Imagine the comforting allure of crispy, cheesy potatoes—like a warm hug on a chilly evening. These Hasselback potatoes are not just a dish; they’re a conversation starter, a memory-maker. (Remember the last time you had potatoes this good?
I bet you don’t. ) With each slice, they promise a delightful crunch and melty cheese that somehow feels like coming home after a long day.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Position a potato on a cutting board and place chopsticks or butter knives along its length on both sides. Using a sharp knife, slice the potato crosswise into ?-inch-thick slices without cutting all the way through, allowing the chopsticks or knives to act as a stopping guide. Repeat this step with the remaining potatoes.
- Arrange the sliced potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, ensuring the oil and seasonings reach between the slices. Insert a sage leaf into each slit between the slices.
- Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the potatoes and roast them in the oven for 50 minutes.
- After 50 minutes, take the potatoes out and brush them with melted garlic butter. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until they are tender inside and crispy on the outside.
- Once baked, season the potatoes with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes before serving. Offer extra garlic butter on the side for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh sage leaves
- Garlic butter (made from butter, garlic, herbs, and salt)
- Fresh parsley, for serving
- Red pepper flakes, for serving
FAQ
- How do you ensure the potato slices remain intact while cutting Hasselback potatoes?
- To prevent cutting through the bottom while slicing Hasselback potatoes, place chopsticks, butter knives, or the handles of wooden spoons alongside the potato. These tools act as guides, stopping the knife before it severs the potato completely.
- What type of potato is best for making Hasselback potatoes?
- Medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended due to their appealing golden color and suitable size for a side dish. Small russet potatoes can also work well.
- When should you add the garlic butter while roasting Hasselback potatoes?
- After roasting the potatoes with sage, olive oil, salt, and pepper for about 50 minutes, brush them with melted garlic butter. This step enhances their flavor and prevents them from drying out. Then, continue baking for another 25 minutes or until they are tender inside and crispy on the edges.
- How can you season Hasselback potatoes effectively?
- Season the potatoes generously after baking, as it’s difficult to season them thoroughly when they are raw or partially cooked. Once the slices have fanned out, brush them with garlic herb butter and add salt and pepper to taste.
- What are some serving suggestions for Hasselback potatoes?
- Serve the potatoes hot from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. They pair well with proteins and roasted vegetables for a simple meal or can be featured in a holiday spread alongside dishes like green bean casserole or mac and cheese.
Tips
- Slice Carefully with Guides: Use chopsticks, butter knives, or wooden spoon handles as guides to prevent cutting all the way through the potatoes. This method helps achieve the perfect fan-like slices without accidentally severing the bottom.
- Apply Garlic Butter Midway: After the initial 50 minutes of roasting, brush the potatoes with garlic butter to enhance flavor and prevent dryness. Bake for an additional 25 minutes until they reach the desired crispiness and tenderness.
- Season After Baking: Once the potatoes are fully cooked, season them generously with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices. This avoids breaking the potato while seasoning and ensures a well-distributed flavor.
- Serve Fresh for Best Texture: Enjoy these potatoes straight from the oven when they are at their crispiest. For added flavor, garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Equipment
- Chopsticks or Butter Knives – Used as guides to prevent slicing through the bottom of the potatoes.
- Sharp Knife – Essential for making precise, thin cuts in the potatoes.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Baking Sheet – Used for roasting the potatoes in the oven.
