How To Make Hasselback Potatoes

Are you after a delicious and impressive side dish to serve at your next dinner party? Look no further than a humble plate of hasselback potatoes. We’ve already got recipes for a big and beautiful Hasselback Butternut Squash and some festive Christmas Hasselback Potatoes on our site, but we thought we’d take the chance to break down exactly how to make perfect hasselback potatoes. Yeah, we’re big fans of potatoes.

Not only does this technique look great but it's surprisingly easy to do. In this article, we'll show you how to make hasselback potatoes step-by-step, so you can make everyone around the table go: “Hasselbacks? Nice.”

The first step in making hasselback potatoes is choosing the right kind of potato. You want to look for potatoes that are firm and relatively small, so they'll be easy to slice. Maris Piper potatoes are a popular choice, but you can also use Russet, King Edward, Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or any other variety that you like. Go with your heart.

Once you've chosen your potatoes, it's time to prep them for slicing. Scrub them well to remove any dirt or debris, and then dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. This will help you get a better grip on the potatoes as you slice them. The last thing you want is a potato-related injury.

The key to getting the gorgeous accordion aesthetic of hasselback potatoes is the way they're sliced. You'll want to make thin, even slices about 0.3cm apart, but be careful not to slice all the way through the potato. What is the easiest way to cut hasselback potatoes like that? A good trick is to place the potato on a spoon or a pair of chopsticks, which will act as a guide and prevent you from cutting too deep.

Now it's time to season your potatoes. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can get creative with herbs, spices, or even cheese. It’s never a bad idea to sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes – it’ll melt into the slices as they bake and makes for an incredibly rich side dish.

Should you boil your potatoes before roasting? Absolutely not. Simply preheat your oven to 220°C, and then place your seasoned potatoes on a baking tray. Drizzle them with olive oil, and then bake them for about 40-50 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can also brush them with melted butter halfway through baking for even more flavour.

Once your hasselback potatoes are done, it's time to serve them up and get stuck in. Garnish them with fresh herbs or more grated cheese if you like, and serve them piping hot alongside your main of choice. Yes, before you ask, your main of choice can just be more hasselback potatoes.