Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes are an elegant and flavorful twist on roasted potatoes. The unique Hasselback cutting technique, where thin slices are made across the potato without cutting all the way through, creates a fan-like shape that maximizes surface area for crisping and allows for delicious seasonings to penetrate deeply. As they roast, the edges become beautifully golden and crispy, while the interior remains tender and fluffy. This recipe enhances the natural earthiness of the potatoes with the savory flavors of garlic and the salty, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil helps with browning and adds richness, while fresh herbs like parsley provide a bright and aromatic finish. Hasselback potatoes are not only visually appealing but also offer a delightful textural contrast, making them a sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to grilled fish. The aroma that fills your kitchen as these bake is wonderfully garlicky and cheesy, promising a truly irresistible culinary experience.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes (about 8 ounces each), scrubbed clean
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush or spoon
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if desired.
2. Prepare the Potatoes (Hasselback Cut):
Place one potato at a time on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make thin, parallel slices across the top of the potato, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through the potato; leave about 1/2 inch uncut at the bottom. This can be achieved by placing chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato as you slice, acting as a guide to stop the knife. Repeat this process for all the potatoes.
3. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Oil:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful mixture.
4. Season the Potatoes:
Place the sliced potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously brush the garlic Parmesan oil mixture all over the tops and in between the slices of the potatoes. Ensure that the seasoning penetrates as much as possible into the cuts.
5. Roast the Potatoes:
Roast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your potatoes. You can test for doneness by piercing the thickest part of a potato with a fork; it should slide in easily.
6. Optional Second Basting (for extra flavor and crispness):
After about 30 minutes of roasting, you can remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the potatoes with any remaining garlic Parmesan oil mixture. This will enhance the flavor and help them crisp up further. Return to the oven for the remaining cooking time.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the potatoes are roasted and golden brown, remove them from the oven. If desired, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness.
Serve the Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes hot as a delicious and impressive side dish. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, fish, or can be enjoyed on their own.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a blend of cheeses.
- Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives can be used instead of or in addition to Italian herbs. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil mixture for a hint of heat.
- Butter Option: You can use melted butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Onion Powder: A pinch of onion powder can be added to the seasoning mixture.
- Vegetable Broth: For extra moisture and flavor, you can pour a tablespoon or two of vegetable broth into the bottom of the baking sheet before roasting.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Hasselback cut on the potatoes a few hours in advance and keep them submerged in cold water to prevent browning. Drain them well and proceed with the seasoning and roasting when ready.
Enjoy these elegant and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes! They are a simple way to elevate a humble potato into a special side dish.