If you have not yet experienced the magic of the Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe, you are in for an absolute treat. This dish transforms humble potatoes into show-stopping beauties with a delicate crispness on the outside and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The thin, fanned slices soak up the savory garlic butter and fragrant thyme, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds that perfect golden crust. It’s a feast for the senses and an instant crowd-pleaser that’s much easier to pull off than it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this dish is a breeze because the ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet every single one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 4 medium-sized potatoes: Choose firm, evenly sized potatoes for the best slicing and baking results.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base that helps crisp the potato edges beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brings indulgent flavor and encourages a golden, irresistible finish.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor and boosts seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy warmth that complements the herbs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the oil mixture with savory aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped: Introduces a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Creates a bubbly, crispy golden crust in the final bake.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a pop of green color and fresh finish before serving.
How to Make Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is perfect for rendering the potatoes crispy on the outside while keeping their hearts tender and fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Give your potatoes a good wash and dry—this step is important to help get that crispy skin. Then, carefully make thin, even slits about 1/8 inch apart using a sharp knife. Be sure not to cut all the way through; leaving about 1/4 inch at the bottom keeps the potato intact while allowing the flavor to seep through every slice.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Oil Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh thyme. This fragrant mixture will be the star of the show, infusing every slice with beautiful aroma and richness.
Step 4: Brush the Potatoes
Arrange your prepared potatoes on a baking sheet. Using a small brush or spoon, gently coat each potato generously with the oil and butter blend, making sure to get the mixture in between the slices for maximum flavor penetration.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy and Tender
Pop the potatoes in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll notice the edges starting to crisp beautifully while the inside softens perfectly. It’s this contrast that makes the Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe so deliciously satisfying.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan Cheese
About 10 minutes before the potatoes finish baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly on top. Return them to the oven so the cheese melts and forms a glorious golden crust, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool just slightly. A scattering of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely freshness and a pop of color that makes this dish truly irresistible.
How to Serve Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic choice to crown your potatoes, feel free to experiment with other garnishes like chives, a drizzle of truffle oil, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a different flavor twist. Each adds a unique personality to this already versatile dish.
Side Dishes
Crispy Hasselback Potatoes pair wonderfully with a wide variety of mains. Whether you’re serving alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or a vibrant vegetable medley, these potatoes hold their own as a hearty, crowd-pleasing side.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving each potato on a bed of sautéed greens or a smear of garlic aioli. You can also turn this dish into bite-sized appetizers by slicing smaller potatoes and topping them with a dollop of sour cream and crispy bacon bits. The possibilities are endless, and each is more fun than the last!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Crispy Hasselback Potatoes fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a fantastic quick snack or side when reheated properly.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked Hasselback potatoes by first letting them cool completely, then wrapping tightly in foil and placing in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat and restore that signature crispiness, bake your potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy. This method brings them back to life beautifully.
FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for making Hasselback potatoes?
Medium to large-sized potatoes with a firm texture, like Yukon Gold or Russets, work best. They hold their shape well and crisp up nicely.
How do I ensure the slices don’t cut all the way through?
Place the potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons while slicing. They act as a stopping point for your knife, preventing you from cutting through completely.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, dried thyme can be used in a pinch, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs deliver a brighter, fresher flavor.
Is it necessary to add Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan adds a wonderful crisp, nutty finish, but you can leave it out if you prefer a dairy-free option. The potatoes will still be delicious without it.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe is one of those special dishes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, turning everyday potatoes into a stunning side or centerpiece. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these potatoes promise crispy edges, luscious insides, and a flavor-packed punch. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes.
Print
Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Hasselback Potatoes are a visually stunning and delicious side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes fanned out and baked to golden perfection. Each slice is brushed with a flavorful mixture of olive oil, melted butter, garlic, thyme, sea salt, and pepper, then topped with savory Parmesan cheese. The result is a crispy exterior with tender, flavorful layers inside, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
Seasoning and Toppings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, make thin slits about 1/8 inch apart along each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through. Leave approximately 1/4 inch intact at the bottom so the potatoes hold together and fan out during baking.
- Make the seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh thyme, mixing well to infuse the flavors.
- Apply seasoning: Place the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet. Gently brush the oil and butter mixture over and between the slices of each potato, ensuring the seasoning penetrates for maximum flavor.
- Bake the potatoes: Put the potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes until the edges are crispy and the interior is soft and tender.
- Add Parmesan cheese: About 10 minutes before the potatoes finish baking, evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each potato and return to the oven to allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
- Finishing touches: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish the finished dish with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, bright note.
Notes
- Choose medium-sized potatoes for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Be careful not to cut all the way through the potatoes to maintain their fanned shape during baking.
- The Parmesan cheese can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can be used as alternatives to thyme.
- Leftover Hasselback potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
