Hasselback potatoes
Hasselback potatoes is a medium Swedish recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by ThatDudeCanCook on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $3.45 total, $0.86 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, scrubbed; skins left on for texture)
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (for boiling water)
- 2 tablespoons White Vinegar (helps potatoes keep their shape while boiling)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for garlic‑rosemary butter)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped and warmed in butter)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Slice the potatoes
Wash the potatoes, then place two chopsticks (or wooden spoons) on either side of each potato and slice thinly, about 1/8‑inch apart, keeping the slices attached.
Time: PT10M
Parboil the potatoes
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil, add 1 tbsp kosher salt and 2 tbsp white vinegar, then add the sliced potatoes. Boil until just tender when pierced with a fork (8‑10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain and dry
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them steam dry for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Make garlic‑rosemary butter
In a skillet over low heat, melt 4 tbsp butter with 2 tbsp olive oil, add minced garlic and ½ tsp salt, and cook for 5 minutes without browning. Add chopped rosemary, remove from heat, and let infuse for 15 minutes, then discard the rosemary stems.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: low (≈250°F)
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F while the butter is infusing.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
First bake
Place the potatoes on a lined baking sheet, drizzle half of the garlic‑rosemary butter over them, and bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 400°F
Add garlic bits and finish baking
Remove the sheet, spoon the remaining butter over the potatoes, sprinkle the toasted garlic bits from the skillet bottom, and return to the oven for another 20 minutes until the edges are deep golden and crisp.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 400°F
Finish with parsley
Warm the chopped parsley in any remaining butter, then sprinkle over the hot potatoes before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy (butter)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Red potatoes
- Instead of Kosher Salt: regular table salt
- Instead of White Vinegar: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, ghee
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Rosemary: dried rosemary (½ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: cilantro
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Chopsticks
- Measuring Spoons
- Oven Mitts
- Basting Brush or Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice potatoes evenly using chopsticks to keep slices attached.
- Infuse butter with rosemary off the heat to avoid burning garlic.
- Add garlic bits only during the final 10‑15 minutes to prevent bitterness.
- Parboil potatoes just enough to soften the interior before baking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mandoline for uniform slices if you have one.
- Pat the boiled potatoes dry before tossing with butter for better crisping.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter for a subtle smoky flavor.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes are soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure the potatoes are thoroughly dried after boiling and bake the full 45 minutes. For extra crispness, broil for the last 2‑3 minutes.
Garlic turns bitter or burnt.
Cook garlic on low heat only for 5 minutes and add the garlic bits in the final 10‑15 minutes of baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 375°F oven to retain crispness.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in the oven.
Room temperature: Best served hot; can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice potatoes a day ahead and keep them submerged in water to prevent browning.
- Prepare the garlic‑rosemary butter in advance; refrigerate and gently reheat before using.
- Parboil the potatoes, cool, and refrigerate; finish baking when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Hasselback potatoes in Swedish cuisine?
Hasselback potatoes originated in Sweden in the 1950s and were popularized by the restaurant Hasselbacken in Stockholm. The thin‑sliced, fan‑like presentation became a classic Swedish side dish celebrated for its elegant look and buttery flavor.
What are the traditional regional variations of Hasselback potatoes in Sweden?
In northern Sweden, the potatoes are often brushed with melted butter and served with lingonberry jam. In the south, herbs like dill or rosemary are added, and some families sprinkle breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
How is Hasselback potatoes traditionally served in Swedish households?
They are typically served hot as a side dish alongside meatballs, gravlax, or roasted pork, and are often garnished with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color.
During which occasions or celebrations are Hasselback potatoes traditionally enjoyed in Sweden?
Hasselback potatoes are a popular addition to holiday meals such as Christmas and Midsummer feasts, as well as everyday family dinners because they are both impressive and easy to prepare.
How does Hasselback potatoes fit into the broader Swedish cuisine tradition?
Swedish cuisine emphasizes simple, hearty comfort foods with butter and herbs. Hasselback potatoes embody this philosophy by using basic ingredients—potatoes, butter, and rosemary—to create a dish that is both rustic and refined.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Hasselback potatoes versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include potatoes, butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and parsley. Acceptable substitutes are using clarified butter or ghee for a richer flavor, or swapping rosemary for thyme if preferred.
What other Swedish dishes pair well with Hasselback potatoes?
They pair beautifully with Swedish meatballs, gravlax, smoked salmon, lingonberry sauce, and a simple cucumber‑dill salad, creating a balanced meal of protein, vegetables, and carbs.
What makes Hasselback potatoes special or unique in Swedish cuisine?
The fan‑like slicing technique creates a crispy, buttery edge while keeping the interior soft, offering a textural contrast that is distinctive among Swedish potato preparations.
How has the Hasselback potato recipe evolved over time in Sweden?
Originally served plain with butter, modern versions incorporate herbs, cheese, or breadcrumbs, and many home cooks now add garlic and parsley for extra flavor, as demonstrated in this recipe.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Hasselback potatoes at home?
Common mistakes include slicing the potatoes too thick, over‑boiling which makes them mushy, and adding garlic too early which can burn. Follow the guide’s timing and keep the heat low for the butter infusion.
Why does this Hasselback potatoes recipe add the garlic bits in the last 10 minutes instead of earlier?
Adding garlic at the end prevents it from burning and turning bitter, while still allowing the flavor to meld with the butter and crisp up on the potato edges.
What does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook specialize in?
The YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook specializes in approachable, technique‑focused home cooking videos that often feature clever twists on classic dishes, with clear step‑by‑step explanations for home chefs.
How does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook's approach to Swedish cooking differ from other cooking channels?
ThatDudeCanCook emphasizes practical hacks—like using chopsticks as slicing guides—and breaks down each step with visual cues, making traditional Swedish recipes like Hasselback potatoes feel accessible to cooks of any skill level.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






