If you’ve been searching for an irresistible side dish that combines crispy edges with tender, flavorful insides, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe. This dish transforms humble russet potatoes into a stunning culinary delight, boasting layers infused with garlicky butter and topped with nutty Parmesan cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings texture, richness, and aroma to your table, making every bite an absolute joy to savor. Whether you’re serving this for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, these potatoes deliver comfort and elegance in one mouthwatering package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in flavor, texture, and presentation. From the creamy butter to the fragrant herbs, every element comes together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- 4 medium russet potatoes: Perfect for slicing thin yet sturdy enough to hold their shape during roasting.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create that golden crispiness on the edges.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Works with butter to ensure even cooking and a luscious finish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the potatoes with a pungent, savory kick that’s absolutely addictive.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the richness beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the garlic and cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, chopped): Offers an aromatic touch of earthiness and brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into a crispy, salty crown that takes this dish straight to gourmet status.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and a mild herbal freshness to finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, wash and thoroughly dry your russet potatoes—that dry surface is key to getting those crispy edges. Then, it’s time for the signature Hasselback cut: slice the potatoes thinly and evenly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through. Leave about 1/4 inch at the bottom intact so the potato holds together during roasting.
Step 2: Arrange and Season
Place the sliced potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them well so the heat circulates evenly. In a small bowl, mix together your melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. This flavorful blend will seep into the potato slices, creating layers of taste and aroma. Generously brush the mixture over the potatoes, making sure it reaches between the cuts for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 3: Roast Your Potatoes
Pop the potatoes into the oven and roast them for 40 to 45 minutes. The thin slices will fan out slightly as they cook, allowing the heat to reach every part, resulting in a crispy, caramelized exterior with a soft, tender center. About halfway through, take the potatoes out and carefully baste them again with the garlic-butter mixture to keep them moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan
Once the roasting time is up, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step melts the cheese just enough to form a golden, crispy crust that adds a delightful crunch and an irresistible cheesy aroma.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over your hot, cheesy hasselback potatoes. The parsley adds a vibrant color contrast and a fresh hint that cuts through the richness, making each bite perfectly balanced.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic garnish, feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of chopped chives or a dash of smoked paprika both complement the garlic and Parmesan beautifully. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the flavors wonderfully, giving your Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe a zesty twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs effortlessly with so many mains. Think juicy roasted chicken, a smoky grilled steak, or even a hearty lentil stew for a vegetarian option. The creamy, crunchy texture of these potatoes brings all your main courses to life and elevates any meal to a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the potatoes on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the pan over the potatoes for extra gloss. You can also nestle these hasselbacks side by side in a cast iron skillet for a cozy, family-style experience that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Flash freeze on a baking tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly softer upon reheating, so freezing is recommended only when necessary.
Reheating
Reheat leftover potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the potatoes soggy. A quick 10 to 15 minutes in the oven will bring back that delightful crunch and warm the garlic Parmesan flavors perfectly.
FAQs
What type of potato works best for the Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which creates a fluffy inside and crispy outside after roasting. Their firm flesh also holds up well when sliced thinly for the hasselback style.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme works beautifully and adds even more vibrancy to the dish. Just use about double the amount of fresh herbs since they are less concentrated than dried.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and substitute the Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The olive oil and garlic mixture will still provide fantastic taste and moisture.
How thin should the slices be for the hasselback potatoes?
Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick slices. This thickness lets the butter and garlic seep in between each layer while ensuring the potato holds together during cooking.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
You can slice and season the potatoes a few hours ahead of roasting, then cover and refrigerate. Just take them out to come to room temperature before placing them in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely magical about making and sharing this Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough to impress company. The layers of garlic, butter, and Parmesan come together in a comforting, crispy creation you won’t want to miss. Trust me, once you try it, these potatoes will be your new favorite go-to side for so many occasions!
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Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, fresh thyme, and melty Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this easy oven-roasted recipe delivers restaurant-quality potatoes right at home.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, chopped)
Topping & Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the potatoes.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly. Make thin, even slices crosswise along each potato, spacing about 1/8 to 1/4 inch apart. Be careful to stop slicing about 1/4 inch before reaching the bottom so the potato remains intact.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the sliced potatoes upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading the slices slightly to expose the cuts for better crisping and seasoning penetration.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme until well combined.
- Brush potatoes with the mixture: Generously brush the garlic butter sauce over and between the slices of each potato, ensuring good coverage to maximize flavor.
- Roast the potatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the potatoes again with the remaining garlic butter mixture to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the cheese melt and develop a golden crust.
- Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the potatoes for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to make clean, even cuts for the best cooking results.
- Russet potatoes work best because they become crispy outside and fluffy inside when roasted.
- For more flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or grated Parmesan inside some of the slices before baking.
- If fresh thyme is available, use it instead of dried for a fresher flavor.
- Make sure to baste halfway through cooking to keep potatoes tender and infused with garlic butter.
