Jamie Oliver’s Hasselback Potatoes take a classic, simple dish and elevate it with flavor and flair. Instead of just roasting whole potatoes, the potatoes are sliced thinly but not all the way through. The result is a fan-like shape that lets butter, oil and herbs seep between each slice, creating a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The addition of garlic, rosemary and other seasonings makes them aromatic and the roasting process gives them a golden, crispy texture that’s irresistibly satisfying.
Hasselback potatoes are a Swedish invention but Jamie adds his own twist with some extra seasoning and a touch of creativity. It’s a dish that’s impressive enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a cozy family meal.
Jamie Oliver Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s version of Hasselback Potatoes, you’ll need:
- Large potatoes – Typically, you’ll want waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Charlotte for their creamy texture when roasted.
- Olive oil – For roasting the potatoes and helping them crisp up.
- Butter – To enhance flavor and give the potatoes a rich, golden color.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds that punch of savory goodness.
- Rosemary – Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, herbal note.
- Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning the potatoes to taste.
- Optional: Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a delicious, umami flavor and crispy top.
- Optional: Paprika or chili flakes. For a hint of heat and extra flavor.
This combination of ingredients creates a dish that is simple but with layers of flavor that make each bite delicious.
Equipment Needed
To bring Jamie’s Hasselback Potatoes to life, you’ll need a few kitchen tools:
- A sharp knife – This is essential for making those thin, even slices in the potatoes.
- A baking tray – For roasting the potatoes.
- A pastry brush – To spread the butter and oil mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Aluminum foil (optional) – For covering the potatoes halfway through the roasting process to prevent them from drying out.
- A small bowl – For mixing the oil, butter, garlic and herbs.
- Tongs or a fork. To handle the potatoes safely as you coat them in the seasoning.
These items make the process straightforward and you’ll be able to create perfectly roasted, crispy and flavorful potatoes with ease.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Hasselback Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to around 200°C (400°F). This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
- Prepare the potatoes by scrubbing them clean. Leave the skin on to help retain that delicious, crispy texture. Make the signature hasselback cuts. Place the potato on a chopping board and using your knife, make slices about 3-4 mm apart but don’t slice all the way through. The idea is to make a fan shape that holds the potato together at the bottom.
- Mix your seasonings. In a bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add grated Parmesan or paprika at this point if you’re going for extra flavor.
- Coat the potatoes. Use a pastry brush to apply the oil and butter mixture all over the potatoes, making sure to brush in between the slices. This helps ensure each layer gets seasoned.
- Roast the potatoes. Place the potatoes on a baking tray and roast them in the oven for 40-50 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them-after about 30 minutes, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning. Uncover and continue roasting for the final crisping.
- Finish with extra touches. When the potatoes are golden and crispy, take them out of the oven. If you like, add a final dusting of Parmesan, fresh rosemary or chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Serve and enjoy! These crispy, herby potatoes are perfect as a side dish to almost anything. Try them with roasted meats, salads or even as a stand-alone snack.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Hasselback Potatoes taught me a lot about how small changes in technique can make a huge difference in flavor. The way the butter and oil seep between the slices means each layer of the potato gets its own crispy, golden edge while the inside stays fluffy. The garlic and rosemary add that burst of flavor that balances the potatoes’ natural sweetness.
The best part? The technique isn’t complicated at all but the results are impressive. The Hasselback cut makes the potatoes look more sophisticated while the crispy edges and soft interior make them feel like a treat.
What really stands out is how you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can really personalize the dish.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Hasselback Potatoes
Jamie Oliver’s Hasselback potatoes are already delicious but there’s always room to make them your own! The beauty of these potatoes lies in their crispy edges and soft, fluffy centers. Here’s how you can customize them for extra flavor:
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Cheese Twist
Add a cheesy layer to the potatoes. After you’ve sliced and seasoned the potatoes, sprinkle a mix of parmesan and cheddar between the cuts before baking. You’ll get pockets of melted cheese which elevate the flavor.
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Herb Infusion
While Jamie uses rosemary, try adding thyme, sage or even oregano. Each herb brings a different aroma and depth. You can even stuff small leaves or sprigs right between the cuts for that fragrant burst when they cook.
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Garlic Boost
Sauté some garlic in butter or olive oil and drizzle it over the potatoes before baking. Or, for a subtler flavor, tuck minced garlic into the cuts, so it roasts into the potatoes.
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Spice It Up
Try a spicy twist by sprinkling smoked paprika, chili flakes or even a bit of cayenne between the cuts. It’s a great way to bring in a little heat without overpowering the dish.
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Crispier Edges
To get the edges extra crispy, brush your potatoes with a little more oil or butter halfway through cooking. This helps the skin turn golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.
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Topping Variations
After the potatoes are out of the oven, consider topping them with a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of lemon or even some crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Hasselback potatoes, no worries. They store pretty well with just a little care:
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Cool Before Storing
Allow your potatoes to cool completely before putting them in the fridge. If they’re still hot, they can develop condensation which makes them soggy.
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Airtight Containers
Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days. If you have a lot of leftover oil or seasoning, try to wipe them off lightly before storing them as it helps prevent them from getting too greasy.
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Freezing (If Needed)
You can freeze leftover Hasselback potatoes for up to a month. Just wrap them in foil or parchment paper, then store in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven for that crispy edge.
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Reheating Tips
When reheating, avoid using a microwave if you want to keep the crispiness. The best method is to pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, you can brush them with a bit of olive oil or melted butter before reheating.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Hasselback Potatoes?
Hasselback potatoes are versatile and can pair well with so many dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:
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Roast Chicken
Classic comfort food. The crispy edges of the potatoes and the juicy chicken complement each other perfectly. You can even use the same herbs for both dishes.
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Grilled Steak Or Lamb
A hearty steak or tender lamb chop pairs beautifully with the buttery softness of Hasselback potatoes. Add a side of greens to round off the meal.
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Vegetable Sides
If you’re after something lighter or vegetarian, try serving them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts or asparagus. The savory richness of the potatoes balances the freshness of the veggies.
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Fish Dishes
A beautifully cooked piece of salmon, cod or trout would work well. The crispy texture of the potatoes contrasts with the tender, flaky fish, creating a great texture combo.
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Egg Dishes
For a brunch or light meal, serve them alongside scrambled eggs, poached eggs or even an omelet. The richness of the eggs pairs nicely with the potatoes’ flavor.
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Saucy Dips Or Sauces
A little dipping sauce can elevate your potatoes. Consider garlic aioli, creamy horseradish or even a smoky barbecue sauce. A tangy sour cream dip would work wonders, too.
FAQs
How Do You Make Jamie Oliver’s Hasselback Potatoes?
Start by slicing the potatoes thinly without cutting all the way through. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, rosemary, and sea salt. Roast them in the oven until crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Can I Use Any Type Of Potato For Jamie Oliver’s Hasselback Recipe?
Yes! But waxy potatoes, like Charlotte or Yukon Gold, work best because they hold their shape and become crispy around the edges.
Can I Add Cheese To Jamie Oliver’s Hasselback Potatoes?
Absolutely! Grate some cheese, like parmesan or cheddar, over the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy, golden finish.