If you love crispy, tasty potatoes (that aren’t fried), you’re in luck. You’ve got to try these mini garlic and parmesan hasselback potatoes – little roasted potatoes all prettied up and smothered in garlicky, cheesy heaven!
I’ve met a few people who aren’t that keen on potatoes, but I really can’t imagine anyone not loving these mini garlic and parmesan hasselback potatoes!
What kind of potatoes do you need to make hasselback potatoes?
Here in the UK there’s a cute little potato called the Jersey Royal. They’re grown in an especially rich soil on the island of Jersey in the British Channel Islands (close to France!) and so end up sort of melt-in-your-mouth creamy and almost buttery in texture.
I know, they sound delicious, don’t they? And this is NOT even a sponsored post for Jersey Royal farmers (apparently there are only about 20 of them!) … although I think it should be!
What I’m definitely NOT saying is that you need Jersey Royals to make these garlic & parmesan hasselback potatoes. Oh no no. Any small potatoes work.
But any of the multitude of types of small ‘new’ waxy potatoes that you don’t have to remove the skins from before cooking are PERFECT for making these mini garlic and parmesan hasselback potatoes.
They end up:
- crispy
- creamy
- buttery
- garlicky
- cheesy
- good looking (!)
In other words, heaven on a plate.
Don’t you agree these hasselback potatoes are pretty good looking?
How do you make hasselback potatoes?
These certainly aren’t culinary rocket science, and I bet you can pretty much guess how they are made.
All you have to do to make them is make deep cuts all the way across each potato at about 3 or 4 mm intervals. Go quite deep, but of course take care not to cut all the way through the potato and cut it in half, although believe me you probably will do that to one or two in your excitement to get the potatoes cooked and in your mouth as fast as possible!
How long do you bake hasselback potatoes for?
You need to put aside a good 10 minutes or so to prepare all the potatoes, but then all you have to do is baste them and throw them in the oven for 40 to 45 mins. Not literally like I did the first time I made them, though. I slid them into the oven a bit too enthusiastically and they toppled all over the oven.
Oops!
Of course you can make hasselback potatoes in the traditional way with bigger potatoes, but if you do make sure you increase the cooking time to about an hour and 10 minutes.
Look how they ‘fan out’ in the oven … perfect for stuffing cheese into!
How to make hasselback potatoes crispy and delicious!
The key to getting these super tasty and crispy is to baste once at the beginning with your oil/butter and flavours and then baste them again half way through cooking. The potatoes sort of fan out as they cook, so the second ‘basting’ gets right inside and helps them crisp up even better.
I chose to baste my potatoes with garlic and parmesan and leave it at that, but these options would be great, too:
– paprika & thyme
– plain salt & pepper, but with a splodge of sour cream or Greek yoghurt, cheese & chives on the top at the end
– cumin, a pinch of cayenne pepper (just a pinch!) & fresh coriander at the end (maybe with a splodge of lime-infused Greek yoghurt to serve, too …mmmm!)
– rosemary & black pepper
I’m sure you can think of other ideas to try.
How do you serve hasselback potatoes?
I’m pretty sure these mini garlic and parmesan hasselback potatoes would be very popular if they were handed around as appetizers at a party.
We usually eat them as a side dish with a salad and quiche, but they’d be great with a steak or grilled chicken… or even just on their own with a few dollops of sour cream on top!
mini garlic & parmesan hasselback potatoes
Ingredients
- 20 ‘new’ or small potatoes welled washed/scrubbed & dried
- 4 or 5 cloves garlic crushed
- 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
- a large knob of butter about 30 grams
- salt & black pepper
- 1 ounce parmesan cheese grated
- fresh herbs to garnish - basil chives, oregano etc. (optional)
Instructions
-
Pre-heat oven to 200C/400F.
-
Cut each potato into slices about 3 to 4 mm apart, without cutting all the way through it, and place on a baking tray.
-
Melt the butter in a small dish in the microwave (30 seconds should do it) or in a small saucepan if you don’t have a microwave. Add the olive oil and garlic and stir together.
-
Baste each potato well with the butter/olive oil/garlic mixture with a pastry/basting brush (make sure you scoop up plenty of the garlicky bits!), sprinkle with plenty of salt and pepper and then bake for 20 minutes.
-
Take the potatoes out of the oven and baste again, then sprinkle most of the parmesan over them, poking plenty down into the ‘cracks’. Then return to the oven for about another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are dark golden and a bit crispy.
-
Garnish with a bit more parmesan and the fresh herbs (if you like).
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
We love hassleback potatoes, but it was only recently that I though “why not make mini versions”. Yours look so cute.
Helen says
Great minds, Dannii ….!! I suppose the mini ones take a bit longer to slice up, but I think it’s worth it. More surface area for more crispiness!!
Chrissy says
I often find myself saying “When I lived in London” and I was only there 5 months. Brag away! I’ve been seeing these tots everywhere lately so you just convinced me to make them soon.
Helen says
Yes, yes, make them!! I was actually in Greece for about 14 years, so I suppose I’ve ‘earned’ the right to say ‘when I lived in Greece’ rather a lot … teeheee! Have a good weekend, Chrissy!! 🙂
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
What a fabulous idea to make a mini version of hasselback potatoes! I am SO making these!
Helen says
You won’t regret it, Marissa! (well, I hope not!!) Have a great weekend! 😉
Lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
I would be smiling wide if these showed up on my plate! Darling little things that are too cute to eat – but I would anyway. Nice, Helen!
Helen says
Thank you, Lori! Oh, definitely not too nice to eat … we gobbled them up!! But they did make us smile, too 🙂
Melissa | Bits of Umami says
These potatoes look gorgeous! Love me some hasselback potatoes. I feel so fancy whenever I make em.
Helen says
Thank you, Melissa! I must say I did feel quite fancy eating these! 🙂
[email protected] says
For your first attempt, I’d say you nailed it. I would make a meal out of that whole pan. Perfection.
Helen says
Thanks, Janette! Blush, blush, blush!! 🙂
THE HUNGRY MUM says
Phwoar. I reckon I could eat my body weight in these spunky spuds #yum
Helen says
Ha! Well, I think we almost did!! Thanks for passing by! 🙂
La Torontoise says
Helen, I have been thinking for ages of making those potatoes. So beautiful!
Helen says
Thank you! You really must try them! 🙂
Izzy says
I’m not sure I could live in a place that only had one potato choice, haha! Can you believe that I’ve never made hasselback potatoes before?! I love that these are little baby ones, so cute! These look so good! I think I could eat a tray of these for dinner 🙂
Helen says
Hi, Izzy! Actually, I totally can believe it because I hadn’t tried them until now either! I can imagine them with all your lovely Mexican ingredients piled on top, too!
Mira says
I’ im love with mini potatoes, but sometimes it is difficult to find them even here 🙁 your mini version looks amazing Helen! Love the spices that you recommend, too! Could eat the whole pan 🙂
Helen says
Well, we pretty much DID eat the whole pan! I’m surprised that you can’t find small potatoes easily where you live, though! Not even right now when they’re in season? Anyway, big hasselbacks are good, too. You could try those instead!
Kathleen | HapaNomNom says
“So when I was in Greece…’ Ha! I feel like I say that about every Italian dish I make! 😉 These are super cute! Perfect for me, someone who loves carbs… because they’re small, that means I can eat more, right? 😉
Helen says
Of COURSE it means you can eat more!! I love your Italian recipes, Kathleen. If I could choose somewhere else to go and live, Italy would definitely be top of my list. Better not make my life any more complicated though by adding in another country to the mix! 😉
mila furman says
Oh Helen, Helen, Helen… I do love these! And you lived in Greece? Well I only dated Greek boys growing up 🙂 So we have even MORE in common 🙂 My mother in law made a variation of hasselback potatoes for Passover this year and my husband downed like 5 …and i downed about 10… It’s been on my list to make it ever since… These are fab!!!
Helen says
Hey, Mila! Loving our ‘Greek connection’ … haha! I’d been wanting to make these for ages, too. I was sort of fibbing that this recipe should feed 4, because actually Mr. Scrummy and I pretty much ate them all to ourselves! 🙂
Mary Frances says
Gorgeous potatoes Helen! You cut these so precisely and the cheesy garlic combination is ridiculously good. We do enjoy potatoes in almost any form and it’s been a while since we’ve done hasselback. I’ve got to give this a go! Plus, it’s a great way to use those green onions! 🙂
Helen says
Hello sweet Mary Frances! Thanks for saying I cut these precisely! It took a while but I must say it was worth it because each ‘slice’ ends up all soft but at the same time a little crispy, just like those thinly sliced french potatoes that you bake. OK, I’m waffling now but anyway … make these potatoes!!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
These are most definitely snazzy-looking! Potatoes are my favorite starch and yet, I’ve never tried making hasselback potatoes!
Helen says
Hi, Shashi! Glad you agree these are snazzy!! Do try making them – you’ll love them!
[email protected] Olives & Garlic says
What a great idea to make mini hasselback potatoes. I can never finish a regular sized one on my own, this is so clever.
Helen says
Glad you like this idea, Kathy! I know what you mean about the big potatoes – these are far less overwhelming! (although I must admit I end up eating too many of the small ones!)
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
I’ve been having serious savory cravings lately – namely potatoes! Needless to say but these hasselback potatoes are looking incredible! Anything garlic and Parmesan flavored is bound to be fabulous. Gorgeous photos Helen!
Helen says
Oh thanks for the compliment on the photos, Alyssa! I didn’t have to try too hard to make these look delicious, to be honest!
Denise says
I think I could live on potatoes!! Seems Greece may be similar to Australia only a few varieties (if you can call it that) at any one time and nothing special, well at least that is the case in the supermarkets. Lovely photos I could eat them right out of the dish.
Helen says
Hi, Denise! Happy I’ve made you crave these and hope you give them a try some time!
Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says
Oh, I do love hasselback potatoes and you additions make them even better – thanks Helen.
Helen says
Oh, you’re welcome, Rachel! Glad you like these!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
I love hasselback potaotes–they are so elegant and fun. I think including them with a quiche makes a great meal!
Helen says
Yeah, they’re a great side dish! Thanks for passing by, Kristen! 🙂
Ashley says
That’s really interesting that there was such a limited choice for potatoes there!
And I’m with you – these are snazzy! I always think hasselback potatoes look so cool! They sound wonderful!
Helen says
Thanks, Ashley! Glad you think these are snazzy, too! 🙂
[email protected] says
I see you write “splodge of yoghurt” and all I can think is “that’s SO BRITISH!!” He he!! So funny to hear about the one type of potatoes sold in Greece (other than size!). I think that’s the same in Japan as well. Like in the UK, we have quite a few in Australia which can actually be confusing because most people don’t know what type of potatoes to get! I didn’t know that hasselback was better made with waxy potatoes, that’s quite interesting! I tend to just use a single type of potatoes because it’s a great “all rounder” 🙂
This looks amazing as always! I could serious stuff a whole one in my mouth in one go, I bet 😉
Helen says
Hmmm … to be honest my ‘waxy potato’ trick here isn’t based on any kind of scientific ‘evidence’, but I like the way the ‘waxy’ potatoes end up – sort of like those french baked sliced potatoes. All soft and creamy … mmmm!
Bet you could stuff more than 1 of these in your mouth in one go, Nagi … teehheeee!
Ciao Florentina says
So freaking adorable, I can’t even stand it lol ! I love making these for a baked potato bar during the holidays ! Such a winner !!
Helen says
A baked potato bar – what a great idea! You could make these plain and then provide all the toppings for people to choose from – love it!
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
Wow these look absolutely wonderful and super crispy! I’ve never made hassle back potatoes before can’t wait to try!
Helen says
They really are worth trying, Kelley. All that basting makes them lovely and crispy!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal says
I haven’t tried making hasselback potatoes yet, mostly because eating a whole russet potato is way too much for me. I love potatoes though and am definitely going to try this like you did with small potatoes. So perfect!
Helen says
Yeah, I know what you mean, Kristen. Sometimes the big potatoes are a bit overwhelming. With the small ones you can have as few or as many as you like – in my case, loads!! Hope you do give these a try some time. They’re so worth the little bit of effort!
Holly | Twisted Tastes says
With all the potato recipes I’ve ever made, I’ve never prepared them in this manner. It will be a nice change up. Now…to get those tasty looking potatoes you were raving about over here in the U.S. With only 20 farmers, I doubt that will be any time soon. Cheers!
Helen says
Hi Holly! Oh, I know! Sorry about that little tease!! I’m sure you can get just as tasty potatoes over there, though. Any small ones (or bigger, to be honest) will do! Hope you give them a try some day!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I’ve never tried hasselback anything before.. so I definitely think I need to give this recipe a go! Delicious Helen!
Helen says
Hi, Thalia! Oh, do give these potatoes a go! They take a while to slice, but they’re very easy and so worth the effort when you’re stuffing them into your mouth!
Joanne says
It’s so funny how much something as simple as a potato can vary around the world! I hope I can find ones similar to your Jersey potatoes here, because I need these hasselbacks in my life!
Helen says
Oh, I bet you have potatoes just as yummy, if not yummier, over there! You definitely DO need these in your life, though!! 🙂
Samina - The Cupcake Confession says
We also get only one kind of potatoes here! At the most, they’re called ‘new’ and ‘old’ potatoes! The Royal Jersey potato sounds sooooo yummy! If I could lay my hands on them, I think that’s all I would eat! hahaha! 😀
I’m loving these hassle back potatoes! They’re my absolute favourite !!!!! <3
Helen says
Hello Samina!! Well, never mind … those humble ‘old’ and ‘new’ potatoes do just fine most of the time! 🙂
Laura says
Helen, these potatoes look so delicious. If they were right in front of me, I’d eat the entire pan, good thing they’re not!! With a steak, whoa. Perfection. I loved your little story about Jersey Royal potatoes, wish I could get some this side of the pond. With have to settle for new potatoes which are still pretty good.
Helen says
Oh yeah, sorry about that, Laura … teasing you with things you can’t get over there! I forgot I have real live gardeners among my readers!!
Meggan | Culinary Hill says
I love your new look, Helen! The blue is such a tranquil, beautiful color. and of course the white everywhere, and I love how you put the menu bar right at the top! I already swooned over your tiny hasselbacks on Facebook but I’m happy to do it again. So, are these potatoes small enough that you can just pop them in your mouth? Rhetorical question – I have a big mouth and would likely have no problem. A large knob of butter? Awesome. Never heard it put quite like that, must be an English thing. You guys are the best. 🙂 XXO! And pinning!
Helen says
Hey, thanks Meggan! I actually didn’t change all that much – just the header and the colours, but I’m liking it so far. Feels nice and relaxing and ‘clean’.
Meggan, if you have as big a mouth as you say you do, then you could probably quite comfortably stuff about 3 of these in your mouth at the same time. Try it and enjoy!! 😉
Eva says
On a pensé à nouveau dans la même recette !! C’est drôle, mais elle n’est pas encore dans le blog ! J’ai réalisé la mienne il n’y pas longtemps ! Tes photos sont magnifiques !! Elles sont déjà dans mon pinterest 😉
Heureusement, ici c’est comme en Angleterre, on trouve touts sorte de pommes de terre !
Helen says
Nous sommes souvent des jumelles dans la cusine, Eva! J’adore ca!! J’ai trop hate de voir ta recette bientot! 🙂
Olivia @ Olivia's Cuisine says
Mouth-watering pics + amazing recipe = the kind of post I love reading on a Monday morning. Also, I can relate to your potato story. I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t use to cook that much when I lived in Brazil (since I lived with my mom), but I don’t remember seeing the varieties of potatoes I see here in the US. They seriously have more varieties than I could possibly experiment with… (Just kidding, I’m determined to try them all!)
Helen says
Hello, Olivia! Really happy you have cheered up your Monday morning! Isn’t that weird how the US and UK (and Australia) all have this amazing variety, but a lot of other places just don’t? I must say though that Greece really does make good use of the ingredients it does have and generally I like the food there much more than I do here!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
Hasselback potatoes always impresses me. These are tasty and adorable! And they go so well with so many things.
Helen says
Thank you, Thao! Really happy you like these pretty little potatoes!
cheri says
Hi Helen, oh I am such a potato fiend and these are just so adorable and delicious looking, glad you now live where you have a bigger selection.
Helen says
Hi Cheri! Thank you so much for the lovely compliment. These are definitely the tastiest potatoes I’ve had in a while! 🙂
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai says
YUM’d! This looks delicious. A definite must try! Please come share your blog posts over at the Home Matters Linky Party! We’d love to have you for a visit. The Door OPENS tonight at 9pm Pacific Time. 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Helen says
Thank you for the invitation, Lorelai! I will do that! (it will be 5am over here in the UK, but I’ll pop over a few hours after that!) Thanks for passing by and Yumming! 🙂
SAMMY says
I am making this yummy looking potato for my family tonight. I will let you know how they like it but I am already drooling….lol
Helen says
Hi Sammy! I’m so thrilled that you’re giving these a go. How did they turn out? 🙂
Eline says
Heey! I’m going to try to make these this afternoon, but i have one question. Maybe I read over it, but do you need to cook them first or do you put it raw in the oven with the herbs?
x
Helen says
Hi Eline! Sorry I haven’t replied before now (I suspect this is too late if you were going to make them 2 days ago!) But yes, you do put them into the oven raw. Don’t add the parmesan until 20 minutes through the cooking time though. And then you sprinkle the fresh herbs over at the end (if you like – the herbs aren’t essential). Hope you did/do give them a go and that they turned/turn out well! 🙂
Eline says
thanks for the reply! i did make them and they turned out okey. I did have to bake them longer before they were good, but I think that that has something to do with my oven.
thanks!
Helen says
Glad they turned out OK, Eline! I suppose cooking time could depend on the size of the potatoes, too. 🙂
Beth says
I love making hasslebacks and a really quick easy way to make sure that you don’t cur all the way through is to put the potato in a wooden spoon, cut down and the slight curve of the spoon will act as a barrier. It takes me 2 minutes to do a whole bag of jersey royals!!! 🙂
Helen says
Wow, what a brilliant tip Beth. I’m definitely going to do that next time I make these. I might even add a note to the recipe. You’re a genius!
Mark says
Can these be made ahead and then finished off for the last 20 mins on the day?
Helen says
Hi Mark! I’ve never tried this, but I really don’t see why that wouldn’t work. You might need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time though, as you’ll be cooking on the day from cold. Just eye-ball them in the oven, and I suspect you’ll be fine. Good luck!
Mark says
Thanks – Ill let you know how it goes – dinner party Thursday and want to get ahead by doing what I can a day in advance.
Helen says
Good luck, Mark! I think you’ll be fine 😉