Potatoes have always been one of my favorite foods. I love them as the main dish for lunch, a light dinner, or a satisfying side dish next to something simple like grilled corn or a fresh salad. That’s exactly why this hasselback potato recipe has earned a regular spot in our kitchen.
Hasselback potatoes are known for their thin slices that fan out while baking, creating crispy edges with soft, fluffy centers. Originally inspired by the Swedish dish from Hasselbacken restaurant, this potato recipe turns ordinary baked potatoes into something that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.
With a little olive oil, garlic butter, herbs of choice, and the right oven temperature, these potatoes develop golden edges that taste almost like homemade potato chips while still delivering the comfort of a classic baked potato. Even better, you can easily make them vegan with simple swaps like vegan butter and a
If you love crispy potato slices, rich garlic butter flavor, and easy oven recipes, this hasselback potato recipe is about to become a favorite in your house too.
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What Makes This Hasselback Potato Recipe Special
What makes this hasselback potato recipe stand out is the way the thin slices transform during baking time. As the potatoes roast on a baking sheet tray, each potato slice opens slightly, allowing the butter mixture and olive oil to coat every layer.
That means you get crispy edges on the outside and a soft baked potato texture in the center.
The technique itself is simple. You slice the potato most of the way through but leave the base intact. Many cooks place the potato between chopsticks or two wooden spoons while slicing on a cutting board to prevent cutting all the way through.
Another reason this recipe works so well is flexibility. Russet potatoes create a classic fluffy center, while Yukon Gold potatoes deliver a creamy texture and rich flavor. You can brush them with garlic rosemary olive oil, herb butter, or even a
And if you’re cooking for mixed diets, it’s easy to adapt. A vegan butter substitute works beautifully, and plant-based cheese melts right into those potato slices.
Shopping List
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
extra-virgin olive oil
butter or vegan butter
garlic
sea salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)
fresh basil leaves
fresh sage leaves
sour cream or vegan sour cream (optional topping)
Instructions: How to Make Hasselback Potato Recipe
Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
Prepare the potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Slice the potatoes
Place each potato on a cutting board between chopsticks, a vegetable holder, or the handles of two wooden spoons. Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices across the potato about ⅛ inch apart, stopping before you cut all the way through.
Make the garlic butter mixture
In a small bowl combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Season the potatoes
Place the sliced potatoes in a baking dish or on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the butter mixture generously over each potato, making sure some of the mixture gets between the potato slices.
Start the baking time
Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes.
Add cheese and herbs
Remove the potatoes from the oven. Brush with additional garlic butter and sprinkle with
Finish baking
Return the potatoes to the oven and bake another 20 to 25 minutes until the crispy edges are golden brown and the center is tender.
Serve
Serve warm with sour cream or vegan sour cream and extra herbs if desired.
Why This Hasselback Potato Recipe Works
The key to this hasselback potato recipe is the combination of thin slices and fat that seeps into every layer. When olive oil or melted butter coats the potato slices, it helps each layer crisp up during cooking time.
The high oven temperature encourages browning while keeping the interior soft and fluffy. That contrast between crispy edges and tender center is what makes this potato recipe stand out from regular baked spuds.
Using herbs like sage leaves and basil adds another layer of flavor, while garlic minced into the butter mixture spreads throughout the slices as the potatoes bake.
Variations to Try
Go fully vegan Swap regular butter for vegan butter and replace
Try garlic rosemary olive oil Mix olive oil with minced garlic and fresh rosemary for a bold herb flavor that pairs beautifully with crispy potatoes.
Make loaded hasselback potatoes After baking, top with cheddar cheese or vegan cheese, sour cream, green onions, and even plant based bacon bits for a loaded baked potato twist.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes These potatoes stay creamy inside and develop golden edges that almost taste like buttery potato chips.
Air fryer version If you want faster cooking time, you can prepare the potatoes the same way and cook them in an air fryer at 375°F until tender and crispy.
Tips to Keep It Fresh
One helpful tip is to cut the potato slices evenly so the heat can circulate through each layer during baking time.
Another trick is to brush the butter mixture more than once during cooking. The first coat adds flavor, and the second helps deepen the golden color.
Spacing the potatoes slightly apart on the baking sheet tray also helps with crisping. When they’re too close together, steam can soften the edges instead of creating that signature crisp texture.
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer so the edges regain their crispness.
Hasselback Potato Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet tray
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Optional vegetable holder or hasselback spoon
Ingredients
- 4 Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter or vegan butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or Vegan Parmesan Cheese Alternative
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or vegan sour cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a towel.
- Place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons and slice thin cuts about ⅛ inch apart without cutting completely through the potato.
- In a bowl combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the butter mixture, letting some drip between the slices.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and brush with more butter mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs.
- Return to the oven and bake another 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.
- Serve warm with sour cream or vegan sour cream and extra herbs.
This hasselback potato recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With crispy edges, soft centers, and plenty of room for customization, it works beautifully as a side dish or even as the main attraction for a cozy lunch or light dinner.
If you enjoy experimenting with plant based recipes like this, you might also enjoy some of the other favorites recipes like the Mediterranean Chopped Salad or the Lazy Monday Veggie Fiesta Bowl.
You can check out our full collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes for more delicious ideas! And if you’re looking to share your creations (or get inspired by someone else’s), join our closed Facebook Group, The Peas and Carrots Society, a group of non-judgy folks who welcome all! Nothing but good food, good friends, and good fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hasselback potato recipe?
A hasselback potato recipe involves slicing a potato into thin slices while leaving the base intact. As the potato bakes, the slices fan out, creating crispy edges and a soft baked potato center.
Which potatoes are best for Hasselback potatoes?
Russet potatoes are a classic choice because they become fluffy inside and crisp nicely on the outside. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well since they have a creamy texture and rich flavor.
How thin should you slice Hasselback potatoes?
The slices should be about ⅛ inch apart. Thin slices allow olive oil or butter to coat each layer so the edges become crispy while the center stays tender.
Do you peel potatoes for a hasselback potato recipe?
No, peeling is not necessary. The potato skin helps hold the potato together during baking and adds a bit of extra texture once the edges become crisp.
How do you keep Hasselback potatoes from cutting all the way through?
Place the potato between chopsticks, a wooden spoon handle, or a vegetable holder while slicing. This stops the knife before it cuts completely through the potato.
