Hasselback Waffle Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Okay, let’s be honest, TikTok food trends can be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes they’re all hype and no substance, leaving you with a kitchen mess and underwhelming results. But every now and then, a gem emerges, something that’s not only visually appealing (because, let’s face it, that’s TikTok’s forte) but genuinely delicious and practical for everyday cooking. Enter: Hasselback Waffle Potato Fries, or as they’re sometimes called, TikTok Potatoes.

I stumbled upon this recipe while scrolling through my “For You” page (as one does!), and the crispy, golden brown potatoes with their intricate waffle pattern immediately caught my eye. Intrigued, and always on the lookout for new ways to elevate the humble potato, I decided to give them a try. And let me tell you, these are a game-changer!

From the first bite, my family was hooked. The outside is unbelievably crispy, thanks to the hasselback cuts and the generous garlic butter coating, while the inside remains fluffy and tender. The waffle pattern isn’t just for looks either; it creates more surface area for crisping and for all that flavorful garlic butter to seep into every nook and cranny. The aroma while they bake is simply divine, filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of roasted garlic and herbs.

What I love most about these Hasselback Waffle Potato Fries is how incredibly easy they are to make. Don’t let the fancy appearance fool you; with just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a side dish that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or just a fun snack, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the flavor profile with different herbs, spices, and toppings to suit your taste. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be easily made vegan, making them a great option for a variety of dietary needs.

So, if you’re looking for a way to jazz up your potato game and impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen, you absolutely have to try these Hasselback Waffle Potato Fries. Trust me, they are worth the hype!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Let’s break down each component and why it works so well in this dish:

• 4 Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the star of the show here, and for good reason. Their high starch content and low moisture make them ideal for achieving that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior we’re after in fries and baked potatoes. Other potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes could be used, but russets will give you the most classic “fry” texture. Choose potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes.
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: A good quality oil is essential for both flavor and crispiness. Olive oil adds a rich, slightly fruity flavor, while avocado oil is neutral and has a high smoke point, making it excellent for oven baking and air frying. You can also use other neutral oils like canola oil or vegetable oil, but olive oil and avocado oil are often preferred for their health benefits and flavor profiles.
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, Melted (can sub vegan butter): Butter is what takes these potatoes from good to extraordinary. It adds richness, flavor, and helps to create that beautiful golden brown crust. Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the dish. For a vegan option, high-quality vegan butter works wonderfully and will provide a similar richness and flavor. Make sure your butter is fully melted for easy brushing.
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped, plus more for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the butter and garlic. It also adds a pop of color to the finished dish. Italian flat-leaf parsley is generally preferred for its stronger flavor and sturdier leaves, but curly parsley will also work. Don’t skimp on the fresh parsley; it really elevates the flavor.
• 4 Garlic Cloves, Minced (or 1 tsp Garlic Powder): Garlic is a must-have in these potatoes, adding a savory, aromatic depth that complements the potatoes perfectly. Freshly minced garlic is always best for the most intense flavor, but if you’re short on time or don’t have fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder is a convenient substitute. If using fresh garlic, mince it finely to ensure it distributes evenly in the garlic butter mixture.
• 1 tsp Paprika (or Smoked Paprika): Paprika adds a subtle smoky sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the potatoes. Smoked paprika is particularly delicious, adding a deeper, more pronounced smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with potatoes and garlic. Regular paprika will also work if you don’t have smoked paprika on hand.
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt, plus more to taste: Salt is crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients and for seasoning the potatoes properly. Sea salt or kosher salt are preferred over table salt for their cleaner taste and larger crystals. Start with the recommended amount and then adjust to taste after the potatoes are cooked.
• 1/2 tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper, plus more to taste: Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper is always best for its brighter, more aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Optional Ingredients (for extra flair!):

• 2-3 Lemon Wedges (optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished potatoes adds a bright, citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter and enhances all the flavors. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference.
• 3 tbsp Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for garnish (optional): Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-richness that complements the potatoes and garlic beautifully. Freshly grated Parmesan is best for its superior flavor and texture. If you’re using Parmesan, add it to the garlic butter mixture before brushing it onto the potatoes, and then sprinkle more on top as a garnish after cooking for an extra cheesy touch. For a vegan version, nutritional yeast can be used to mimic a cheesy, umami flavor.

Instructions

Making Hasselback Waffle Potatoes is easier than you might think! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for both oven and air fryer methods:

Preparing the Potatoes (Crucial First Steps for Success):

1. Clean and Peel: Start by thoroughly cleaning the russet potatoes. Scrub them under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Peeling is optional, but for a more refined texture, peeling is recommended. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, ensuring you get all the eyes and blemishes.
2. Square Off the Ends: To create more uniform slices and a nicer presentation, cut off the ends of the potatoes to shape them into a square or rectangular prism. This also helps them sit more stably while you’re slicing. Don’t discard the ends; you can roast them alongside the waffle potatoes for extra crispy bites!
3. Slice Lengthwise: Cut each potato lengthwise into ½ – ¾ inch thick slices. This thickness is important for achieving the right balance of crispiness and tenderness. Thinner slices might become too crispy and dry, while thicker slices might not cook through evenly.
4. Create the Waffle Pattern (The Hasselback Technique with a Twist): This is where the magic happens!
   • Chopstick/Skewer Guide: Place a potato slice horizontally on your cutting board. Position a skewer or chopstick along each long side of the potato. These skewers act as guides to prevent you from cutting all the way through the potato.
   • Vertical Cuts: Using a sharp knife, make vertical cuts that are ¼ – ⅜ inches apart along the length of the potato slice. The skewers will stop your knife from cutting all the way through, ensuring the base remains intact.
   • Rotate and Grid Cut: Rotate the potato slice 90 degrees and make another set of cuts in the opposite direction, again using the skewers as guides and spacing the cuts ¼ -⅜ inches apart. This creates the waffle or grid pattern.
5. Cold Water Soak (Secret to Crispy Potatoes!): As you slice each potato, immediately place it in a bowl of cold water. This step is essential for two reasons:
   • Prevent Browning: Cold water helps to prevent the potatoes from oxidizing and turning brown while you’re preparing the rest.
   • Remove Excess Starch: Soaking in cold water helps to draw out excess starch from the potatoes. This is crucial for achieving crispy potatoes, as excess starch can lead to a gummy or mushy texture when cooked. Let the potatoes soak for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the garlic butter and preheat your oven or air fryer.
6. Prepare the Garlic Butter (Flavor Bomb!): While the potatoes are soaking, make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter (or vegan butter), olive oil (or avocado oil), minced garlic (or garlic powder), chopped fresh parsley, paprika (or smoked paprika), sea salt, and black pepper. If using Parmesan cheese, stir it in at this stage as well. Mix everything together until well combined. This aromatic mixture is what will infuse the potatoes with incredible flavor and help them crisp up beautifully.

To Make Hasselback Waffle Potatoes in the Oven (Classic Method):

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). High heat is necessary for achieving crispy potatoes in the oven.
2. Drain and Dry Potatoes: Remove the potato slices from the cold water and drain them thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much excess water as possible. This will help them crisp up in the oven rather than steam.
3. Brush with Garlic Butter (First Layer of Flavor): Place the sliced potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Generously brush both sides of each potato slice with the garlic-herb butter mixture, ensuring it gets into all the crevices of the waffle pattern. Reserve at least a third of the garlic butter sauce for basting later.
4. Bake, Flip, and Baste:
   • First Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Flip: After 25 minutes, carefully flip each potato slice using tongs or a spatula.
   • Second Baste: Brush the potatoes again with the remaining garlic butter sauce, ensuring you coat both sides well.
   • Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown, crispy around the edges, and tender in the center. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your potato slices.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are cooked through and crispy, remove them from the oven. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them (if using) and garnish generously with fresh parsley (and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!

To Make Hasselback Waffle Potatoes in the Air Fryer (Quick & Extra Crispy):

1. Prepare Potatoes and Garlic Butter: Follow steps 1-6 of the “Preparing the Potatoes” and “Prepare the Garlic Butter” sections above.
2. Brush with Garlic Butter (Air Fryer Prep): Brush both sides of each potato slice with the garlic-herb butter mixture, reserving at least a third of the sauce for basting.
3. Air Fry in a Single Layer (Crucial for Crispiness): Place the potato slices in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Do not overcrowd the basket or layer the potatoes on top of each other, as this will prevent them from crisping up properly. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Air Fry, Flip, and Baste:
   • First Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
   • Flip: After 15 minutes, carefully flip each potato slice using tongs.
   • Second Air Fry: Cook for another 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
   • Final Baste & Crisp: Flip the potatoes once more, brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter mixture, and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage to prevent burning, as air fryers can cook quickly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Squeeze lemon juice over them (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley (and Parmesan cheese, if desired). Serve immediately for the best crispy texture!

Nutrition Facts

Based on the recipe provided, here are the approximate nutrition facts per serving (assuming 4 servings):

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 365 kcal

Please note: These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, potato size, and portion sizes. For more precise nutritional information, you can use a nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

These Hasselback Waffle Potatoes are quick to prep and cook!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

This makes them a fantastic option for a weeknight side dish when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Hasselback Waffle Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• As a Side Dish:
  • Alongside Main Courses: Pair them with grilled chicken, steak, fish, burgers, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. They are a perfect complement to almost any main course.
  • BBQ Side: These are a fantastic alternative to traditional fries or potato salad at a barbecue or cookout.
  • Holiday Side: Elevate your holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter) by serving these as a sophisticated and flavorful potato side dish.
• As an Appetizer or Snack:
  • Dipping Sauces: Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like:
    • Classic Ketchup: A simple and always popular choice.
    • Garlic Aioli: For an extra garlicky kick.
    • Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy dip.
    • Ranch Dressing: A creamy and cool dipping option.
    • Blue Cheese Dressing: For a bolder flavor.
    • Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy.
  • Party Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other appetizers like cheese, charcuterie, and olives for a delicious and visually appealing spread.
• Loaded Potatoes (Make it a Meal!):
  • Cheese and Bacon: Top them with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and sour cream for a loaded potato experience.
  • Chili Cheese Fries: Drizzle with chili and melted cheese for a hearty and indulgent meal.
  • Mediterranean Style: Top with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Pulled Pork or BBQ Chicken: Load them up with pulled pork or BBQ chicken and coleslaw for a fun and flavorful meal.

Additional Tips for Perfect Hasselback Waffle Potatoes

To ensure your Hasselback Waffle Potatoes are a resounding success, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Use the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are truly the best choice for this recipe due to their starch content and texture. They will give you the crispiest exterior and fluffiest interior.
2. Don’t Skip the Cold Water Soak: Soaking the potato slices in cold water is not just to prevent browning; it’s crucial for removing excess starch, which is key to achieving crispy potatoes. Don’t skip this step!
3. Be Generous with the Garlic Butter: The garlic butter is the flavor bomb of this recipe, so don’t be shy with it! Make sure to brush it generously into all the cuts and crevices of the waffle pattern for maximum flavor and crispiness. Basting them halfway through and again towards the end ensures they are flavorful and moist throughout.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Oven or Air Fryer: Whether you’re baking or air frying, make sure to arrange the potato slices in a single layer. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of crisp, resulting in soggy potatoes. Cook in batches if necessary.
5. Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Oven and air fryer temperatures can vary, and the thickness of your potato slices will also affect cooking time. Keep an eye on the potatoes as they cook and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve that perfect golden brown and crispy texture. They are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and the edges are beautifully crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about making Hasselback Waffle Potatoes:

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: For the best crispy texture, it’s recommended to serve these potatoes immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the potato slices and garlic butter mixture ahead of time. Store the sliced potatoes in cold water in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. Keep the garlic butter at room temperature. When you’re ready to cook, proceed with the recipe instructions.

Q2: Can I use different herbs or spices?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Some delicious alternatives include:
* Rosemary and Thyme: For a more herbaceous and earthy flavor.
* Italian Seasoning: For an Italian-inspired twist.
* Cajun Seasoning: For a spicy kick.
* Onion Powder: To enhance the savory flavor.
* Dried Dill: Pairs well with potatoes and butter.

Q3: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes, these potatoes are easily made vegan! Simply substitute vegan butter for the unsalted butter. Ensure the vegan butter you choose is a good quality one that melts and behaves similarly to dairy butter. Omit the Parmesan cheese, or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.

Q4: My potatoes aren’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?
A: Several factors can contribute to soggy potatoes. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
* Ensure you are using Russet potatoes.
* Don’t skip the cold water soak.
* Dry the potatoes thoroughly before brushing with garlic butter.
* Make sure your oven or air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature.
* Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket.
* Consider increasing the cooking time slightly if needed.

Q5: Can I freeze leftover Hasselback Waffle Potatoes?
A: While you can technically freeze leftover cooked potatoes, they will lose some of their crispiness and texture upon thawing and reheating. For the best quality, it’s recommended to enjoy them fresh. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheat them in the oven or air fryer to try and crisp them up again, though they won’t be quite as perfect as freshly made.

Enjoy making and devouring these crispy, flavorful Hasselback Waffle Potato Fries! They are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

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