Hasselback Potatoes: Crispy, Buttery, Soul-Warming Slices
Introduction
There’s a moment every time I pull a tray of Hasselback Potatoes from the oven when the whole kitchen hushes — friends lean in, the butter crackles, and the scent of roasted potato and garlic wraps around everyone like a warm blanket. Hasselback Potatoes are one of those comforting recipes that turn a simple potato into a show-stopping homemade dish, perfect for a cozy weeknight or festive cooking when you want something beautiful and forgiving. If you love a simple dinner that feels celebratory, this easy meal will be your new family favorite. For another potato twist I adore, try this cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage, which pairs beautifully on the table.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick prep and big payoff — a little slicing, a lot of wow.
- Crowd-pleaser — crispy edges make everyone happy, even picky eaters.
- Versatile — dress them up with herbs and cheese or keep them simple.
- Cozy and nostalgic — the aroma alone feels like home.
- Perfect for festive cooking and also as a humble, satisfying weeknight side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes — Yukon Golds are creamy and forgiving; Russets get extra crispy.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter — butter for richness, olive oil for a lighter touch.
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or finely minced — swaps: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt plus more to taste — kosher salt works too.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper — adds warmth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives — bright herb finish; dried parsley is okay in a pinch.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or cheddar, optional — for a cheesy crust; use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, optional — for a tangy glaze.
- Lemon zest, optional — for a bright finish.
Substitution notes: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter topping if you plan to serve with a dollop. For vegan options, swap butter for vegan butter and cheese for plant-based shreds.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 55–65 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10–20 minutes
Note: This is an easy meal that benefits from patience — the slow roast gives you those crisp, lacy edges and tender centers worth waiting for.
How to Make Hasselback Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Wash and dry the potatoes. Place a chopstick or rolled towel on either side of each potato to act as a guard so you don’t slice all the way through.
- Thinly slice the potatoes crosswise into 1/8 to 1/4-inch slices, stopping against the chopsticks so the base stays intact. The slices should fan but stay connected at the bottom.
- Place potatoes on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix olive oil or melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and Dijon if using. Brush the mixture generously over and into the slices, letting it drip into the crevices.
- Roast for 35–45 minutes, basting with any pan juices halfway through. As they roast, the edges will curl and crisp while the centers steam and soften — you’ll smell a golden, toasty aroma filling the kitchen.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes in the last 5–7 minutes of roasting so it melts and browns without burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Finish with chopped parsley or chives and a little lemon zest for brightness. Serve warm and watch faces light up.
Tips and Creative Variations
- Herb butter: Mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic and tuck a little between slices for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy paprika and smoked salt: Sprinkle smoked paprika before roasting for a smoky edge that’s festive and bold.
- Loaded Hasselbacks: After roasting, top with sour cream, bacon bits, scallions, and cheddar for a decadent, comforting recipe that doubles as a main for casual nights.
- Vegan and dairy-free: Use olive oil, miso paste for umami, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
- Mini Hasselbacks: Use baby potatoes for adorable bite-sized sides that are party-perfect.
For another hearty, flavor-packed potato dish that makes dinner easy and satisfying, check out this savory cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage.
Serving Ideas
Serve Hasselback Potatoes alongside a crisp green salad and roasted chicken for a Sunday supper, or make them the star with an entree of pan-seared salmon and lemony greens. They pair beautifully with a glass of medium-bodied red wine or an herbal iced tea on a warm evening. Picture a long table, laughing voices, the clink of cutlery, and those fanned, golden potatoes stealing the spotlight — a simple dinner that feels like a holiday.
Storing and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The edges soften, but the flavor remains wonderful.
- Reheat: Warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want that crunchy texture.
- Freezer: You can freeze roasted, unfilled Hasselbacks for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and re-crisp in a hot oven before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a chopstick or spoon handle as a slicing guide to prevent cutting through the potato.
- Room-temperature potatoes slice more cleanly than cold ones straight from the fridge.
- Baste once or twice during roasting to maximize crispy, buttery layers between slices.
- Reserve a touch of finishing oil or butter to brush on just before serving for extra sheen and flavor.
- If you want ultra-crispy edges, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely to avoid burning.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Hasselback Potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes — roast them partly, cool, and finish crisping in the oven before serving. This saves time and keeps them fresh.
Q: What’s the best potato for Hasselbacks?
A: Yukon Golds for creaminess and Russets for crispiness. Both work well; pick based on texture preference.
Q: Can I freeze Hasselback Potatoes?
A: You can freeze roasted potatoes for up to a month, but textures change. Reheat in the oven to revive crisp edges.
Q: How thin should I slice the potatoes?
A: Aim for 1/8 to 1/4-inch slices. Too thin and they might fall apart; too thick and they will not fan nicely.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Absolutely. Use olive oil or vegan butter and nutritional yeast for a savory, dairy-free finish.
Conclusion
There’s something quietly magical about turning a humble potato into an elegant, crispy, and tender centerpiece — Hasselback Potatoes bring that magic to any table. Whether you’re after a family favorite for weeknight comfort, a festive cooking idea for holiday gatherings, or a simple dinner that still feels special, this recipe answers the call with warmth and ease. If you’d like to explore more inspiration or alternate techniques from trusted cooks, I love the clear tutorial at Hasselback Potatoes Recipe – Love and Lemons and the step-by-step guidance here at Hasselback Potatoes Recipe (So Buttery and Crispy!) | The Kitchn. Make a batch, invite someone you love, and let those golden slices bring everyone a little closer.

Contents
Hasselback Potatoes
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 6 medium medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes Yukon Golds are creamy; Russets get extra crispy.
Cooking fats and flavorings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter Butter for richness, olive oil for a lighter touch.
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or finely minced 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder is a substitute.
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt Kosher salt works as well.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper Adds warmth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or cheddar, optional Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, optional For a tangy glaze.
- Lemon zest to taste optional For a bright finish.
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives Dried parsley can be used as a substitute.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Wash and dry the potatoes. Place a chopstick or rolled towel on either side of each potato to act as a guard so you don’t slice all the way through.
- Thinly slice the potatoes crosswise into 1/8 to 1/4-inch slices, stopping against the chopsticks so the base stays intact.
Cooking
- Place potatoes on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix olive oil or melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and Dijon if using.
- Brush the mixture generously over and into the slices, letting it drip into the crevices.
- Roast for 35–45 minutes, basting with any pan juices halfway through.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes in the last 5–7 minutes of roasting so it melts and browns without burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Finish with chopped parsley or chives and a little lemon zest.
- Serve warm.