Rosemary Garlic Hasselback Potatoes: A Crisp, Romantic Side Dish
Table of Contents
A Sliced-Up Love Story
When it’s Valentine’s Day and you’re whipping up a show-stopping steak or salmon, the question arises: what side can stand up to that main course yet still look elegant? Enter Rosemary Garlic Hasselback Potatoes. Picture a potato, sliced thinly into fan-like layers, brushed with garlicky herb oil, and roasted until the edges turn crisp. It’s deceptively simple yet visually stunning—like the potato put on its fanciest outfit for date night. Serve it, watch your Valentine’s eyes light up, and casually mention how “it was no big deal to make.” Because you deserve the credit, obviously.
Why You’ll Love This Side
- Visually Impressive: The accordion cuts shout “effort,” even if it’s easy.
- Garlic & Herb Heaven: Each slice picks up that rosemary-garlic flavor.
- Perfect Partner: Pairs with steak, chicken, or fish, turning dinner into an A+ affair.
- No Need to Babysit: Once sliced and seasoned, the oven does the rest.
(Want a main course suggestion? Check out our Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Butter for the ultimate Valentine’s pairing.)
Why It Works: The Accordion Roast Trick
By slicing the potato into thin “fans,” you increase surface area for crispiness. Those extra edges roast faster, yielding a crunchy exterior while the potato interior remains tender. Meanwhile, brushing with herb-infused oil or butter seeps into each crevice. The result? A potato that’s part crispy chip, part fluffy baked potato, and all sorts of tasty.
(Pro Tip: Lay chopsticks or wooden spoons alongside the potato while slicing so you don’t cut all the way through. Check out TastingTable for more potatoe hacks)
From Slicing to Crisping
Elevate Valentine’s (or any special night) with Rosemary Garlic Hasselback Potatoes—crispy edges, tender centers, and fragrant herb-garlic flavor.
Ingredients
Garlic & Herb Oil
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter, or half-and-half)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder if you’re in a rush)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (plus extra sprigs)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Potatoes
- 2–4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (similar size for even cooking)
- Additional salt & pepper as needed
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for final sprinkling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Or use a cast-iron skillet if you want that rustic Valentine flair. - Slice the Hasselback
Wash potatoes. Place each potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks. Slice thinly (~1/8–¼ inch) across the potato, stopping before you cut fully through. This creates the fan-like effect. - Mix the Garlic Herb Oil
In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. If you want a butter boost, use half oil, half melted butter. - Brush & Season
Gently fan the potato slices open a bit, brushing the garlic-herb mixture over and between the slices. Season with a pinch more salt on top. (Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; as it bakes, you can brush more oil in.) - Bake & Baste
Bake ~30 minutes. Remove from the oven, brush or spoon more herb oil into the crevices if you can. If you like Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on now. Return to oven for another ~20–25 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the center is fork-tender. Total ~50–60 minutes, depending on potato size.
Chef’s Tips
- (Pro Tip: If edges start to brown too fast, lay a bit of foil loosely over them. But crisp edges are kinda the point!)
Dietary Tinkerings (Allergy/Diet)
- Gluten-Free: Potatoes + oil + herbs = always GF. (Just confirm your Parmesan is GF if applicable.)
- Vegan: Skip butter and Parmesan, stick to olive oil and rosemary.
- Keto? Potatoes aren’t typically keto-friendly, but if you want to embrace some carbs for Valentine’s Day, it’s your prerogative.
Variations & Serving Shenanigans
Flavor Twists
- Cheesy Overload: Layer shredded cheddar or mozzarella after the first 30 minutes for a gooey finish.
- Bacon Bits: Crisp bacon crumbles in the last 10 minutes for a smoky, salty addition.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or Cajun seasoning if you desire a zesty punch.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with Steak: Because nothing says romance like potatoes + filet mignon.
- Vegetarian Valentine: Serve with a roasted veggie tray or a heart-shaped salad if you’re going for the theme.
(If you want more side inspirations, see Cranberry Goat Cheese Arugula Salad for a bright, tangy green complement.)
Store & Reheat: Crispiness on Day 2?
Storage: Cool leftovers, store in an airtight container, fridge up to 2 days. The crisp factor declines, but flavor remains.
Reheating: Oven at 375°F ~10 minutes or until heated. A quick broil at the end can resurrect some crunch. Microwave leads to soggy sadness—avoid if possible.
(Truth: They rarely last leftover if your Valentine is a potato fanatic.)
Dip or Drizzle Q&A
Q: Can I drizzle something else besides herb oil?
A: Absolutely. Try a melted butter blend with thyme or oregano. Or even a garlic confit if you’re feeling extra fancy. For a richer sauce, see Food & Wine’s Compound Butter Guide for creative butter combos.
Q: Which potatoes are best?
A: Russets get crispy edges, Yukons yield a creamier interior. Either works—your preference.
Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A: Not for hasselback—skin helps hold the shape. Plus, it’s extra fiber. This is your #health justification for a buttery dish.
Romantic Send-Off
Rosemary Garlic Hasselback Potatoes strike the balance between elegance and simplicity, perfect for any Valentine’s dinner or special night in. With their crispy edges, soft middles, and herb-garlic aroma, they’re guaranteed to impress whoever’s across the table—be it a new flame, a longtime partner, or just yourself. Give these spud wonders a try, and watch love (and carbs) fill the air.
- Join Our Newsletter: If comedic recipes and unexpected flavor combos warm your heart, sign up for weekly updates.
- Share Your Spud Love: Tag us when you present your hasselback masterpiece—let’s show the world how romantic potatoes can be!
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Rosemary Garlic Hasselback Potatoes
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium4
servings15
minutes1
hour200
kcal1
hour15
minutesElevate Valentine’s (or any special night) with Rosemary Garlic Hasselback Potatoes—crispy edges, tender centers, and fragrant herb-garlic flavor.
Ingredients
- Garlic & Herb Oil
3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter, or half-and-half)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
- Potatoes
2–4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (similar size)
Additional salt & pepper (as needed)
(Optional) 2 tbsp grated Parmesan for final topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare
Oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. - Slice the Potatoes
Scrub potatoes clean. Place each potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks. Slice thinly without cutting through the bottom. Fan them gently. - Make the Herb Oil
In a small bowl, mix olive oil (or butter), minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. - Brush & Season
Carefully brush or drizzle the mixture over each sliced potato, working some oil into the slits. Season lightly with extra salt if needed. - Bake
Bake ~30 minutes. Pull them out, brush with any leftover herb oil (or just the oil from the pan). If you want Parmesan, sprinkle it on now. Return to oven ~20–25 minutes more until the edges crisp and center is tender. Total ~50–60 minutes. - Serve Hot
Plate immediately. Watch those rosy slices fan out in crispy, garlicky glory.
Pro Tips / Chef’s Note
- Spoon Trick: Chopsticks or wooden spoons help avoid slicing fully through.
- Frequent Basting: If you have extra oil, baste a couple of times for maximum crisp edges.
- Pairing: Serve with steak, fish, or a hearty salad for a full romantic meal.
- Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet: Dangerously Decadent, Irresistibly GooeyDecadent Triple Chocolate Brownie Skillet delivers gooey, fudgy, chocolate-loaded brownie perfection straight from your cast-iron skillet. Dangerously delicious!
- Everything-Bagel Crusted Goat Cheese Bites: Crispy, Creamy, and Dangerously SnackableCrunchy, creamy Everything-Bagel Crusted Goat Cheese Bites make the ultimate appetizer. Tangy goat cheese meets crispy everything bagel seasoning—seriously addictive!
- One-Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Bold, Creamy, and Cajun-Spiced PerfectionBoldly flavored One-Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and easy dinner recipe made in one skillet. Say goodbye to cleanup stress!
