Hasselback Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with buttery flavor in every bite! These beautifully sliced potatoes are baked until golden and fanned out, allowing melted butter, salt, and pepper to soak into every thin layer. The result is a potato side dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you serve them for a cozy family dinner, holiday meal, or special gathering, Hasselback Potatoes are always a crowd favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Hasselback Potatoes
- Crispy edges with fluffy centers
- Simple ingredients with incredible flavor
- Elegant presentation with minimal effort
- Perfect for holidays and weeknight dinners
- Easy to customize with toppings
- Oven and air fryer friendly
What Are Hasselback Potatoes?
Hasselback Potatoes are potatoes sliced into thin sections without cutting all the way through the bottom. As they bake, the layers fan outward, creating crispy edges while staying soft and tender inside.
The slicing technique allows butter and seasonings to seep between every layer, making each bite extra flavorful.
The name comes from the famous Hasselbacken restaurant in Sweden, where this potato style became popular.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes work perfectly because of their crispy skin and fluffy interior. Yukon Gold potatoes are another delicious option for a creamier texture.
Butter
Melted butter adds rich flavor while helping the potatoes crisp beautifully. Salted butter can also be used if preferred.
Salt & Pepper
Simple seasoning allows the potato flavor to shine, but these potatoes are also perfect for additional toppings and flavor combinations.
Helpful Tip For Slicing Hasselback Potatoes
To avoid accidentally cutting all the way through the potatoes, place each potato between:
- Chopsticks
- Wooden spoons
- Skewers
These act as guides and stop the knife before reaching the bottom.
This simple trick makes Hasselback potatoes easy, even for beginners!
How To Make Hasselback Potatoes
These potatoes are easy to prepare and bake beautifully in the oven.
Step 1: Prepare The Potatoes
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
- Place each potato between chopsticks or skewers.
- Slice thin slits about ⅛-inch apart without cutting through the bottom.
Step 2: Butter & Season
- Place potatoes on an unlined baking sheet.
- Brush generously with half the melted butter, making sure butter gets inside the slits.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and gently fan open the slices with a knife.
- Brush with remaining melted butter.
- Return to oven and bake another 30–35 minutes until crispy and golden.
The potatoes should have crispy edges and fork-tender centers.
Can I Make Hasselback Potatoes In An Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers make Hasselback potatoes even faster while still creating crispy edges.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Prepare potatoes as directed.
- Brush with half the butter and season.
- Air fry at 360°F for 15 minutes.
- Brush with remaining butter.
- Cook another 10 minutes until crispy and tender.
Air frying is perfect when oven space is limited during holiday cooking.
Best Toppings For Hasselback Potatoes
These potatoes are delicious on their own, but the fanned layers make them perfect for toppings!
Delicious Topping Ideas
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
- Chives
- Green onions
- Ranch dressing
- Chili
- Garlic butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs
What To Serve With Hasselback Potatoes
These potatoes pair beautifully with almost any main dish.
Perfect Pairings
- Steak
- Roast chicken
- Turkey
- Pork chops
- Meatloaf
- Grilled salmon
- BBQ ribs
They’re especially perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday dinners.
How To Store & Reheat
Refrigerator
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat:
- In the oven at 350°F
- In the air fryer
- In a skillet
Avoid microwaving if possible since the potatoes may soften.
Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and dried
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Extra salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare The Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place potatoes between chopsticks or skewers.
- Slice thin slits about ⅛-inch apart without cutting through completely.
Season & Bake
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Brush with half the melted butter, including between the slices.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Finish Baking
- Remove potatoes from oven.
- Gently separate slices slightly with a knife.
- Brush with remaining butter.
- Bake another 30–35 minutes until crispy outside and tender inside.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Tips For Perfect Hasselback Potatoes
- Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip brushing butter between the layers.
- Use russet potatoes for the crispiest texture.
- Fan open the slices halfway through baking for maximum crispiness.
- Add cheese during the final minutes for melty goodness.
Variations
Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes
Add cheddar or Parmesan cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes
Mix minced garlic into the melted butter.
Loaded Hasselback Potatoes
Top with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Herb Roasted Potatoes
Add rosemary, thyme, or parsley between the slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my potatoes not crispy?
They may need more butter or additional baking time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can slice the potatoes ahead, but bake them fresh for the best texture.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No! The skins become wonderfully crispy and flavorful.
What potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they crisp beautifully while staying fluffy inside.