Hasselback Potatoes are a visually stunning and incredibly delicious way to serve potatoes. Named after the Swedish restaurant where they were first introduced, these thinly sliced, roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Adding ham and cheese between the slices elevates this dish into a hearty, flavorful meal or side dish.

The combination of the seasoned olive oil, garlic, and paprika gives the potatoes a savory and slightly smoky flavor, while the melted cheese and savory ham add a comforting richness. This recipe is perfect for dinner parties or casual family dinners and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, salads, or even as a standalone snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Potatoes: As many as you want to prepare
• Olive oil: 100 ml (3.5 fl oz)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Dried ground garlic: 1 teaspoon
• Sweet paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
• Ham slices: Enough to fit between the potato slices
• Cheese slices: Enough to fit between the potato slices

Equipment:

• Baking tray: Lined with baking paper
• Basting brush: To coat the potatoes with the olive oil mixture

Oven Temperature:

• Preheat to: 200°C (392°F)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and dry the potatoes: Start by thoroughly washing the potatoes to remove any dirt. You can leave the skins on for extra texture and flavor. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Make thin slices: Place each potato on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make thin, evenly spaced slices across each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through. One trick to prevent slicing too deep is to place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato, so the knife stops at the right depth.

Step 2: Prepare the Olive Oil Mixture

1. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 100 ml of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of dried ground garlic, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
2. Brush the potatoes: Using a brush, generously coat the potatoes with the olive oil mixture, making sure to get the oil into the slices. This will help season the potatoes evenly and ensure a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Bake the Potatoes

1. Place on a baking tray: Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving enough space between them for even cooking.
2. Bake the potatoes: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) and bake for 35-40 minutes. The potatoes should turn crispy and golden on the outside, while remaining soft and tender on the inside.

Step 4: Add the Ham and Cheese

1. Insert ham and cheese: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Take slices of ham and cheese and gently insert them between the potato slices. Be sure to distribute the ham and cheese evenly for a well-balanced flavor in each bite.
2. Return to the oven: Place the potatoes back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly, and the ham to warm through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove and serve: Once the cheese has melted and the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish and serve hot: Optionally, you can sprinkle fresh parsley or extra cheese over the top for added flavor. Serve the Hasselback potatoes hot alongside your favorite main course or enjoy them as a standalone dish.

Cooking Tips

• Use uniform-sized potatoes: Choose potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly. Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes are great choices as they hold their shape well when baked and provide a crispy exterior.
• Avoid cutting too deep: Be careful not to slice all the way through the potatoes. You want the slices to remain attached at the bottom, so the potatoes fan out nicely but stay intact. Placing chopsticks or wooden spoons alongside the potato can prevent accidental deep cuts.
• Experiment with fillings: While ham and cheese are classic and delicious choices, feel free to experiment with other fillings like bacon, prosciutto, cheddar, or even vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Add a crispy topping: If you want extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan on top of the potatoes before their final bake.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time by slicing and seasoning them, then refrigerating them until ready to bake. This makes it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting guests.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 1 Potato)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Potassium: 700 mg
• Calcium: 200 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
   • Yes! Feel free to use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor to the dish.
2. Can I add other fillings besides ham and cheese?
   • Absolutely. You can try adding cooked bacon, pancetta, or even roasted vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a healthier twist.
3. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
   • If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking tray with olive oil to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
4. How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
   • To make the potatoes extra crispy, you can increase the oven temperature slightly for the last few minutes of baking. You can also add a little bit of melted butter to the olive oil mixture for added crispiness.
5. Can I make this dish in an air fryer?
   • Yes, you can make Hasselback potatoes in an air fryer. Simply preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and cook the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add the ham and cheese in the final few minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

These Hasselback Potatoes with Ham and Cheese are a visually impressive, delicious, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. The combination of the crispy edges and tender interior, enhanced by the savory ham and melted cheese, makes this a standout recipe. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these potatoes are sure to delight your guests.

The recipe is also highly customizable—try different cheeses, herbs, or fillings to suit your taste. The simple preparation and baking process make this dish easy to whip up, while still delivering a gourmet result. Enjoy these tasty Hasselback potatoes hot, and pair them with a fresh salad, roasted meats, or on their own as a satisfying snack.