🥔 Sliced Baked Potatoes
Crispy, golden-edged potatoes with tender centers — a versatile, visually stunning twist on classic baked potatoes.
✅ Introduction
Sliced baked potatoes — sometimes called Hasselback potatoes — are a delicious cross between roasted potatoes and baked potatoes. Slicing them thinly across the top allows them to crisp up like chips on the outside while staying buttery soft inside. They’re easy to customize with herbs, cheese, or spices and are impressive enough for a dinner party but simple enough for weeknight meals.
🌍 Origin and Cultural Significance
The Hasselback-style potato is believed to have originated in Sweden at the Hasselbacken Restaurant in Stockholm in the 1950s. This innovative technique spread quickly due to its unique appearance and appealing texture. Today, sliced baked potatoes are embraced around the world as a modern classic, popular in both home kitchens and upscale restaurants.
Their visual appeal, paired with their comfort-food soul, has made them a go-to dish for holiday dinners, family meals, and casual gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients Quantity (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medium russet potatoes | 4 (about 200–250g each) |
| Olive oil or melted butter | 3–4 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced or powdered) | 2 cloves or ½ tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp (to taste) |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Fresh rosemary or thyme | 1–2 tsp chopped (optional) |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | ¼ cup grated |
🌱 Optional Additions
- Cheddar cheese or mozzarella – stuffed between slices
- Sour cream & chives – served on top
- Paprika or smoked paprika – for color and warmth
- Breadcrumbs – for added crunch on top
- Bacon bits or turkey bacon – sprinkled after baking
- Pesto or garlic butter drizzle – for an herb-forward finish
💡 Tips for Success
- Use a wooden spoon or chopsticks on either side of the potato while slicing to prevent cutting all the way through.
- Slice thin and evenly (about 1/8″ or 3 mm) for the best texture.
- Baste the potatoes multiple times during baking for maximum crispiness.
- Choose starchy potatoes like russets for the fluffiest interior.
- Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle.
📝 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and dry potatoes thoroughly.
- Place each potato between two chopsticks and make thin vertical slices, stopping just before the bottom (the chopsticks help avoid slicing through).
- Place potatoes on a lined or greased baking sheet.
- Brush generously with olive oil or melted butter, making sure to get some between the slices.
- Sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, brushing with more oil or butter halfway through.
- In the last 10 minutes, sprinkle with cheese or breadcrumbs, if desired, and return to oven until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
📖 Description
Sliced baked potatoes are visually stunning, with fans of crispy, golden slices that pull apart like the pages of a book. The edges are crisp and savory, while the inside remains tender and fluffy. The flavor is rich and aromatic, especially when garlic, herbs, and cheese are involved.
🔍 Nutritional Information (Per potato, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220–300 (depends on toppings) |
| Carbohydrates | ~35 g |
| Protein | ~4 g |
| Fat | ~10–15 g |
| Fiber | ~3–4 g |
| Vitamin C | ~20% DV |
| Potassium | High (15–20% DV) |
Note: Toppings like cheese and bacon will increase fat and calorie content.
🏁 Conclusion
Sliced baked potatoes offer the perfect balance of comfort and creativity. With their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful core, they can elevate a simple dinner or complement an elegant meal. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and you can easily adjust the flavor profile to suit any occasion or craving.
🌟 Recommendation
Serve alongside:
- Roast chicken or steak
- Grilled vegetables or salmon
- Or as a standalone vegetarian main with cheesy toppings and a side salad.
They also make great leftovers — simply reheat in the oven or air fryer for restored crispiness.
🍽️ Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While potatoes often get a bad reputation, they’re actually a nutrient-dense food — rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. When prepared simply with olive oil and herbs, sliced baked potatoes are a healthful indulgence that honors both tradition and taste. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.