Sliced Baked Potatoes: The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy, Hasselback-Style Side Dish

Is there anything more universally beloved than a perfectly cooked potato? Whether mashed, fried, or roasted, it’s the ultimate comfort food. But if you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish that combines a crispy exterior, a tender interior, and an irresistible cheesy, garlicky flavor, then you’ve found your recipe. Introducing Sliced Baked Potatoes the Hasselback-style potato that is about to become your new culinary obsession.

This recipe transforms the humble russet potato into a stunning, accordion-like masterpiece. Each thin slice crisps up in the oven while the base stays soft and fluffy. We’re taking it to the next level with a generous drizzle of garlic-herb butter and a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese. It’s visually impressive yet deceptively simple to make, perfect for both a weeknight treat and a holiday dinner centerpiece.

Forget ordinary baked potatoes or fries. This recipe delivers the ultimate texture contrast and flavor in every single bite. Let’s get started on creating this crispy, cheesy, unforgettable side dish.

What You’ll Need: Sliced Baked Potato Ingredients

The beauty of this Hasselback-style potato recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. Here’s your shopping list for the ultimate crispy, cheesy sliced baked potatoes.

The Potato Base

• 4 medium Russet Potatoes: They are starchy and have thick skin, which gives the best fluffy interior and crispy edges. Aim for similar sizes for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For that initial crisp. Avocado oil works well too.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Kosher salt is preferred.
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best flavor.

The Flavor-Packed Garlic Herb Butter

• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Melted. This is the key to flavor and crispiness.
• 3 cloves Garlic: Minced finely. Fresh is best!
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley: Chopped. You can substitute with 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.

The Cheesy Finish

• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar is also fantastic.
• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty crunch on top.
• Optional Garnishes: Sour cream, chopped chives or green onions, crispy bacon bits.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Sliced Baked Potatoes (Hasselback Style)

Follow these simple, numbered steps to create your crispy and cheesy potato masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the slicing it’s easier than it looks!

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is crucial for maximum crispiness.
2. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. It’s important they are dry for the skin to get crisp.
3. Create a stable base: Place a potato on a cutting board. Lay two chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato lengthwise. This will act as a guide, preventing your knife from cutting all the way through.
4. Make the slices: Using a sharp knife, make thin, vertical cuts (about ⅛ to ¼-inch apart) across the potato, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks. The slices should stay connected at the bottom. Repeat with all potatoes.

Step 2: Season and Initial Bake

5. Arrange the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish.
6. Brush them generously with olive oil, making sure to get some between the slices. This helps them fan out and crisp up.
7. Season well with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 30 minutes. The potatoes will start to soften and the slices will begin to separate. 

Step 3: Add the Flavorful Butter

9. While the potatoes bake, prepare the garlic herb butter. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and paprika.
10. After the initial 30 minutes, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. They should be partially cooked and fanned out.
11. Brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture liberally over and between the slices of each potato. Be generous this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: The Cheesy Finale

12. Return the potatoes to the oven for another 15-20 minutes. They should be nearly fork-tender and the edges should be turning golden and crisp.
13. Remove the potatoes one final time. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese evenly over the top, trying to get some cheese down into the slices.
14. Bake for a final 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Pro Tips for Foolproof Crispy, Cheesy Potatoes

Even beginners can achieve perfection with these helpful hints:

• The Chopstick Trick is Essential: Don’t skip using chopsticks or wooden spoons as a guide. It’s the foolproof way to get uniform, connected slices every single time.
• Slice Thickness Matters: Aim for thin, even slices. Thicker slices won’t fan out as nicely and won’t get as crispy.
• Dry Potatoes = Crispy Skin: Pat the washed potatoes completely dry. Any excess moisture will steam the skin instead of roasting it.
• Get Between the Slices: When applying oil and butter, gently fan the slices open with your fingers or a butter knife to ensure the flavorful fats get all the way down to the bottom. This promotes even cooking and crispiness on every surface.
• Customize Your Toppings: This recipe is a canvas! Before the final bake, try adding:
  • Thinly sliced onions between the potato slices.
  • Crumbled cooked sausage or bacon.
  • A sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
  • Different cheeses like Gouda, pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Serving and Enjoying Your Culinary Creation

Your sliced baked potatoes are ready when the cheese is gloriously melted and the edges are a deep, golden brown. Let them cool for just a minute or two on the baking sheet.

Serve them hot, garnished with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions. They are the ultimate side dish for grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even a simple salad. They’re so impressive that they can easily stand as the main event for a vegetarian meal.

These Hasselback-style potatoes are more than just food; they’re an experience. The satisfying crunch of the edges, the tender, garlicky flesh, and the gooey cheese pull make every bite a celebration of texture and flavor. They prove that with a simple technique and a few quality ingredients, you can elevate the everyday into the extraordinary.

So, preheat your oven and grab those potatoes. It’s time to create a side dish that will earn you compliments, empty plates, and requests for the recipe. Happy cooking