Ah, Hasselback potatoes. These fan-like spuds have been gracing dinner tables and food blogs for years, and for good reason. They’re not just visually stunning; they’re a perfect blend of crispy and creamy, with endless flavor possibilities. Today, I’m excited to share my foolproof method for making these impressive potatoes, along with some personal tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
What Are Hasselback Potatoes?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Hasselback potatoes so special. Named after the Restaurant Hasselbacken in Stockholm, Sweden, where they were first served in the 1940s, these potatoes are essentially a cross between a baked potato and crispy potato chips.
The unique cutting technique – making thin, even slices almost all the way through the potato – allows for maximum crispiness while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior. It’s the best of both worlds, and once you try them, you might never want to eat potatoes any other way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Crispy exterior and creamy interior in every bite
- Customizable with various herbs and toppings
- Perfect side dish for both casual dinners and special occasions
- Gluten-free and easily made vegan
Choosing the Right Potatoes
The foundation of great Hasselback potatoes is, of course, the potatoes themselves. While you can use any variety, I’ve found that medium-sized Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best. Russets give you that classic baked potato fluffiness, while Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor.
Pro tip: Look for potatoes that are roughly the same size and shape to ensure even cooking.
Essential Tools for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes
Before we get started, let’s talk tools. For more kitchen efficiency tips, see our 15 time-saving cooking tricks. While you don’t need anything fancy, a few key items will make your Hasselback journey much easier:
- A sharp knife: This is crucial for making those precise cuts.
- Wooden spoons or chopsticks: These act as guides to prevent cutting all the way through the potato.
- A basting brush: For getting that delicious herb butter into every nook and cranny.
- A sturdy baking sheet: To catch any drips and ensure even cooking.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Hasselback Potatoes
Now, let’s get to the main event – making those beautiful, crispy Hasselback potatoes!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly. Don’t peel them – the skin helps hold the potato together and gets deliciously crispy.
- Place a potato on a cutting board and set a wooden spoon on each side of it. These will act as barriers to prevent you from cutting all the way through.
- Using a sharp knife, make thin slices width-wise across the potato, about 1/8 inch apart. The wooden spoons will stop the knife from cutting through the bottom of the potato. Repeat with all potatoes.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Place the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet. Using a brush, generously coat the potatoes with the herb butter mixture, making sure to get between the slices.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the potatoes.
- Bake for about 60-75 minutes, basting with the remaining herb butter every 20 minutes. The potatoes are done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, and easily pierced with a fork.
- If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Hasselback potatoes!
The Secret to Extra Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Want to take your Hasselback potatoes to the next level of crispiness? Here’s a trick I learned from a Swedish chef: after the initial 30 minutes of baking, carefully separate the slices with a butter knife. This allows more of the herb butter to seep in and creates even more crispy edges. It’s a game-changer!
Troubleshooting Common Hasselback Issues
Problem: Uneven slices
Solution: Use a sharp knife and take your time. If you’re having trouble, you can use a mandoline to make evenly spaced cuts before slicing.
Problem: Potato falls apart
Solution: Make sure you’re not cutting all the way through. The wooden spoon method should prevent this, but if you’re still having trouble, try cutting on a slight diagonal.
Problem: Not crispy enough
Solution: Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. For more kitchen troubleshooting tips, check out our guide on fixing common cooking issues.
If needed, you can finish them under the broiler for a few minutes for extra crispiness.
Exciting Variations to Try
One of the best things about Hasselback potatoes is how versatile they are. Here are some delicious variations to experiment with:
- Loaded Hasselback Potatoes: Top with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Mediterranean Style: Use olive oil, lemon zest, and oregano in place of the herb butter.
- Spicy Southwest: Add some chili powder and cumin to your herb butter for a kick.
- Sweet Hasselback Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes and a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes are a show-stopping side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some of my favorite combinations:
- Grilled steak: The crispy potato slices are perfect for soaking up any steak juices, similar to our chicken marsala.
- Roast chicken: The herbs in the potatoes complement our garlic lovers roasted chicken beautifully.
- Baked fish: For a lighter meal, try these potatoes with a piece of baked salmon or cod.
- Vegetarian option: Serve alongside a hearty salad or grilled vegetables for a satisfying meat-free meal.
As for wine pairings, a crisp Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would complement the buttery, herby flavors of the potatoes wonderfully.
Storing and Reheating Your Hasselback Potatoes
While these potatoes are best fresh out of the oven (just like our authentic Italian lasagna), leftovers can still be delicious.
Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Avoid microwaving if possible, as this will make the potatoes soggy.
The Health Benefits of Potatoes
Despite sometimes getting a bad rap in diet culture, potatoes are actually quite nutritious. They’re a good source of:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Vitamin B6
- Fiber (especially in the skin)
Plus, when prepared this way – with the skin on and without deep frying – they retain more of their nutrients and are a healthier alternative to many other potato preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Hasselback potatoes ahead of time? You can prepare the potatoes up to the point of baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, but use about 1/3 of the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
- Are Hasselback potatoes vegan? They can easily be made vegan by using all olive oil instead of butter.
- How do I know when they’re done? The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and easily pierced with a fork.
- Can I make these in an air fryer? Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Potato Game with Hasselback
There you have it – everything you need to know to make perfect Hasselback potatoes. From their crispy, buttery exterior to their fluffy interior, these potatoes are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, Hasselback potatoes are a delicious and impressive way to do it. So grab some potatoes, sharpen your knife, and get ready to impress your taste buds (and your dinner guests)!
Don’t forget to share your Hasselback potato creations with us in the comments below. Happy cooking!