Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes: The Ultimate Crispy & Buttery Side Dish

Garlic butter Hasselback potatoes are the perfect combination of crispy, golden edges and a soft, buttery interior. These beautifully sliced potatoes absorb rich garlic butter in every crevice, making them an irresistible side dish for any meal. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make garlic butter Hasselback potatoes, the best type of potatoes to use, why soaking them improves texture, and pro tips for achieving the crispiest results. With simple ingredients and the right technique, you’ll create a dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about garlic butter Hasselback potatoes and how to make them perfectly every time!

What Are Hasselback Potatoes?

Hasselback potatoes are a unique and delicious way to prepare potatoes, known for their crispy edges and buttery, tender centers. The secret to their incredible texture lies in their thin, even slices, which allow flavors—like garlic butter—to seep into every layer.

The Origin of Hasselback Potatoes

The Hasselback potato technique originated in Sweden at the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm during the 1950s. A chef at the restaurant created this method by slicing a potato into thin, accordion-like sections before roasting it with butter and seasonings. The result? A crispy, golden-brown potato that quickly became a classic dish in Scandinavian cuisine.

Why Are Hasselback Potatoes So Popular?

Garlic butter Hasselback potatoes have gained popularity worldwide due to their stunning presentation and incredible flavor. Here’s why they’re a must-try side dish:

• Crispy Yet Tender – The exterior gets beautifully crisp, while the inside remains soft and buttery.
• Perfect for Flavor Absorption – The thin slices allow butter, garlic, and seasonings to penetrate deep into the potato.
• Visually Stunning – The elegant, fanned-out slices make them look gourmet, even though they’re easy to prepare.
• Versatile – They pair well with steaks, roasted chicken, grilled fish, and even vegetarian dishes.

Unlike traditional roasted potatoes, garlic butter Hasselback potatoes offer the best of both worlds—crispy like fries but creamy like mashed potatoes.

Choosing the Best Potatoes for Hasselback

Selecting the right potato is crucial for making garlic butter Hasselback potatoes with the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. Some potatoes hold their shape better, while others absorb flavors more effectively.

Best Potato Varieties for Hasselback Potatoes

The best types of potatoes for Hasselback-style cooking are those that offer a balance between starchiness and firmness. Here are the top choices:

Key Characteristics of Ideal Potatoes

When choosing potatoes for garlic butter Hasselback potatoes, look for:
✔️ Medium to Large Size – Larger potatoes are easier to slice and fan out beautifully.
✔️ Firm & Fresh Texture – Avoid soft, sprouted, or wrinkled potatoes.
✔️ Thin Skin (If Possible) – Helps achieve crispier edges when baked.
✔️ Even Shape – Uniformly shaped potatoes cook more evenly.

Can You Use Sweet Potatoes for Hasselback?

Yes! Sweet potatoes can also be used for Hasselback-style cooking. They have a softer texture and a naturally sweet flavor that pairs well with garlic butter, cinnamon, or even maple glaze. However, they tend to be more delicate when slicing, so handle them carefully.

Why Soak Potatoes Before Roasting?

Soaking potatoes before roasting is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture for garlic butter Hasselback potatoes. It helps remove excess starch, ensuring the potatoes become crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.

The Science Behind Soaking Potatoes

Raw potatoes contain a high amount of starch, which can:

• Prevent the edges from crisping up properly.
• Cause the potatoes to stick together when slicing.
• Lead to a dense, gluey texture instead of a fluffy interior.

By soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water, you rinse off excess starch, allowing the heat to penetrate more evenly and create a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

How Long Should You Soak Potatoes?

For the best results, follow these soaking times:

Should You Dry Potatoes After Soaking?

Absolutely! After soaking, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This prevents steaming and ensures they crisp up beautifully when roasted with garlic butter.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

The key to making garlic butter Hasselback potatoes incredibly flavorful is using simple, high-quality ingredients. The right combination of butter, garlic, and seasonings enhances the natural taste of the potatoes while ensuring a crispy, golden finish.

Essential Ingredients for Hasselback Potatoes

To make this delicious side dish, you’ll need:

• 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – These hold their shape well and develop crispy edges.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and enhances the crispiness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Provides deep, aromatic flavor.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps prevent burning and creates a golden crust.
• 1 tsp salt – Balances flavors and draws out moisture for crispier edges.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Adds mild heat and enhances overall taste.
• ½ tsp paprika (optional) – Gives a slight smokiness and deeper color.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional) – For a cheesy, crispy topping.

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor

Want to take your garlic butter Hasselback potatoes to the next level? Try these extras:

✔️ Cheese: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère between the slices for a creamy texture.
✔️ Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon over the top for a smoky, savory boost.
✔️ Sour Cream & Chives: Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chives for a loaded baked potato feel.
✔️ Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
✔️ Herb Infusion: Use rosemary or thyme for an earthy, aromatic touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

Making garlic butter Hasselback potatoes is easier than it looks! The key is slicing the potatoes correctly and ensuring the garlic butter seeps into every layer. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a crispy, golden-brown, and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for even roasting.
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, as the skin remains on for added crispiness.
3. Pat dry the potatoes with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes Hasselback-Style

To get the signature Hasselback effect, follow these steps:

✔️ Place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons to prevent cutting all the way through.
✔️ Use a sharp knife to make thin, even slices about ⅛ to ¼ inch apart across the potato.
✔️ Ensure you don’t slice all the way through, so the potato stays connected at the bottom.
✔️ Repeat for all garlic butter Hasselback potatoes.

Step 3: Soak and Dry for Maximum Crispiness

1. Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
2. Drain and pat dry completely before adding seasonings.

Step 4: Infuse the Potatoes with Garlic Butter

1. Melt butter and mix it with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the garlic butter Hasselback potatoes, making sure it seeps into each slice.
3. Save a little butter mixture for brushing halfway through baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake for 45-55 minutes at 425°F (220°C) until crispy and golden-brown.
3. Halfway through, baste the potatoes with the remaining garlic butter for extra flavor and crunch.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot

1. Sprinkle fresh parsley and Parmesan (if using) over the finished potatoes.
2. Serve your garlic butter Hasselback potatoes hot and enjoy this irresistible crispy, buttery side dish with your favorite main course!

Baking Techniques for Crispy and Tender Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

Achieving the perfect garlic butter Hasselback potatoes means balancing crispy edges with a soft, buttery interior. Baking at the right temperature, basting with butter, and using a few pro tricks will ensure your potatoes come out golden and flavorful every time.

1. The Best Oven Temperature for Hasselback Potatoes

For the crispiest results, bake at 425°F (220°C). This high heat allows the outer layers to become crispy while keeping the inside tender and buttery.

✔️ Too low (375°F or below): Potatoes will be too soft and won’t develop crispy edges.
✔️ Too high (450°F or above): The outside may burn before the inside is fully cooked.

2. Basting for Maximum Flavor

Since the Hasselback slices allow for deeper flavor penetration, basting the potatoes while baking ensures they stay moist and flavorful.

When to baste with garlic butter:

• Before baking: Coat the potatoes generously with garlic butter.
• Halfway through baking (after ~25 minutes): Reapply garlic butter to keep them crispy.
• After baking: Brush one final layer of melted butter for a glossy, rich finish.

3. Using a Baking Rack for Better Crisping

For extra crispy garlic butter Hasselback potatoes, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the potatoes, crisping them evenly.

✔️ No wire rack? Flip the potatoes gently halfway through baking to ensure both sides crisp up.

4. Covering vs. Uncovering While Baking

• Uncovered for crispiness: Leave the potatoes uncovered for maximum crunch.
• Covered for softness: If you prefer softer potatoes, cover them with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove the foil to crisp up.

5. How to Tell When They’re Done

✔️ Edges are deep golden brown and crispy.
✔️ A knife or fork slides easily into the center.
✔️ The butter has fully absorbed into the layers.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

Once your garlic butter Hasselback potatoes are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender inside, it’s time to serve them! Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or elevate them with toppings, these potatoes can complement a variety of meals.

1. Best Toppings for Extra Flavor

Enhance your garlic butter Hasselback potatoes with these delicious toppings:

To apply toppings, sprinkle them over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of baking to allow melting and infusion into the slices.

Looking for the perfect soup to serve with your garlic butter Hasselback potatoes? Check out The Best Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheese Toastie Recipe for a cozy, comforting pairing!

2. Best Main Dishes to Pair With Hasselback Potatoes

These crispy, buttery potatoes pair well with both meats and vegetarian dishes. Try serving them with:

✔️ Grilled or Roasted Meat: Steak, chicken, pork chops, or lamb.
✔️ Seafood: Garlic butter shrimp, salmon, or grilled fish.
✔️ Vegetarian Mains: Stuffed peppers, lentil stew, or grilled mushrooms.
✔️ Holiday Feasts: Serve alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef for a stunning side dish.

3. Creative Ways to Serve Hasselback Potatoes

Looking for unique serving ideas? Try these:

✔️ Mini Hasselback Potatoes – Use baby potatoes for bite-sized appetizers.
✔️ Hasselback Sweet Potatoes – Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes and drizzle with honey or cinnamon butter.
✔️ Loaded Hasselback Bar – Let guests customize their potatoes with various toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

Even though garlic butter Hasselback potatoes are simple to make, a few common mistakes can prevent them from turning out perfectly crispy and flavorful. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your potatoes are golden, buttery, and delicious every time.

1. Slicing Too Deep or Too Shallow

✔️ The mistake: Cutting all the way through makes the potato fall apart, while cutting too shallow prevents it from fanning out properly.
✔️ How to fix it: Use chopsticks or wooden spoons as guides to stop your knife before slicing through completely. Aim for ⅛ to ¼-inch thick slices.

2. Skipping the Soaking Step

✔️ The mistake: Not soaking the sliced potatoes before baking can result in less crispiness and uneven cooking.
✔️ How to fix it: Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry before adding butter.

3. Not Using Enough Garlic Butter

✔️ The mistake: Being too light with the butter mixture will make the potatoes dry instead of rich and flavorful.
✔️ How to fix it: Generously brush garlic butter over the potatoes before baking and again halfway through for deeper flavor.

4. Baking at the Wrong Temperature

✔️ The mistake: A low oven temperature (below 375°F/190°C) results in soft, under-crisped potatoes, while an extremely high temperature (above 450°F/230°C) may burn them.
✔️ How to fix it: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for perfectly crisp yet tender garlic butter Hasselback potatoes.

5. Forgetting to Baste Midway

✔️ The mistake: Only brushing the potatoes with butter once before baking means the interior layers may stay dry.
✔️ How to fix it: Halfway through baking, baste again with melted garlic butter to enhance the crispiness and boost flavor.

6. Not Letting the Potatoes Cook Long Enough

✔️ The mistake: Taking the potatoes out too soon may leave them undercooked in the center.
✔️ How to fix it: Test for doneness by inserting a knife into the thickest part—if it slides in easily, they’re ready!

7. Overcrowding the Baking Tray

✔️ The mistake: Placing the potatoes too close together traps steam, preventing them from crisping up properly.
✔️ How to fix it: Space the potatoes at least an inch apart on the baking sheet to allow even airflow.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

If you’re making garlic butter Hasselback potatoes for the first time, you may have some questions. Here are the most commonly asked questions and expert answers to help you achieve perfectly crispy, flavorful potatoes every time.

1. How to make the best garlic butter Hasselback potatoes?

To make the best garlic butter Hasselback potatoes, follow these key steps:
✔️ Use the right potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best.
✔️ Slice them evenly – Keep slices about ⅛ to ¼-inch apart without cutting through completely.
✔️ Soak before baking – A 30-minute soak removes excess starch for crispier results.
✔️ Baste with garlic butter – Apply before baking and again halfway through.
✔️ Bake at the right temperature – 425°F (220°C) for 45-55 minutes.
✔️ Finish with fresh herbs & Parmesan – Adds extra flavor and texture.

2. Do you put butter on Hasselback potatoes?

Yes! Butter is essential for flavor and crispiness. Melted butter mixed with garlic, olive oil, salt, and herbs is brushed over the potatoes before baking. Basting halfway through the baking process ensures every slice absorbs the rich buttery flavor.

3. What type of potato is best for Hasselback?

The best potatoes for Hasselback are Russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or red potatoes.

4. Why do you soak potatoes before roasting?

Soaking potatoes before roasting removes excess starch, which:
✔️ Prevents them from sticking together.
✔️ Helps them crisp up more in the oven.
✔️ Creates a fluffier, tender interior.

For best results, soak for at least 30 minutes, then pat them completely dry before baking.

Conclusion: Mastering Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

Making garlic butter Hasselback potatoes is easier than it looks, and with the right techniques, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of crispy, buttery edges and a soft, flavorful interior.

Key Takeaways for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes

✔️ Choose the right potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet for the best texture.
✔️ Slice evenly – Use chopsticks or a spoon as a guide to avoid cutting through.
✔️ Soak before baking – A 30-minute soak removes excess starch for crispier potatoes.
✔️ Baste generously with garlic butter – Before baking and halfway through for deep flavor.
✔️ Bake at 425°F (220°C) – Ensures crisp edges and a tender center.
✔️ Add toppings for extra flavor – Cheese, bacon, sour cream, or herbs elevate the dish.

Want another warm, delicious side to go with your garlic butter Hasselback potatoes? Don’t miss The Best Pumpkin Soup with Garlic Bread – Easy & Creamy Recipe for a comforting fall-inspired meal.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or a holiday feast, garlic butter Hasselback potatoes are guaranteed to impress. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and can be customized with various toppings.

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and enjoy a crispy, buttery, and flavor-packed potato dish that will become a favorite at your table.

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Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

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These Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with rich garlic butter flavors. The thin, accordion-like slices allow the buttery goodness to seep into every bite, making them irresistibly delicious. This dish is perfect as a side for any meal or even as a stand-alone snack. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra indulgence!

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 4 Hasselback potatoes 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Prepare the potatoes: Place a potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons (to prevent slicing all the way through) and make thin, even cuts about ⅛-inch apart, stopping just before reaching the bottom. Repeat with all potatoes.
• Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
• Brush with butter mixture: Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with half of the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get some between the slices.
• Bake for 30 minutes, uncovered.
• Reapply butter: Remove from the oven and brush the remaining garlic butter over the potatoes, ensuring it seeps into the cuts.
• Bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
• Add toppings: If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sauce or sour cream.

Notes

• Make it extra crispy by increasing the oven temperature to 450°F for the last 5 minutes.
• Cheesy Variation: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey twist.
• Herb Swap: Try basil, oregano, or chives for a different flavor profile.
• Shortcut: If short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes before baking to speed up cooking.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Swedish, American

Nutrition

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Fat: ~14g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Protein: ~4g

Keywords: Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes