Description
The classic Swedish oven baked potato recipe – Hasselback Potatoes – is as elegant as it is comforting. From NORTH – Scandinavianish Cooking, a cookbook from Kalle Bergman.
Ingredients
2 lbs (900 g) medium-sized potatoes
1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
2 sprigs fresh rosemary or sage (optional)
1 stick (113 g) unsalted organic butter
1 tbsp (15 g) salt flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and wash the potatoes thoroughly. Once cleaned, gently slice into each potato at intervals of about 1/5 inch (0.5 cm). Be careful not to cut completely through the potato; you want the slices to remain connected at the bottom.
3. First Bake: Place the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet. Top each potato with a small knob of butter, placing it directly into the sliced gaps. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the potatoes begin to soften and the slices start to fan out.
4. Add Toppings: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Sprinkle each one with breadcrumbs and salt flakes. If you choose to use rosemary or sage, sprinkle the herbs over the potatoes as well. This step is optional, and you can omit the herbs if you prefer a more traditional recipe.
5. Second Bake: Top each potato with another small knob of butter, making sure to add it to the gaps between the slices. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes, until they are golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. For an extra crispy exterior, switch the oven to broil for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve: Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite meal.
Notes
- Potato Selection: Medium-sized potatoes work best for this recipe. They cook evenly and achieve the perfect balance between crispy outside and soft inside.
- Slicing Tip: To ensure you don’t cut through the potato, place a wooden spoon handle or chopstick on either side of the potato as you slice. This will act as a guide to prevent the knife from going all the way through.
- Herb Variation: While rosemary or sage is optional, they add a nice aromatic touch. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley for different flavors.
- Crispy Exterior: If you love extra crispy potatoes, be sure to broil them for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg