Delicious Garlic Hasselback Potatoes: A Tasty Twist on a Classic Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These garlic-infused Hasselback potatoes offer a delicious twist on a classic, with crispy edges and tender centers that make them a perfect side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Slice each potato thinly, leaving the bottom intact to create a fan-like effect.
- Mix olive oil, melted butter, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet, brush with the garlic mixture, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, basting occasionally, until potatoes are golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan on the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your side dishes, impress your guests, and maybe even trick your family into thinking you’re a gourmet chef, Garlic Hasselback Potatoes are the answer. These potatoes are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. They take the humble spud and give it a makeover worthy of a cooking show finale, with golden, crispy slices fanning out beautifully while locking in buttery, garlicky goodness.
Whether you draw inspiration from the rustic charm of Pioneer Woman recipes or the sophisticated flair of Milk Street techniques, this dish delivers. Let’s dive right into the ingredients, method, and even a little backstory to make this recipe extra special.
Ingredients: The Essentials for Perfect Garlic Hasselback Potatoes
To bring these potatoes to life, here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – Yukon Gold offers a creamy texture, while Russet gives that classic fluff.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Because no one ever said, “That’s too much garlic.”
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Butter makes everything better, period.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and keeps the butter from burning.
- Salt and pepper to taste – even a small amount of seasoning makes a big difference.
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or rosemary – For a fragrant, herbaceous kick.
- Grated Parmesan (optional) – Adds a cheesy, crispy finish.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish) – The finishing touch that says, “I care about presentation.”
Method of Preparation: From Prep to Perfection
These potatoes may look intricate, but they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats, scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt, leaving the skins on for extra fiber and texture. Lazy tip: Skins on also means less work for you!
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
Place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons—this prevents you from cutting all the way through. Carefully slice the potatoes thinly, about ⅛-inch apart, ensuring the bottom stays intact. This technique creates the iconic “fan” shape that allows the garlic butter to seep into every crevice.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then mix it with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Throw in the thyme or rosemary for an added herbal boost. Set the mixture aside for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Baste the Potatoes
Spread the potatoes out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a brush to slather the garlic butter mixture between each slice. The more you baste, the better the flavor will penetrate the potato layers.
Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. About halfway through, pull them out and baste them again to keep the flavors flowing. When done, the potatoes should be golden brown and crisp on the outside, with soft, fluffy interiors.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
For extra indulgence, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes and return them to the oven for a few minutes to melt and crisp up. Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.
A Short Story: “A Potato That Changed Thanksgiving”
Emma Lafifi wasn’t a chef—far from it. She was a graphic designer from Chicago who only cooked when absolutely necessary. But everything changed one Thanksgiving.
Emma’s family had been coming to her aunt’s house for Thanksgiving for as long as she could remember. It was tradition, and her aunt’s mashed potatoes were legendary. Creamy, buttery, and impossible to replicate, those potatoes were the highlight of every meal. But this year, disaster struck—Aunt Maggie broke her arm two days before Thanksgiving. With no one else available to step in, the duty of cooking the side dishes fell to Emma.
“Just make mashed potatoes,” her mom had said over the phone. “Follow the recipe. How hard can it be?”
Emma stared at the printed recipe, beads of sweat forming on her brow. It wasn’t the cooking she feared—it was the inevitable comparisons. No one could live up to Aunt Maggie’s mashed potatoes. Desperate, Emma did the only thing she could think of: she Googled “impressive potato side dishes.”
That’s when she stumbled across Garlic Hasselback Potatoes. They looked complicated enough to impress the family but simple enough that even she could pull them off. Plus, they had garlic—and everyone loved garlic.
On Thanksgiving morning, Emma followed the recipe step by step, praying she wouldn’t mess it up. She carefully sliced the potatoes, slathered them in garlic butter, and anxiously watched them roast in the oven. By the time she pulled them out, the crispy, golden slices fanning out like potato art, she knew she had a winner.
At dinner, her family took one look at the potatoes and gasped. “Did you make these?” Aunt Maggie asked, her voice filled with skepticism and admiration. Emma grinned sheepishly and nodded.
The first bite was met with silence—followed by a collective “Mmm.” Even Aunt Maggie, nursing her broken arm, gave Emma an approving nod. From that moment on, Garlic Hasselback Potatoes became the new Thanksgiving tradition. Emma had not only filled her aunt’s shoes but had also created something entirely her own.
The Nutritional Perks of Garlic Hasselback Potatoes
Beyond their good looks and great taste, these potatoes come with a surprising set of health benefits:
- Potassium Boost: Essential for muscle function and keeping blood pressure in check.
- High Fiber Content: Keeping the skin on adds fiber, which supports digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Garlic’s Power: Packed with antioxidants, garlic boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation.
- Healthy Fats: The blend of butter and olive oil provides a satisfying mix of saturated and unsaturated fats—good for the brain and energy levels.
Pro Tips for Potato Perfection
Want to take your Hasselback Potatoes to the next level? Here are some tips to help you out:
- Choosing the Right Potato: Yukon Gold for creaminess, Russet for fluff. Both are winners.
- Master the Slice: Use chopsticks or wooden spoons to prevent cutting through the potatoes. It’s the small details that make all the difference.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add paprika, oregano, or even chili flakes for a spicy twist.
- Cheese It Up: Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor. Want to go wild? Try cheddar or Gruyère.
- Wire Rack Trick: Place the potatoes on a wire rack for extra crispiness. Heat circulates better, leaving no room for sogginess.
What to Serve with Garlic Hasselback Potatoes
These versatile potatoes go with just about anything. Here are some pairing ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Juicy Ribeye Steak: The richness of the steak complements the garlicky potatoes perfectly.
- Roasted Chicken: A cozy, comforting combo.
- Grilled Salmon: Light yet flavorful—perfect for when you want to balance indulgence with health.
- Vegetarian Feast: Pair with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a hearty, veggie-forward meal.
Why Garlic Hasselback Potatoes Are a Must-Try
What makes these potatoes so special? For one, they’re a feast for the eyes. When those crispy slices fan out, glistening with garlic butter, it’s hard not to be impressed. But beyond their appearance, it’s the layers of flavor and texture that make them unforgettable.
They’re also surprisingly easy to customize. Whether you lean into rustic flavors inspired by Pioneer Woman recipes or try a modern twist with ingredients from Milk Street, the possibilities are endless. And the best part? They look fancy but are simple enough for anyone to make—even Emma Lafifi, who went from kitchen novice to Thanksgiving hero in one afternoon.
In Conclusion: A Side Dish That Steals the Show
Garlic Hasselback Potatoes aren’t just a side dish—they’re a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and a culinary adventure all rolled into one. They combine elegance with comfort, making them perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
So the next time you’re planning a meal, ditch the usual mashed potatoes and try these instead. They’ll impress your guests, satisfy your cravings, and might just become a new family tradition.
As Emma Lafifi discovered, when life hands you potatoes, slice them thin, baste them with garlic butter, and turn them into something extraordinary.