Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback Potatoes are a classic side dish that brings together crispy edges and a tender interior, all infused with the rich flavor of butter. The thin slices in the potato allow the butter and seasoning to penetrate deeply, resulting in a perfectly seasoned bite every time.

These potatoes are versatile and can be dressed up with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs, making them ideal for any meal, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive holiday gathering. They’re simple to prepare but deliver a stunning visual and delicious taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, washed and patted dry
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare an unlined baking sheet.
Place each potato between two chopsticks or skewers and slice vertically into thin slits, cutting about ⅛ inch apart but not all the way through.
Brush half of the melted butter onto the potatoes, making sure it gets into the slits. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, carefully fan the potato layers with a knife and brush on the remaining butter.
Continue baking for another 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the inside is tender.
Serve warm, adding salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, top with cheese, sour cream, or your favorite potato toppings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 211 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origins of Hasselback Potatoes:

Hasselback potatoes are named after the Hasselbacken Restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, where they were first created in the 1950s. The technique was invented by a chef-in-training and became an instant hit due to its combination of simplicity and sophistication. The dish quickly spread in popularity across Europe and the rest of the world.

The idea behind Hasselback potatoes is to make thin, uniform cuts into the potato while leaving it whole, allowing the exterior to become crispy while the inside stays soft and tender. This cutting technique, known as “Hasselbacking,” transforms an ordinary potato into an impressive side dish with minimal effort.

Why Hasselback Potatoes are So Popular:

The appeal of Hasselback potatoes lies in their texture and presentation. When properly baked, the thin slices on the outside turn crisp and golden, providing a crunchy texture similar to potato chips, while the inner part remains fluffy and soft, much like a baked potato. This contrast of textures makes every bite satisfying.

Additionally, the way the potatoes are sliced creates small gaps where seasonings, butter, or other toppings can penetrate, infusing the entire dish with flavor. The versatility of Hasselback potatoes means they can be easily adapted with different seasonings, herbs, cheeses, and toppings, making them suitable for various cuisines and occasions.

Key Techniques to Mastering Hasselback Potatoes:

A. The Cutting Method:
The essential technique to master is cutting the potatoes without slicing all the way through. You can use a couple of tricks to ensure even cuts:

Skewers or Chopsticks Method: Place the potato between two chopsticks or skewers so that when you cut down, the knife stops at the chopsticks, preventing you from cutting all the way through. This ensures uniform slices and keeps the potato intact.
Slice Spacing: Aim for slices that are about ⅛ inch apart. This size allows the potato to fan out as it bakes, creating those crispy edges that make Hasselback potatoes so desirable.

B. Ensuring Crispy Results:
To get the perfect crispy texture, brush the potato with melted butter or oil both at the start and halfway through baking. The fat helps to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist. For extra crispiness, you can fan out the slices with a knife after the initial baking and reapply the butter.

C. Cooking Temperature and Time:
Hasselback potatoes are typically baked at a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures that the outside becomes crispy while the inside remains tender. Baking times vary depending on the size of the potatoes, but they generally need about 60 to 70 minutes to cook through fully.

For those who want to speed up the process or achieve even crispier results, cooking the potatoes in an air fryer is an excellent option. The air fryer reduces cooking time significantly and delivers a crispier finish, often in just 25-30 minutes.

Creative Variations and Toppings:

Hasselback potatoes are incredibly versatile, and the basic recipe can be modified in countless ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some popular variations:

A. Cheese and Bacon Hasselback Potatoes:

About halfway through baking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan between the slices. You can also add crispy bacon bits on top for an indulgent twist. The cheese melts into the slits, while the bacon adds a salty, savory crunch.

B. Garlic and Herb Hasselback Potatoes:

Infuse your butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, or parsley, and brush it onto the potatoes. This creates an aromatic and flavorful dish perfect for serving alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

C. Hasselback Sweet Potatoes:

Swap regular russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter, more nutritious option. These pair well with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, making them a delicious side for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

D. Vegan Hasselback Potatoes:

For a vegan version, replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative. You can also top the potatoes with vegan cheese or add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

E. Loaded Hasselback Potatoes:

Once baked, top the potatoes with sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon (or plant-based bacon for a vegetarian option). This transforms them into a loaded baked potato with the extra crunch of the Hasselback technique.

Health Considerations:

Hasselback potatoes are relatively healthy, depending on the amount of butter or oil used. Potatoes are a good source of:

Vitamin C: Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin repair.
Potassium: High in potassium, potatoes can help regulate blood pressure.
Fiber: The skins of potatoes contain fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

By adjusting the amount of fat and choosing healthier toppings like olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic, you can enjoy Hasselback potatoes as part of a balanced diet. For those looking to cut down on calories or fat, using an air fryer or baking the potatoes with less butter is an excellent way to make this dish lighter.

Serving Suggestions:

Hasselback potatoes can be served with a variety of dishes, making them a versatile side for different meals:

With Grilled Meats: These potatoes pair wonderfully with steaks, grilled chicken, or pork chops, adding a crispy, flavorful contrast to juicy meats.
At Holiday Feasts: Serve Hasselback potatoes alongside roasted turkey, ham, or beef for a more visually appealing alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
As a Vegetarian Main Course: When loaded with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and herbs, Hasselback potatoes can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian meal.
Paired with Salads: For a lighter meal, serve Hasselback potatoes with a fresh, green salad or roasted vegetables.

How to Reheat and Store Hasselback Potatoes:

If you have leftovers, Hasselback potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.

They can also be reheated in an air fryer or microwave, though the microwave may soften the exterior rather than keep it crispy. For best results, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crunchiness of the outer layers.

Advanced Hasselbacking Techniques:

For more adventurous cooks, Hasselbacking can be applied to other vegetables and even proteins. Try the following ideas:

Hasselback Zucchini or Eggplant: These vegetables can be sliced in the same way and roasted with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Hasselback Chicken: Make deep slits into chicken breasts and stuff them with cheese, spinach, or other fillings before baking. This technique infuses the chicken with flavor and creates an impressive presentation.

Conclusion:

Hasselback Potatoes are a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, offering a delicious contrast of crispy edges and tender interiors. Originating from Sweden, this unique slicing technique has turned an ordinary potato into a visually stunning and flavorful dish that can be customized in countless ways. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast, as a side to a casual dinner, or even as a stand-alone vegetarian meal, Hasselback potatoes never fail to impress.

Their versatility allows for creative toppings and seasoning options—cheesy, garlicky, herb-infused, or loaded with bacon—making them a favorite for home cooks. Plus, they cater to various dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegan, and can be made healthier with simple tweaks like using olive oil instead of butter. With their eye-catching presentation and delicious flavor, Hasselback potatoes are a timeless side dish that elevates any meal while remaining easy to prepare.