Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of perfectly cooked Hasselback Potatoes is a sight to behold. With their signature accordion-style cuts, these potatoes achieve an irresistible contrast: crisp, golden edges giving way to soft, fluffy interiors. Infusing the oil with garlic and herbs ensures every bite bursts with flavour. Whether served as a side dish or the star of the table, these potatoes are always a hit.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• The Origins of Hasselback Potatoes
• Mastering the Hasselback Cut
• Infused Buttery Oil
• The Baking Process
• Why Maris Piper Potatoes Work Best
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Customising Your Hasselback Potatoes
• What to Serve These With

Ingredient Breakdown

• Unsalted butter: Enhances richness while adding depth of flavour.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures even crisping without burning.
• Garlic: Infuses the oil with a savoury, aromatic kick.
• Fresh rosemary: Adds an earthy, fragrant note.
• Fresh sage: Contributes warmth while adding a slightly peppery taste.
• Maris Piper potatoes: The ideal variety for a crisp outside and fluffy inside.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

The Origins of Hasselback Potatoes

The Hasselback Potato may look gourmet, but its origins are quite humble. This famous dish was first created in the 1950s at Hasselbacken, a restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden. The technique was devised by a trainee chef who wanted to elevate a simple baked potato into something more elegant and flavourful. By slicing the potato partially and roasting it, he created a dish that was both crispy and soft. A game-changer in the world of side dishes.

Originally, Hasselback Potatoes were traditionally topped with butter, breadcrumbs, and cheese. Over time, the recipe has gradually evolved, with variations incorporating different seasonings, oils, and toppings. As a result, today, you’ll find Hasselback variations worldwide, ranging from simple salted versions to those loaded with truffle oil, garlic, or even bacon.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. While it started as a Swedish classic, Hasselback potatoes have become a beloved addition to dinner tables across the globe.

Mastering the Hasselback Cut

The hallmark of Hasselback Potatoes is their intricate, fanned appearance. Achieving uniform cuts ensures an even bake, allowing the edges to crisp beautifully while the centres remain soft. Using two wooden spoons as guides prevents slicing too deep, keeping the potato intact.

Spacing the cuts evenly at 3 mm intervals maximises texture. Thin slices crisp up more, creating delicate, golden edges. Taking time to make precise incisions guarantees that signature contrast between crisp exteriors and creamy interiors.

Infused Buttery Oil

A key step in this recipe is infusing the oil with garlic, rosemary, and sage. This process extracts the aromatic essence of the herbs and prevents the garlic from burning in the oven. Cooking the garlic until lightly golden releases its natural sweetness while avoiding bitterness. Straining the infused mixture allows for full control over seasoning, ensuring a balance between flavour and texture.

Brushing the potatoes with the flavoured oil before baking coats every crevice, ensuring even crisping. The reserved garlic and herb mixture, added at the end, intensifies the dish’s depth, layering in freshness without overpowering.

The Baking Process

A well-executed bake is crucial for Hasselback potatoes. The first 45 minutes allow the slices to open up gradually, exposing more surface area. Then, brushing with additional infused oil deepens the golden colour while enhancing crispness.

The final 30 minutes allow the edges to reach peak crunch while keeping the centre soft. Regular brushing ensures every layer absorbs the infused oil, amplifying flavour with each stage. Meanwhile, finishing with a final sprinkle of parsley and the reserved garlic-herb mix brightens the dish, balancing richness with freshness.

Why Maris Piper Potatoes Work Best

Choosing the right potato variety is crucial. Maris Piper potatoes are ideal because of their balance between starch and moisture. Their fluffy texture makes them perfect for roasting, ensuring the inside remains soft while the edges crisp up beautifully. Other varieties, like Yukon Gold or Russet, can be used, but they may not provide the same level of contrast between the crispy edges and creamy interior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results, avoid these common mistakes when preparing Hasselback Potatoes:

• Cutting too deep: If you slice through the potato, it will fall apart during baking. Use wooden spoons as guides.
• Not brushing enough oil: Dry potatoes won’t crisp up properly. Regular brushing ensures they stay golden and flavourful while keeping them nice and moist.
• Skipping seasoning: Potatoes need generous seasoning. Sea salt and black pepper enhance their natural flavours.
• Overcrowding the tray: Too many potatoes in one tray prevent air circulation, leading to uneven baking.
• Using the wrong potatoes: Waxy potatoes don’t crisp well. It’s best to stick to starchy varieties like Maris Piper.

Customising Your Hasselback Potatoes

One of the best things about Hasselback Potatoes is how easy they are to customise. Here are a few ways to make them your own:

• Cheesy delight: Add grated cheese in the final 15 minutes for a crispy, gooey topping.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle paprika or chilli flakes over the potatoes before baking.
• Garlic overload: Roast extra garlic cloves alongside the potatoes then mash them into a paste for extra flavour.
• Herb boost: Experiment with thyme, oregano, or basil for different aromatic profiles.
• Vegan version: Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter for a completely plant-based option.

What to Serve These With

If you’re looking for a dish to serve alongside these Hasselback Potatoes, here are some of my recipes I’d recommend!

• Chilli Cheeseburger: Juicy, cheesy patties. The smoky heat of chipotle-spiced chilli. A crunch of tortilla chips. Creamy fresh guacamole. Each bite is packed with layers of flavour and texture. If you’re after a proper burger, then this is the recipe for you!
• Creamy Nduja Roast Chicken: Roast chicken is a staple of comfort food, but when you add the funky, savouriness of nduja, melted into a deliciously creamy sauce, it transforms it into something truly extraordinary. This creamy nduja roast chicken, served over crispy, schmaltzy sourdough slices, makes for an epic Sunday roast.
• Smoky Chipotle Chilli: Rich, savoury, and packed with layers of spice, this dish delivers warmth and depth in every spoonful. Whether served over fluffy rice, spooned onto crispy oven chips, or stuffed into a soft bread roll, it’s a versatile meal that never fails to hit the spot. Even better, this chilli improves over time, making it ideal for batch cooking and freezing.

See how I make all these recipes and more over on my Instagram!