Hasselback Potatoes – Easy Crispy Potato Side Dish Recipe

Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback potatoes are the ultimate showstopper side dish, combining elegance with irresistible flavor. Their signature accordion-style slices fan out beautifully during roasting, creating crispy edges while keeping the centers tender and fluffy. This dual texture makes them far more exciting than traditional baked or roasted potatoes.

The appeal lies not only in taste but also in presentation. Each potato looks like a work of art, making them perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or even weeknight indulgence when you want to elevate a simple meal.

Whether served plain with butter and herbs or topped with cheese, bacon, or sour cream, Hasselback potatoes are endlessly customizable. They’re proof that with just a few clever cuts and a hot oven, humble potatoes can be transformed into a gourmet centerpiece that delights both the eyes and the palate.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This recipe combines simplicity with sophistication. At its core, Hasselback potatoes are just roasted potatoes—but the slicing technique transforms them into something extraordinary. The thin cuts allow butter, oil, and seasonings to seep deep inside, ensuring every bite is flavorful and crisp.

Despite their gourmet appearance, Hasselback potatoes are surprisingly easy to prepare. With a sharp knife and a steady hand, you can create the elegant fan-like slices in minutes.

Tip: Place chopsticks or skewers along the sides of the potato while slicing. This prevents cutting all the way through, ensuring the potato stays intact while still opening up beautifully in the oven.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. It pairs well with almost any main dish, adapts to countless toppings, and always impresses guests. It’s a simple technique that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Cultural & Culinary Background

Hasselback potatoes originated at the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, in the 1950s. The technique was designed to elevate the humble potato into a refined dish suitable for fine dining. The accordion-style slicing not only improved texture but also created a visually striking presentation that quickly gained popularity.

From Sweden, the dish spread globally, becoming a favorite in both fine-dining establishments and home kitchens. Its appeal lies in the balance of simplicity and sophistication—easy enough for everyday cooking, yet elegant enough for festive occasions.

Modern variations have expanded the recipe far beyond its original form. Today, Hasselback potatoes are often topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, garlic butter, or fresh herbs. Some versions even incorporate sour cream, pesto, or exotic spices, making them adaptable to different cuisines.

This evolution reflects the potato’s universal role in comfort food traditions. Hasselback potatoes embody the idea that with a little creativity, everyday ingredients can be transformed into culinary masterpieces.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

• Potato: Provides a starchy, fluffy interior that contrasts with crisp edges.
• Butter & Oil: Add richness and help achieve golden crispiness.
• Herbs & Garlic: Infuse aromatic depth, making each bite fragrant and savory.
• Cheese or Toppings: Deliver indulgence, from gooey melted cheese to smoky bacon or tangy sour cream.

Together, these elements create a dish that’s comforting yet elevated. The thin slices fan out during roasting, maximizing surface area for crispiness while allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.

Pro Tip: Slice evenly and thinly to ensure the potato fans out properly and crisps uniformly.

The flavor profile is versatile—light and herby for a fresh side dish, or rich and decadent with cheese and bacon for indulgence. Hasselback potatoes adapt to any occasion, always delivering a balance of texture and taste.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Step 1: Preheat Oven Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Potatoes Wash and dry Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Place chopsticks or skewers along the sides to prevent cutting through. Slice thinly across the potato, about ⅛ inch apart.

Step 3: Season & Brush Mix melted butter with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush generously over potatoes, ensuring mixture seeps into slices.

Step 4: Roast Bake for 45–60 minutes until golden and tender. Halfway through, baste with more butter/oil mixture to enhance flavor and crispiness.

Step 5: Add Toppings In the final 10 minutes, sprinkle cheese, bacon, or herbs over potatoes. Return to oven until toppings melt or crisp.

Step 6: Serve Garnish with sour cream, chives, or parsley. Serve hot as a side dish or centerpiece.

Tip: Basting halfway through ensures maximum flavor and prevents dryness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting Too Deep: Causes potatoes to fall apart. Use chopsticks or skewers to guide slicing.
• Skipping Basting: Results in dry texture. Always baste halfway through roasting.
• Wrong Potato Variety: Russets or Yukon Golds work best. Waxy potatoes don’t crisp as well.
• Uneven Slices: Leads to inconsistent cooking. Slice evenly for uniform crispiness.
• Overcrowding Pan: Prevents proper roasting. Space potatoes apart for airflow.

Tip: Slice carefully and evenly for consistent cooking and presentation.