If you’re looking for a side dish that’s crispy on the outside, buttery on the inside, and bursting with garlic and herb flavor, these Crispy Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes are guaranteed to impress. Thinly sliced without cutting all the way through, each potato fans out beautifully while roasting, creating dozens of crispy edges that soak up rich garlic butter and melted cheese.
Hasselback potatoes originated in Sweden and have become a favorite around the world because they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. During baking, the slices separate naturally, allowing butter, herbs, and cheese to seep into every layer. The result is a golden, crispy exterior with a fluffy, tender center that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re serving them alongside steak, grilled chicken, pork chops, salmon, or a holiday roast, these elegant potatoes are surprisingly easy to make and always steal the spotlight.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Crispy Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 55–65 minutes |
| Total Time | About 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Course | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | Swedish-Inspired |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These roasted potatoes are a favorite because they’re:
- Crispy and golden
- Soft and fluffy inside
- Loaded with garlic butter
- Easy to prepare
- Perfect for holidays
- Family-friendly
- Budget-friendly
- Naturally gluten-free
- Beautiful presentation
- Delicious with or without cheese
Every bite combines crispy edges, creamy potato, and rich buttery flavor.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold or medium russet potatoes | 6 |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 4 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh rosemary, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
Cheese Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Chives
- Extra Parmesan
- Sour cream (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Small mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
Using a sharp knife, slice each potato into thin sections about ⅛ inch apart, stopping just before cutting all the way through. Placing chopsticks or wooden spoons on each side of the potato helps prevent cutting completely through.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Thyme
Mix well.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Arrange the potatoes in a lightly greased baking dish.
Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure it gets between the slices.
Step 4: First Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil.
Brush with more garlic butter.
Continue baking for another 20 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over each potato.
Bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes
- Choose potatoes that are similar in size.
- Slice evenly for uniform cooking.
- Brush with butter several times during baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Bake uncovered during the final stage for crispy edges.
- Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Potatoes to Use
Excellent choices include:
- Yukon Gold
- Russet
- Maris Piper
- Red potatoes
- Baby Yukon Gold
Yukon Gold potatoes create the creamiest interior while still crisping beautifully.
Delicious Variations
Cheddar Bacon Hasselback Potatoes
Top with shredded cheddar and crispy bacon.
Ranch Potatoes
Season with ranch seasoning before baking.
Herb Butter Version
Add basil, oregano, and parsley to the butter.
Spicy Potatoes
Mix cayenne pepper and chili flakes into the butter.
Loaded Hasselback Potatoes
Top with sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, and cheddar.
Italian Style
Finish with mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, and fresh basil.
What to Serve with Hasselback Potatoes
These potatoes pair perfectly with:
- Grilled steak
- Roast chicken
- Pork chops
- BBQ ribs
- Baked salmon
- Meatloaf
- Garlic butter shrimp
- Roast beef
- Green beans
- Caesar salad
Make-Ahead Instructions
Slice and season the potatoes several hours in advance.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes until hot and crispy.
An air fryer also works well for reheating.
Freezing
Freeze fully baked potatoes for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cutting Through the Potato
Leave the bottom intact so the slices fan out during baking.
Not Seasoning Between the Slices
Brush butter deep into the cuts for maximum flavor.
Skipping the Second Butter Coating
Additional butter creates crispier edges.
Using Cold Butter
Melted butter coats the potatoes much more evenly.
Overcrowding the Pan
Leave space around each potato so hot air circulates properly.
Nutrition Estimate
| Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called Hasselback potatoes?
They were first served at the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden.
Can I make them without cheese?
Yes. Garlic butter alone makes them incredibly flavorful.
Which potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold and russet potatoes are the top choices.
Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes. Slice and season them before baking.
How do I get crispier edges?
Brush with butter multiple times and bake uncovered toward the end.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes. Reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely. Bacon and cheddar are classic toppings.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, provided all seasonings are gluten-free.
How do I know they’re done?
A knife should slide easily through the center, and the edges should be golden and crisp.
Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes. Sweet potatoes also work beautifully and develop a delicious caramelized flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes combine everything you love about roasted potatoes into one elegant side dish. Their crispy edges, fluffy centers, rich garlic butter, and melted cheese make them perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or special occasions.
Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve them fresh from the oven with your favorite main course and enjoy every crispy, buttery bite.