Hasselback potatoes, what a surprising and cute looking potato side dish! Have you ever heard of it before? Apparently hasselback potatoes are a Swedish specialty.
How cute are these hasselback potatoes?!
I had eaten them before in a restaurant and sometimes bumped into them on the internet but only saw there specific name not that long ago.
The meaning behind them is to roast them in a pretty hot oven until extremely crunchy and golden on the outside but soft and mushy on the inside…
Swedish
These hasselback potatoes are a Swedish specialty.
Hasselback potatoes, also known as accordion potatoes or sliced baked potatoes, are believed to originate from Sweden. The dish is named after the restaurant where it was first introduced, Hasselbacken, which is located in Stockholm, Sweden. The restaurant is a historic establishment with roots dating back to the mid-18th century.
The recipe involves making thin, evenly spaced cuts along a potato, leaving the base intact.
The potato is then typically seasoned with butter, breadcrumbs, and various herbs and spices before being baked. This preparation method results in a potato that has a crispy outer layer and a soft interior, with a visually appealing accordion-like appearance.
Best Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes have become popular worldwide and are often served as a side dish or appetizer. They showcase a combination of textures and flavors that make them quite enjoyable to eat.
It might look like a difficult side dish, but it is actually fairly easy to make to be honest.
I recommend blanching the potatoes for a few minutes before slicing and roasting them because then you are sure that you won’t end up with half cooked potatoes.
Munch, crunch, munch…
Not sure how to slice them?
Take a look at my chopping board slicing method, or get a hasselback slicing tool: check the different tools below on this page!
Potato Sides
Are you looking for more exciting potato side dishes like this one?
Then you should also check my lush and creamy French dauphinoise potatoes au gratin!
Oh you will also love that one.
Enjoy!
Best Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
A surprisingly cute looking potato side dish!
- 8 medium waxy potatoes
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 small garlic cloves
- olive oil
- pepper
- salt
- Scrub the potatoes under cold running tap water but don’t peel them. Let the potatoes drain for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a medium pan and add water and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Cook the potatoes over high heat for 7 to 9 minutes until a little tender but not soft. Drain the potatoes and let them cool a bit.
- Cut a little slice off the potatoes because this will keep them straight while baking.
- Then sow slice the potato finely. To avoid slicing it in half, here’s how I do it. I put the potato in between 2 chopping boards that have the same hight. Then run your knife along the top of the potato that sits above the chopping boards. The bottom will remain in one piece without too much effort.
- Put the potatoes on an oiled oven tray. Slice the garlic clove finely and then push a few slivers in between the sliced potato.
- Cut the butter into tiny wedges and fill the remaining empty gaps of the potato. Season generously with pepper and salt.
Then bake the potatoes in a preheated oven at 428°F (220°C) for 45 minutes. Turn off the heat. Remove the hasselback potatoes, drizzle with extra olive oil and extra pepper and salt. Put them straight back in the hot oven for another 25 minutes until nicely brown and crisp. Remove the hasselback potatoes from the oven and serve hot.
Is there a tool to make Hasselback potatoes?
Yes, there are specialized tools available that can make the process of cutting hasselback potatoes easier and more uniform.
These tools are designed to hold the potato securely and guide the knife, resulting in evenly spaced cuts. They can be especially helpful if you are making hasselback potatoes frequently or if you want to achieve a very consistent presentation.
Here are a couple of options:
1. Hasselback Potato Slicing Rack
This is a dedicated tool designed specifically for making hasselback potatoes. It typically consists of a frame that holds the potato and guides the knife to ensure even cuts. The frame prevents the knife from cutting all the way through, allowing you to create the accordion effect. Some racks even come with built-in seasoning compartments for easy flavoring.
2. Mandoline Slicer with Hasselback Attachment
Many mandoline slicers come with various attachments, including ones designed for hasselback potatoes. These attachments can help you achieve uniform cuts and the accordion shape with less effort.
3. Adjustable Knife Guides
Some knife sets or kitchen gadgets come with adjustable guides that help you make even cuts. These guides can be adjusted to your desired spacing and depth, making it easier to cut hasselback-style potatoes.
4. DIY Methods
If you don’t have a specialized tool, you can use wooden chopsticks or utensils placed on either side of the potato as guides to prevent cutting all the way through. This is a simple and effective way to achieve the desired result.
Or use my chopping board slicing method like I describe in the recipe above!
When using any tool, be sure to prioritize safety. Always use a sharp knife, follow the tool’s instructions, and take caution while cutting to prevent any accidents. While these tools can make the process more convenient, you can still achieve great results with just a sharp knife and a steady hand if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
What to serve hasselback potatoes with?
Hasselback potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Here are some ideas for what you can serve them with:
1. Grilled or Roasted Meats
Hasselback potatoes go particularly well with grilled or roasted meats such as steak, chicken, pork chops, lamb, or even grilled sausages. The crispy exterior of the potatoes contrasts nicely with the tender meat.
2. Fish and Seafood
They can also be served alongside fish and seafood dishes like salmon, cod, shrimp, or scallops. The potatoes provide a hearty and flavorful accompaniment to lighter protein options.
3. Vegetarian Options
For vegetarian meals, you can pair these potatoes with grilled or roasted vegetables, stuffed peppers, or even vegetable-based patties like veggie burgers.
4. Holiday Roasts
Hasselback potatoes can be a fantastic addition to holiday roasts, such as Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or Easter lamb.
5. Barbecue and Grilled Foods
Whether you’re having a backyard barbecue or grilling up some burgers, hot dogs, or kebabs, hasselback potatoes can complement the smoky flavors of grilled foods.
6. Italian Cuisine
They can be served alongside Italian dishes like lasagna, chicken Parmesan, or eggplant Parmesan. The herbs and flavors commonly found in Italian cuisine can work well with the potatoes.
7. Sauces and Condiments
You can enhance the flavor of hasselback potatoes by serving them with various sauces and condiments, such as sour cream, garlic aioli, chimichurri, tzatziki, or a simple herb butter.
8. Salads
Hasselback potatoes can also be a unique addition to a salad. Slice them up and toss them into a green salad or a warm potato salad.
9. Brunch
They can be served as part of a hearty brunch alongside dishes like scrambled eggs, omelettes, or quiches.
Ultimately, the choice of what to serve with hasselback potatoes depends on your personal preferences and the overall theme of the meal. Feel free to experiment and pair them with different foods to discover your favorite combinations.
My children love potatoes. I know these would be a huge hit at my house. Thanks for sharing such a fun way to dress up a plain vegetable! Pinning.
Love everything about this recipe: simple, easy, quick, super delicious AND great to look at. Thanx so much sweetie! xoxoxo
Hi..Always you have scrumptious and elegant recipes..Pleased To share this recipe to all my social media accounts