If you’re looking for an elegant side dish that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen, look no further than Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes!

These crispy, golden potatoes are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for special dinners and everyday meals alike.
Did you know that hasselback potatoes originated in Sweden and get their name from the Hasselbacken restaurant where they were first created? With just a few simple ingredients and a clever slicing technique, you can whip up a side dish that will elevate any meal and impress your guests.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine!
Ingredients for Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes
To create the perfect Parmesan hasselback potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes russet or Yukon gold work best
- 100 ml olive oil extra virgin for better flavor
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to your spice preference
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs dried oregano and basil blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 100 g Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 150 ml crème fraîche for the dipping sauce
- 50 ml milk whole milk preferred
- 1 teaspoon agave syrup or honey as a sweetener
- 2 cloves garlic minced for the sauce
Optional Additions
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan shavings for topping
- Rosemary sprigs tucked into the cuts for aroma
How to Prepare the Potatoes
Here’s how to slice and season your potatoes:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) convection mode and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Slice the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Place a potato between two chopsticks or wooden skewers to prevent cutting through the base. Slice thin, even cuts across the potato at about 1/4-inch intervals, stopping when the knife hits the chopsticks. Repeat for all potatoes.
- Season generously: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the seasoned oil mixture generously over the potatoes, ensuring the oil seeps into all the cuts for maximum flavor.
Baking the Hasselback Potatoes
Now it’s time to let the oven work its magic:
- Bake initially: Place the potatoes on the prepared baking tray and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges are golden brown.
- Add the cheese: Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan generously over the tops, making sure some gets into the cuts.
- Final bake: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and turns slightly golden and crispy.

Making the Garlic Sauce
While the potatoes bake, prepare this creamy accompaniment:
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together crème fraîche, milk, agave syrup, minced garlic, salt, and chili flakes until smooth and well blended.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and chili flakes to your preference. A touch of garlic powder can intensify the flavor if desired.
Serving Your Hasselback Potatoes
Transfer the hot potatoes to a serving platter and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
These potatoes pair beautifully with creamy cilantro lime chicken or any grilled protein for a complete meal.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about parmesan hasselback potatoes is their versatility!
- Herb combinations: Try fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill instead of Italian herbs for different flavor profiles.
- Cheese options: Swap Parmesan for Gruyère, aged cheddar, or a mix of cheeses for varied results.
- Extra toppings: Add crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms after baking for depth.
- Sauce variations: Mix in fresh herbs, horseradish, or mustard to the crème fraîche sauce for bold flavors.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice and season the potatoes up to 4 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and develop a tender interior with crispy edges.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a stunning side dish that combines crispy edges, tender insides, and melted Parmesan cheese in every delicious bite.
Hasselback potatoes are perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to add elegance to your table.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your seasonings, cheeses, and sauce ingredients. There’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe to match your taste preferences!
Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!

Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Parmesan hasselback potatoes feature thinly sliced potatoes infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and smoked paprika, topped with crispy melted Parmesan cheese and served with a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for special dinners or everyday meals, this elegant side dish comes together quickly and impresses everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, russet or Yukon gold work best
- 100 ml olive oil, extra virgin for better flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes, adjust to your spice preference
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, dried oregano and basil blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 100 g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 150 ml crème fraîche, for the dipping sauce
- 50 ml milk, whole milk preferred
- 1 teaspoon agave syrup, or honey as a sweetener
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for the sauce
- Optional toppings, fresh parsley, extra Parmesan shavings, or rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) convection mode and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Slice the Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Place a potato between two chopsticks or wooden skewers to prevent cutting through the base. Slice thin, even cuts across the potato at about 1/4-inch intervals, stopping when the knife hits the chopsticks. Repeat for all potatoes.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the seasoned oil mixture generously over the potatoes, ensuring the oil seeps into all the cuts for maximum flavor.
- Bake Initially: Place the potatoes on the prepared baking tray and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges are golden brown.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan generously over the tops, making sure some gets into the cuts.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and turns slightly golden and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: While the potatoes bake, whisk together crème fraîche, milk, agave syrup, minced garlic, salt, and chili flakes in a bowl until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Transfer the hot potatoes to a serving platter and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes