Hasselback Potatoes

Delicious Hasselback Potatoes Recipe with Flavored Butter and Smoked Cheese

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Who doesn’t love the aroma of baked potatoes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside? Hasselback potatoes are not just a visual delight, but also an explosion of flavors, being a modern and sophisticated twist on French fries. This recipe is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to family meals or special occasions while being easy to prepare.

Necessary ingredients:

- 6 large potatoes (choose russet or Yukon Gold for better flavor)
- 100 g flavored butter (you can use herb butter or plain butter that you can flavor with garlic and herbs)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 50 g smoked cheese (use high-quality cheese for an intense flavor)

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes. To achieve perfect slices, place each potato in a spoon. This will act as a guide and prevent cutting all the way through the potato. Using a sharp knife, slice the potato into thin slices, being careful not to cut all the way through, just to the edge of the spoon.

2. Seasoning: Once all the potatoes are sliced, take the flavored butter out of the fridge and let it soften a bit. Then, use a spoon to fill each cut with flavored butter. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, ensuring each slice is infused with flavor.

3. Baking: Place the potatoes in a baking dish, leaving a little space between them to allow warm air to circulate. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish inside. Let the potatoes bake for about 45 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy on the outside.

4. Adding the cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and insert thin slices of smoked cheese between the potato slices. This will melt and add a delicious flavor to the potatoes. Put the dish back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and lightly browned.

5. Serving: Once the potatoes are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. This dish can be served as a side with steaks, fish, or even as a vegetarian delight. A personal touch: add some fresh dill or parsley on top for a splash of freshness.

Practical tips:

- Use a sharp knife to cut the potatoes. This will make it easier to slice evenly and prevent accidents.
- Flavored butter can be made at home by mixing softened butter with garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or dill), and salt. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to absorb the flavors.
- Try experimenting with different types of cheese: feta or goat cheese can add an interesting flavor twist.
- These potatoes are perfect for preparing in advance and reheating later.

Nutritional benefits:

Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamin C, and fiber. Additionally, the smoked cheese adds protein and calcium, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the amount of butter and cheese used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a sweet note and beautiful color.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegan option? Use vegan butter and replace the cheese with a nut-based product or smoked tofu.
- Can I prepare these potatoes in advance? Yes! You can slice and season them a few hours ahead. They can be baked when you’re ready to serve.

Delicious combinations:

These Hasselback potatoes are wonderful alongside a fresh green salad, a serving of grilled meat, or even a creamy soup as an appetizer. A suitable drink would be a dry white wine or a light beer, which will balance the rich flavors of the dish.

I hope you will try this captivating recipe for Hasselback potatoes with flavored butter and smoked cheese! It will not only impress your guests but also bring a lot of joy to your tables. Enjoy!