Are you ready to elevate your potato game? Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes are a tasty and impressive dish. These crispy, cheesy delights are perfect for any meal. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can wow your family and friends. Join me as I guide you through this delicious journey to create the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be your new favorite side dish!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
I love using russet potatoes for this dish. Their starchy texture makes them perfect for baking. The unsalted butter adds richness, while garlic gives great flavor. Fresh thyme is my go-to herb for a hint of earthiness.
Parmesan cheese is a star ingredient here. It melts and crisps up nicely. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness on top. If you enjoy a kick, add red pepper flakes. It’s all about your taste!
Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you won’t miss anything. Happy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheating the oven: First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps to ensure even cooking.
- Washing and drying the potatoes: Next, wash the potatoes under cold water. Scrub away any dirt. After that, pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Slice technique for Hasselback style: Take a sharp knife and carefully slice thin slits into each potato. Space the cuts about 1/8 inch apart. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through. The bottom should stay intact.
Coating and Baking
- Mixing the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. This will bring out great flavor.
- Coating the potatoes with the mixture: Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a brush to coat the potatoes with the garlic butter mix. Make sure it seeps into the slits.
- Sprinkling Parmesan cheese: Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Fill in the slits with cheese for extra goodness.
Baking Details
- Baking time and temperature: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. They should be tender and the edges crispy.
- Basting for extra flavor: Halfway through baking, baste the potatoes with any remaining garlic butter. This adds more flavor and keeps them moist.
- Ensuring crispy edges: To get those crispy edges, keep an eye on the potatoes in the last few minutes. You can turn up the heat slightly if needed.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- How to achieve the perfect crispy texture
To get crispy edges, slice the potatoes thinly. Leave the bottom intact. This helps them cook evenly. Bake at a high temperature to create a nice crust. Basting with garlic butter halfway through adds more flavor and crunch.
- Using fresh vs. dried herbs
Fresh herbs give a bright taste. Use fresh thyme if you can. It enhances the flavors in the garlic butter. Dried thyme works too, but the taste is less bold. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Adjusting flavors with optional ingredients
Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mix. This gives the potatoes a spicy kick. You can also try different cheeses. Cheddar or mozzarella can change the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Best sides to pair with Hasselback potatoes
These potatoes go well with grilled meats. Try serving them with chicken or steak. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch too. Roasted veggies can round out the meal nicely.
- Presentation ideas for serving
Serve on a decorative platter. Line the platter with parchment paper for a clean look. Garnish with extra Parmesan and thyme leaves for a pop of color. This makes the dish more inviting.
- Recommended sauces or dips
Pair these potatoes with sour cream or ranch dip. Garlic aioli also works great. For a tangy taste, try chimichurri sauce. Each dip brings out different flavors in the potatoes.

Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily switch up the taste of your Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes. Here are some fun ideas:
- Adding different cheeses: Try using mozzarella for a stretchy texture or feta for a tangy kick. Cheddar also adds a rich flavor.
- Incorporating vegetables between the slits: Slice in some thin pieces of onion, bell pepper, or even zucchini. This adds color and extra taste.
- Spicing it up with different herbs: Fresh rosemary or basil can change the whole vibe. Experiment with your favorites!
Dietary Adaptations
Making these potatoes fit your diet is simple:
- Gluten-free options: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your ingredients, like butter, are gluten-free.
- Vegan substitutes for butter and cheese: Use olive oil instead of butter. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
- Low-carb alternatives: Swap potatoes for cauliflower. Cut the cauliflower into thick slices and follow the same method for a tasty dish.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This helps keep the cheese from sticking. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. After that, the flavor and texture may fade.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. This helps keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
If you use a microwave, the potatoes can get soggy. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often. This keeps them warm but not crispy.
FAQs
Common Questions
What are Hasselback potatoes?
Hasselback potatoes are whole potatoes sliced thinly, but not all the way through. This creates a fan-like shape. They cook well and have crispy edges while staying soft inside. You can flavor them in many ways, like with garlic and cheese.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other potatoes. While russet potatoes work best, Yukon Gold or red potatoes also fit. Just make sure they are firm and not too small. This gives you a nice, hearty bite.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Check the potatoes after 45-50 minutes at 425°F. They should be soft in the middle and crispy outside. You can test this by sticking a fork into the thickest part. If it goes in easily, they are done.
Troubleshooting
Why are my potatoes not crispy?
If your potatoes are not crispy, it could be due to too much moisture. Make sure they are dry before baking. Also, brush them with enough garlic butter to help crisp the edges.
What to do if they are undercooked?
If your potatoes are undercooked, simply put them back in the oven. Bake them for an extra 5-10 minutes. Check them often until they feel soft and tender.
How to fix flavor imbalances?
If your potatoes taste bland, add more salt or cheese. You can also sprinkle on more herbs or spices. For a kick, try adding red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Hasselback potatoes are easy and tasty. You learned how to prepare them, coat them, and bake them right. Remember, the right herbs and cooking tips make a big difference. Try adding your favorite cheeses or veggies for a twist. Store leftovers properly and reheat to keep them crispy. With these tips, you’ll impress your family and friends every time. Enjoy every bite!


