Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Butter & Herbs

A simple side that turns humble spuds into a show‑stopping delight. Healthy Recipes .

Golden, thinly sliced potatoes baked until crisp, then finished with fragrant garlic butter and herbs.

Published: May 3, 2026
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Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Butter & Herbs | Delicious Recipes & Tips - Food Nity Food Blog
When the Swedish chef Anders Hasselback invented his namesake technique in the 1950s, he was simply looking for a way to make potatoes both crisp and tender. The method of making thin, overlapping slices allows the heat to penetrate evenly while the edges become wonderfully crunchy. Over decades, home cooks worldwide have embraced this approach, adding their own twists of herbs, spices, and oils, turning a modest tuber into a star side dish.

Why You'll Love It

  • - The texture contrast of crisp edges and fluffy interior
  • - Minimal prep, maximum flavor
  • - Fresh herbs add a bright finish
  • - Works as a side or a light main

"These Hasselback potatoes are the best side I’ve ever served—crispy, buttery, and so comforting!"

Essential Ingredient Guide

  • Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): Choose firm potatoes with thin skins; they hold together after slicing and develop a golden crust.
  • Garlic butter: Melt softened butter with minced garlic; it infuses the potatoes with a warm, aromatic richness.
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme: These herbs lend piney notes that cut through the buttery base, adding depth.
  • Olive oil: A light drizzle helps the slices separate and encourages crispness.
  • Lemon zest: A pinch of zest brightens the overall flavor, balancing the richness.
  • Sea salt: Finishing salt adds a pleasant crunch and brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Preparing Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Butter & Herbs | Delicious Recipes & Tips - Food Nity Food Blog

Complete Cooking Process

  • Ingredient Readiness:

    Wash potatoes, dry thoroughly, and slice thinly—about 3‑5 mm—while keeping the base intact.

  • Flavor Development:

    Brush each slice with garlic butter and olive oil; the fat caramelizes as the potatoes bake.

  • Texture Control:

    Bake at high heat to crisp edges, then finish under the broiler for extra golden tips.

  • Finishing Touches:

    Scatter fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving.

  • Serving Timing:

    Serve hot, straight from the oven, while the edges are still crackling.

  • Pro Tips

    • Use a kitchen slicer or mandoline for even cuts.
    • Pat potatoes dry after washing to avoid steam sogginess.
    • Turn potatoes halfway through baking for uniform crispness.

    Honestly, a little patience during the bake pays off. I like to peek at the potatoes around the ten‑minute mark, just to see how the edges are turning. If they’re browning too fast, a quick tent with foil saves them. And when you pull them out, let them rest a minute; the steam inside keeps the centers fluffy while the crust stays crisp.

Cooking Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Butter & Herbs | Delicious Recipes & Tips - Food Nity Food Blog

The essence of the dish:

Thin, fan‑like slices that become caramelized at the tips, while the interior remains soft and buttery.

A fun fact or historical angle:

Anders Hasselback’s original recipe called for just butter and breadcrumbs; today we add herbs and citrus for a modern twist.

Flavor or sensory focus:

You’ll notice the fragrant garlic butter melting into each crevice, the herb aroma rising, and the delightful snap of the crisped edges.

You Must Know

  • Slice evenly for even cooking
  • Season each layer
  • Broil at the end for extra crunch

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes, but sweet potatoes have higher sugars and may caramelize faster; watch the oven closely.

→ Do I need a mandoline?

A mandoline helps with uniform slices, but a sharp knife works fine if you take your time.

→ How do I keep the potatoes from sticking?

Lightly coat the pan with olive oil and ensure the potatoes are dry before slicing.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Slice and season the potatoes a few hours ahead; keep them covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.

→ What herbs work best?

Rosemary, thyme, and a touch of parsley are classic; feel free to experiment with dill or chives.

→ Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Absolutely—just avoid adding breadcrumbs or use gluten‑free crumbs if you like a topping.

Chef's Tips

If you prefer extra crunch, brush with a little more butter during the last 5 minutes.,A light drizzle of olive oil after baking adds shine.,These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken or a simple greens salad.

Nutrition Facts

per serving

210

Calories

3g

Protein

28g

Carbs

9g

Fat

Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg

Taste Profile

🍯 Sweet
Low
🧂 Salty
Medium
🌶️ Spicy
None
🍋 Sour
Low
🍖 Umami
Medium

Rich buttery flavor with fresh herb brightness

Ingredient Substitutions

Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives

Butter Olive oil or dairy‑free margarine

Use a 1:1 swap; flavor will be slightly less rich.

Potatoes Sweet potatoes

Slices may caramelize faster; lower oven temperature by 10°C.

Recipe Variations

Try these delicious twists on the original

Spicy Version

Add ½ tsp smoked paprika and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.

Mediterranean Style

Top with crumbled feta, chopped olives, and sun‑dried tomatoes after baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results

  • Overcrowding the pan, which steams potatoes instead of crisping.
  • Skipping the broil step – you’ll miss the golden tips.
  • Using too much butter, leading to soggy slices.

Meal Prep & Storage

Make Ahead Tips

Slice potatoes and store them in a bowl of cold water for up to 4 hours; brush with butter and bake when ready.

Leftover Ideas

Reheat in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil to regain crispness.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this with...

A crisp chilled Sauvignon Blanc Steamed quinoa or wild rice Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

Cooking Timeline

0-10 min

Wash, dry, and slice potatoes; prep garlic butter mixture.

10-35 min

Arrange potatoes, brush with butter, bake, turning halfway.

35-38 min

Broil for extra crispness; watch closely.

38-40 min

Rest, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.

Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Butter & Herbs

Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Butter & Herbs

Enjoy golden, crispy Hasselback potatoes brushed with garlic butter and fresh herbs—perfect as a healthy, quick side dish.

Timing

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Recipe Details

Category: Healthy Recipes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Swedish
Yield: 4 Servings Servings
Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 01 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, washed
  • 02 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 03 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 04 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 05 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 06 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 07 Zest of 1 lemon
  • 08 Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

Step 02

Place a potato on a cutting board; lay a wooden spoon or chopstick along each side and slice thinly, stopping at the spoon so the base stays intact.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest.

Step 04

Arrange potatoes on the sheet, brush generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get between the slices.

Step 05

Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 30‑35 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Step 06

Switch to broil for the last 2‑3 minutes until the edges turn golden and crisp.

Step 07

Remove, let rest for a minute, then sprinkle a final pinch of sea salt and serve hot.

Notes & Tips

  • 1 If you prefer extra crunch, brush with a little more butter during the last 5 minutes.
  • 2 A light drizzle of olive oil after baking adds shine.
  • 3 These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken or a simple greens salad.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sharp chef’s knife or mandoline

  • Cutting board

  • Baking sheet

  • Small mixing bowl

  • Basting brush

Must-Know Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each potato space to crisp.
  • Pat potatoes dry before slicing to avoid steam.
  • Taste the butter mixture before brushing; adjust garlic to your liking.

Professional Secrets

  • Room temperature butter emulsifies better with oil.
  • High oven heat creates Maillard browning for crisp edges.
  • Broiling at the end adds that final caramelized crunch.
Daniel Greenfield

Recipe by

Daniel Greenfield

Chef Daniel Greenfield focuses on nutritious meals made with fresh and wholesome ingredients. His recipes are designed for people who want to eat heal ...

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