If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food with a stunning presentation, this Cheesy Hasselback Potato Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine perfectly crisped potato slices, thinly cut and fanned out like little golden treasures, filled with rich, melted cheese and topped with savory bacon bits that bring every bite bursting with flavor. This recipe balances simplicity and indulgence, turning humble russet potatoes into a dish that’s both fun to make and irresistible to eat. Whether for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this Cheesy Hasselback Potato Recipe delivers delightful textures and layers of taste with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, coming together to build flavor, texture, and that wonderful golden color that makes Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes so appealing. From the starchy russet potatoes that hold their shape beautifully, to the butter and oil blend that crisps the edges and infuses moisture, every component counts.
- 6 medium russet potatoes: The perfect size and texture for the hasselback method, these potatoes ensure a crispy outside and tender inside.
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust around each slice.
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive or avocado): Helps evenly distribute heat and enhances crispness without overpowering the butter’s flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed): Infuses a subtle, aromatic punch that elevates the buttery glaze beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors, making every slice taste perfect.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice to complement the creamy cheese and smoky bacon.
- 6 ounces sliced cheddar cheese (cut into 1-inch squares): Melts perfectly between the potato slices, delivering gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 4 ounces cooked bacon (crumbled): Offers a smoky, savory crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the potatoes and cheese.
- Sour cream (optional): A cool, tangy topping that enhances each bite’s richness.
- Green onions (optional): Adds a fresh, crisp brightness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Hasselback Potato Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F. This temperature is key to achieving the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender insides that make this recipe soar.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub your russet potatoes thoroughly, then dry them completely — this step helps the butter and oil mixture cling better. To slice the potatoes thinly and evenly without cutting all the way through, place two chopsticks alongside each potato as a guide and make cuts about ⅛ to ¼ inch apart. These slits let the flavors seep deep and give you that signature hasselback look.
Step 3: Brush With Butter and Oil Mixture
Whisk together the melted butter, oil, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use a pastry brush to gently coat the sliced potatoes with half of this aromatic mixture. Be sure to fan out the slices carefully to let the sauce reach every nook and cranny — this adds moisture and flavor to each slice.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes at 425°F to soften the potatoes and start crisping the edges while locking in moisture.
Step 5: Bake Uncovered and Add Cheese
After the initial bake, brush the remaining butter and oil mixture over the potatoes. Uncover and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes to develop that irresistible golden crispness. Once they are cooked through, carefully insert 1-inch squares of cheddar cheese between each slice, filling every gap. Return the potatoes to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts into luscious ribbons of creamy goodness.
Step 6: Top and Enjoy
Finish your Cheesy Hasselback Potato Recipe by sprinkling crumbled cooked bacon over the top, adding sour cream and chopped green onions if you like. These add contrasting textures and fresh flavor notes that round out the dish perfectly. Now dig in and savor every cheesy, crispy bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Hasselback Potato Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes with fresh green onions and dollops of sour cream instantly elevates both flavor and presentation. The green onions bring a subtle oniony crunch while sour cream adds cool creaminess that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light salads, steamed vegetables, or grilled meats. Its rich cheese and bacon notes make it a fantastic side to roasted chicken or a crisp garden salad, offering a well-rounded meal that satisfies on all levels.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your potatoes on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with extra bacon and herbs for an eye-catching centerpiece. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a drizzle of garlic butter or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add flair and deepen the flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cheesy Hasselback Potato Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be reheated conveniently for a quick, cheesy snack or side dish.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze before adding the cheese to preserve texture. Wrap the prepared but unbaked potatoes securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking and adding cheese.
Reheating
To reheat, place the potatoes on a baking tray and warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese re-melts. Avoid microwaving to keep the lovely crisp edges intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content that crisps well, but Yukon Golds can also work if you prefer a creamier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t crisp up the same way.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but you can try gouda, gruyère, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just cut it into squares to fit snugly between the potato slices.
How do I make sure the potatoes cook evenly?
Using the chopstick method ensures you don’t cut all the way through, which helps the potato cook evenly while maintaining slice separation. Also, brushing with the butter-oil mixture before baking adds moisture and promotes even crisping.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon for a fully vegan-friendly version that’s just as satisfying.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, Cheesy Hasselback Potato Recipe reheats wonderfully and can be made ahead if you prefer. Just keep the potatoes refrigerated and add fresh garnishes when serving to keep the flavors bright.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hasselback Potato Recipe is a true showstopper that is as comforting as it is visually stunning. It brings excitement to the humble potato with melty cheese, savory bacon, and crispy edges that everyone will love. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough — it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and always leaves you craving one more slice!
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Cheesy Hasselback Potato Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hasselback Potato recipe features perfectly sliced russet potatoes brushed with a flavorful garlic butter mixture, baked until tender and crispy, then generously filled with melted cheddar cheese and topped with savory crumbled bacon. Served with optional sour cream and green onions, this dish makes a comforting and impressive side perfect for gatherings or any cozy meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 6 medium russet potatoes (about 2 ½ lbs. total)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive or avocado)
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Fillings & Toppings
- 6 ounces sliced cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch squares
- 4 ounces cooked bacon, crumbled
- Sour cream (optional)
- Green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash, scrub, and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly. Place two chopsticks parallel on a cutting board and set one potato between them lengthwise. Make thin cuts approximately ⅛-¼ inch apart along the potato, stopping once the knife hits the chopsticks to keep the base intact. This method ensures the potato unfolds like a fan but stays connected at the bottom. Repeat for all six potatoes. Arrange the sliced potatoes on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with Garlic Butter Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, oil, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use a pastry brush to coat half of this mixture over all the potatoes, making sure to brush between the slices by gently spreading them apart with fingers or a fork, so the sauce seeps inside.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step steams the potatoes to cook them through while keeping them moist.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and brush the remaining garlic butter sauce over the potatoes. Return the baking sheet to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20-25 minutes. This helps the potatoes get crispy and golden on the edges.
- Add Cheese: Take the potatoes out of the oven and let them cool slightly until they are safe to handle. Carefully insert 1-inch cheddar cheese squares between each slice of potato. Fill all gaps with cheese evenly across all six potatoes.
- Melt Cheese: Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes creamy.
- Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with crumbled cooked bacon, and add optional sour cream and green onions as desired. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Hasselback potatoes.
Notes
- Use chopsticks or wooden spoons when slicing to prevent cutting through the potato completely, ensuring the fan effect.
- Russet potatoes work best for their starchy, fluffy texture after baking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and opt for additional toppings like chives or sautéed mushrooms.
- Try different cheeses such as gouda or mozzarella for variation in flavor and meltiness.
- Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
