Crispy Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes for a Perfect Side Dish Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve even more flavor, consider rubbing a clove of garlic over the potatoes before roasting. The garlic will infuse the surface and create a fragrant base that pairs beautifully with the melted mozzarella. You can also experiment with different dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a deeper, earthier profile that complements the starch of the potato.

If you prefer a sharper taste, mixing a little parmesan cheese with the mozzarella adds a savory, salty kick that browns beautifully. When serving, ensure the potatoes are placed on a warm plate to keep them at the ideal temperature.

Because these are visually appealing, they make an excellent center-of-the-table side dish that guests can easily serve themselves from the main baking tray.

Variations

• Loaded Potato Style: Add crispy bacon bits and sliced green onions on top of the melted cheese just before serving for a classic loaded baked potato flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Sprinkle the potatoes with a blend of Cajun seasoning before roasting to give the dish a bold, spicy kick that pairs well with the mozzarella.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the texture of the potato becomes mealy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is soft again.

Store any leftover hasselback potatoes in an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature. They will remain flavorful for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Note that the crispy texture of the skin will soften over time, so they are best consumed as soon as possible after baking to enjoy the contrast between the tender interior and the seasoned exterior.

You can prep the potatoes by slicing them up to two hours before you intend to roast them. Keep them covered at room temperature. However, do not add the cheese until you are ready for the final step. This allows you to get the main roasting done in advance, leaving only the five-minute cheese-melting step for when you are ready to serve.

Serving ideas

These potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside a classic roast chicken, a seared steak, or even a simple grilled fish fillet.

The richness of the melted cheese makes them substantial enough to stand alone as a main dish when served with a fresh, crisp garden salad or steamed seasonal vegetables like green beans or asparagus.

For a more casual presentation, place the baking tray directly on the table with a serving spoon. This encourages guests to help themselves and keeps the potatoes warm for longer.

If you have guests with different dietary preferences, consider keeping a side of extra herbs available for topping, allowing everyone to customize their serving to their own individual taste.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes for a Perfect Side Dish

Prep 15 minCook 50 minRest 5 minTotal 1 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (parsley or chives)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place each potato on a cutting board and make thin, vertical slices along the length of the potato, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. Keeping the base intact ensures the potato stays together while baking.
2. Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray. Place in the oven and roast for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Remove the baking tray from the oven. Carefully tuck the shredded mozzarella cheese into the slices of each potato. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving immediately.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

200 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.