Of course! Sliced Baked Potatoes are a fantastic and impressive side dish. They look complicated but are surprisingly easy to make. The technique involves slicing the potato most of the way through, so it fans out as it bakes, creating crispy edges and a soft, flavorful interior.
They’re often called “Hasselback Potatoes,” named after the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, where they were popularized.
Here’s a classic recipe and method.
Sliced Baked Potatoes (Hasselback Potatoes) Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 2-4 (one potato per person)
Ingredients
· 4 medium russet potatoes (or similar starchy potatoes), of similar size
· 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (or a mix)
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
· Salt and black pepper, to taste
· Optional toppings for serving: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, or chives.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them completely dry.
- The Secret to Slicing (The Guide Method): This is the key to perfect, evenly sliced potatoes. Place a potato on a cutting board and lay two chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of it, running lengthwise. The chopsticks will act as guards, preventing your knife from cutting all the way through the potato.
- Make the Cuts: Using a sharp knife, make thin, vertical slices (about ¼-inch apart) along the length of the potato. The chopsticks will stop the knife just short of the bottom, leaving the potato connected.
- Season: Arrange the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the potatoes generously with the melted butter/oil mixture, making sure to get in between the slices as much as possible. Season liberally with salt, pepper, and the minced garlic and thyme.
- Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender on the inside and the edges are crispy and golden brown. Tip: About halfway through the baking time, remove the pan and carefully brush the potatoes with more of the butter/oil mixture. This helps them crisp up and prevents the slices from sticking together.
- Serve: Once out of the oven, you can brush with any remaining butter and sprinkle with optional toppings like Parmesan cheese (it will melt beautifully) and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success & Flavor Variations
· Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are classic for their fluffy interior, but Yukon Golds work wonderfully for a creamier texture.
· Get Creative with Flavors: The basic butter/oil is a blank canvas.
· Garlic Herb: Use olive oil with rosemary, garlic, and thyme.
· Cheesy: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère cheese over the top so it melts into the slices.
· Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the butter.
· Truffle: Drizzle with truffle oil and finish with flaky sea salt after baking.
· Fan Them Out: If some slices are stuck together after baking, you can gently press down on the ends of the potato to fan it out more before serving.
· For Extra Crispiness: For the last 5 minutes of baking, switch the oven to the broil setting to get the tops extra golden and crispy. Watch them closely to prevent burning!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
· Elevated Side Dish: It turns a simple baked potato into something truly special and elegant.
· Textural Paradise: You get the best of both worlds: a creamy, soft interior and delightfully crispy edges.
· Endlessly Customizable: You can match the flavors to any main course, from a simple roast chicken to a fancy steak dinner.
Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Sliced Baked Potatoes