Hasselback potatoes are a festive, fun, and delicious addition to your Christmas table, especially if you have kids. These thinly sliced, crispy, and buttery potatoes are not only visually appealing but also perfect for little hands. With a golden, crispy exterior and soft, tender interior, Hasselback potatoes are easy to make and a great way to involve kids in holiday cooking. This recipe combines the best of both roasted and baked potatoes, making them a must-try dish for your family Christmas feast.
Ingredients:
6 medium-sized Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (Yukon Gold gives a creamy texture, while Russet is fluffier)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated cheese (optional, but adds a delicious twist)
Sour cream, chives, or bacon bits for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
A sharp knife
A wooden spoon or chopsticks (to help with slicing)
Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential for getting that crispy, golden finish on the outside of your Hasselback potatoes while keeping the inside tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Select medium-sized potatoes of similar shape and size for even cooking. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. Rinse and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin adds extra texture and flavor once they’re baked. However, if your kids prefer peeled potatoes, you can do so.
Step 3: Slice the Potatoes
Place one potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks to prevent cutting all the way through. This is especially helpful if you’re cooking with kids, as it helps avoid accidental mishaps. Using a sharp knife, slice the potato into thin, even slices about 1/8 inch apart. The chopsticks will stop the knife from cutting through the bottom, leaving the potato intact.
Step 4: Make the Butter and Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary). You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to season. If your kids love cheese, consider grating some parmesan or cheddar to sprinkle on top later.
Step 5: Coat the Potatoes
Gently fan out the potato slices without breaking them apart, and drizzle the butter mixture over the top, ensuring it gets into every slice for maximum flavor. You can use a brush to help coat the potatoes thoroughly. Get your kids involved by letting them help brush the butter mixture, making it a fun, hands-on activity.
Step 6: Bake the Potatoes
Place the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet or an oven-safe dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the potatoes with the butter mixture that collects at the bottom of the pan. This step helps the potatoes get extra crispy and flavorful. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on top about 10-15 minutes before the potatoes are done baking.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges, remove them from the oven. Garnish with your choice of toppings like sour cream, chives, bacon bits, or even extra cheese. Serve them hot as a fun and delicious side dish for your Christmas dinner. The unique presentation is sure to be a hit with the kids, and the crispy edges will have them asking for seconds.
Why Hasselback Potatoes are Perfect for Christmas and Kids
Festive Appeal: Hasselback potatoes look like mini Christmas trees once they fan out in the oven, adding a festive and playful touch to your Christmas dinner. Kids love the way they look and the fact that they can pick them up and eat them with their hands.
Customizable for Kids: If you have picky eaters at home, Hasselback potatoes are easy to customize. Kids can add their favorite toppings, such as cheese, bacon, or even ketchup. The sliced design also makes them easy to portion for smaller appetites.
Fun and Engaging Cooking Activity: This recipe is a great way to involve kids in the kitchen during the holiday season. From slicing the potatoes (with supervision, of course) to brushing on the butter mixture, they can help every step of the way.
Crispy and Tender Texture: Kids often enjoy foods that are crispy and easy to eat, and Hasselback potatoes provide the best of both worlds with their crispy edges and tender centers.
Healthier Alternative: While festive meals can be indulgent, Hasselback potatoes offer a healthier option compared to deep-fried alternatives, especially when baked with olive oil and herbs. You can even make them dairy-free by skipping the butter and cheese.
Tips for the Best Hasselback Potatoes:
- Use Similar-Sized Potatoes: To ensure even cooking, choose potatoes that are about the same size. This way, they’ll all finish baking at the same time.
- Slice Thinly: The thinner the slices, the crispier the edges will be. Just make sure not to cut all the way through the potato.
- Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella over the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking.
With this simple and kid-friendly Hasselback potato recipe, you’ll have a beautiful and delicious side dish to complement your Christmas feast. Plus, it’s a great way to get your little ones involved in the kitchen, making holiday memories together.
