked potato. Thinly sliced but still intact, each potato is roasted until golden and crispy, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The slices create delightful pockets that soak up butter, olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior.

This iconic dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a visual treat for the eyes. Customize your Hasselback Potatoes with toppings like garlic butter, Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sour cream. You can even add bacon bits or cheese for extra indulgence.

Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, the Hasselback Potato is a versatile crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal.

I’d love to see your Hasselback Potato creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see how you made this classic dish your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any creative variations or special touches you added!