If you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish that’s both crispy and tender with layers of flavor, this Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic, Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. These elegant potatoes are thinly sliced to create perfect little pockets that absorb buttery olive oil, fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and nutty Parmesan, delivering a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s comforting, impressive, and wonderfully simple to prepare—a perfect way to elevate any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, combining simple pantry staples and fresh herbs to create an irresistible flavor profile and beautiful presentation. Each element enhances the texture, aroma, and color, making every bite a delight.
- 4 medium russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes hold their shape well and get beautifully crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: Acts as the luscious coating that crisps the edges and flavors the layers inside each slice.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch that infuses each slice with mouthwatering aroma.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme): Brings a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary): Imparts a pine-like fragrance and depth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the potatoes and seasoning the herbs.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, umami richness and golden crust for the finishing touch.
How to Make Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic, Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for a perfectly crisp finish. While the oven warms, wash and dry each russet potato thoroughly. The key to this recipe is making those signature thin slices, about 1/8-inch thick, without cutting all the way through—you want the potato to stay intact at the bottom so it fans out beautifully during baking. Placing chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato while slicing can be a great trick to keep those cuts even and prevent slicing all the way down.
Step 2: Arrange and Season
Set your sliced potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out so the heat can circulate nicely and crisp the edges. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter generously over the top, making sure it seeps into each crevice. Then, sprinkle the minced garlic, fresh thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper, taking care to get the seasoning into the slices—not just on the surface. This step is where the magic happens, as every slice soaks up those amazing flavors while baking.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your potatoes into the oven and let them bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and crisp, and the insides are tender when pierced with a fork. If you choose to include Parmesan, sprinkle the cheese over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of baking. It melts into a crispy, savory topping that complements the herbs and garlic perfectly.
Step 4: Serve Hot and Fresh
Once baked, these Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic, Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe creations are best enjoyed warm. The crispiness of the edges combined with aromatic layers makes for an unforgettable side dish.
How to Serve Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic, Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish elevates the dish even further. Try sprinkling chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and a fresh, bright contrast to the rich garlic and Parmesan. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the earthiness and balance the buttery richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a wide range of mains. Serve alongside a juicy roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a vibrant vegetable medley for a hearty vegetarian meal. Their elegant appearance also makes them ideal for holiday dinners or special occasions where you want to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests visually? Try placing each Hasselback potato on a small bed of sautéed spinach or mashed peas to add vibrant color contrast. You can also serve them family-style on a large platter with herb sprigs scattered around for a rustic look. Drizzle a bit of extra garlic-infused olive oil or creamy aioli on the side for dipping, and you’ve got a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The potatoes will maintain their flavor and can be easily reheated without losing too much crispiness.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it can impact the texture of the crispy edges somewhat. If you want to freeze, wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before reheating to keep the best texture.
Reheating
To restore the crispiness, reheat your Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic, Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it softens the crispy edges you worked so hard to create.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just note they may produce a slightly different texture and might require a shorter or longer baking time.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
The slices should be about 1/8-inch thick to allow the flavors to penetrate well while ensuring the potato stays intact. Using chopsticks or wooden spoons as guides helps prevent cutting all the way through.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese adds a delicious nutty crust, but it is optional. You can omit it if you prefer a dairy-free version or substitute with nutritional yeast for a similar umami kick.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time and bake them later?
Yes, you can slice and season the potatoes ahead of time, then store them covered in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
What is the best way to make sure the potatoes are crispy?
Using a hot oven, drizzling enough oil or butter into the slices, and baking on parchment paper with space between the potatoes ensures maximum crispness. Finishing with Parmesan cheese also helps develop a crunchy crust.
Final Thoughts
If you want to add a dish with both elegance and simplicity to your cooking repertoire, give this Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic, Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe a try. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that adds charm to any meal and is surprisingly simple to make. Once you taste those crispy, flavorful layers, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this dish all along!
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Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic, Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hasselback Potatoes are a visually stunning and delicious way to prepare crispy, golden roasted potatoes with a perfect blend of garlic, herbs, and optional Parmesan cheese. Thinly sliced but still intact, these potatoes absorb flavorful olive oil and seasoning, resulting in a delightful balance of crispiness and tenderness. Ready in under an hour, this recipe makes a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes evenly and getting a nice crispy exterior.
- Slice the Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick, making sure to keep the base intact so the potato holds together. Use chopsticks or wooden spoons to guide your cuts and prevent slicing all the way through.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup and even cooking.
- Add Oil or Butter: Drizzle olive oil or melted butter generously over the potatoes, ensuring the liquid reaches deep into the cuts to promote crispiness and flavor infusion.
- Season the Potatoes: Sprinkle minced garlic, fresh or dried thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper over and between the slices, allowing the seasoning to penetrate all layers of the potatoes.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and the edges are crisp.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to melt and form a flavorful crust.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Hasselback potatoes hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired for extra aroma and color.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife and take your time slicing to avoid cutting through the bottom of the potatoes.
- Russet potatoes work best for their starchy and fluffy texture after baking.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh herbs provide better flavor, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on potato size—test doneness by inserting a fork between slices.
