If you have ever wondered how to elevate simple potatoes into an impressive, crunchy, and flavorful side dish, this Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe is your answer. Each potato is carefully sliced into thin fans, then drizzled with a rich blend of olive oil, butter, garlic, and thyme before being roasted to golden perfection. Topped off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, these potatoes offer a delightful contrast of textures and layers of savory taste that will make your taste buds sing. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the backbone of this Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect combination of crispy edges, tender interiors, and a burst of aromatic flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
- 4 medium-sized potatoes: Choose firm, evenly shaped potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet for crisp, golden layers.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Brings a fruity richness that helps crisp the outsides beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds a luscious, nutty flavor and golden color as it bakes.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle, warming kick.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a wonderful aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped: Offers an earthy, herbaceous note that brightens the potatoes.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the crispy edges, adding a savory, salty crust.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Provides a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
How to Make Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C), which ensures that those potato edges get delightfully crisp while the insides steam to creamy perfection. This temperature is essential for transforming humble potatoes into a crispy masterpiece.
Step 2: Slice with Precision
Wash and thoroughly dry your potatoes to remove any dirt and moisture. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully slice thin slits about 1/8 inch apart all across the potato. The trick is to cut deep, but not all the way through—leave about a quarter inch at the bottom intact so the slices fan out beautifully but stay connected.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Oil Blend
Combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves in a small bowl. This luscious mixture will seep into every cut, layering the potatoes with rich aromas and savory notes.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Arrange the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet. Gently brush the oil and butter blend evenly over and in between each slit. Make sure every nook is coated—it’s the secret to crispy perfection. Place them in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, allowing the edges to crisp up while the centers become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 5: Parmesan Topping Finish
About ten minutes before the potatoes finish baking, generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them. Return the potatoes to the oven so the cheese melts into a savory, crunchy crust that takes this Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe to the next level.
Step 6: Garnish and Rest
Once out of the oven, allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes. This short resting time lets the cheese set and flavors meld. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and a hint of brightness to complement the richness.
How to Serve Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish, but feel free to get creative. A sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a dusting of smoked paprika can add both color and subtle flavor twists to enhance the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
These crispy beauties pair wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think juicy grilled chicken, tender steaks, or even roasted vegetables if you’re aiming for a fully vegetarian meal. Their savory crunch will complement creamy sauces or vibrant salads alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning holiday table or a dinner party, try serving these potatoes stacked or placed upright for a dramatic effect. You can also insert thin slices of cheese or herbs into the slits before baking for an extra surprise that wows guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crispy Hasselback potatoes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3 days and retain much of their texture when reheated properly.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to skip it for this particular dish if you want to maintain that crispy edge. Freezing tends to make the potatoes softer, but if needed, freeze after fully cooling and place in freezer-safe bags for up to one month.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crispiness, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes rather than microwaving. This method revives the wonderful texture you fell in love with in the original Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work wonderfully for a twist on this recipe, offering natural sweetness and vibrant color. Just adjust baking time slightly if they’re smaller or larger than your usual potatoes.
How thin should the slices be?
Around 1/8 inch thickness is ideal to allow the potatoes to fan out nicely and crisp up without falling apart—thin enough to be tender, thick enough to hold shape.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Not at all! Leaving the skins on adds extra texture, nutrients, and a rustic flair, which complements the crispy edges beautifully.
What if I don’t have thyme?
If fresh thyme isn’t handy, dried herbs like rosemary or oregano can be wonderful substitutes. They’ll bring their own distinct herbaceous notes to the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, just replace the butter with additional olive oil and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. You’ll still get incredible flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe is a game changer for potato lovers everywhere. It combines simple ingredients with a smart technique to produce an unforgettable, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside treat. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe will surely earn you rave reviews. So gather your potatoes and give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy this humble tuber!
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: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Crispy Hasselback Potatoes offers a delicious way to enjoy tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked to perfection with a flavorful mixture of olive oil, butter, garlic, and fresh thyme, topped with savory Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley. These crispy on the edges yet soft inside potatoes make a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
Seasoning Mixture
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough to crisp the potatoes.
- Prepare 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 slice all the way through—leave about 1/4 inch intact at the bottom to keep the potato whole.
- Make Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh thyme to create a flavorful brush-on mixture.
- Brush Potatoes: Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and gently brush the oil and butter mixture over the entire surface and into the slits of each potato to ensure even flavor and crisping.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes until they develop crispy edges and the insides are tender when tested with a fork.
- Add Parmesan: About 10 minutes before the baking time is complete, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each potato and return to the oven to allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
- Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add color and freshness.
Notes
- Make sure to not cut all the way through the potatoes to keep them intact while baking.
- You can use Yukon gold or Russet potatoes for best results.
- For extra crispiness, baste the potatoes with the oil mixture once or twice during baking.
- If Parmesan is unavailable, a similar hard cheese like Pecorino Romano can be used.
- These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
