Hasselback Potato Gratin

Hasselback Potato Casserole offers a magnificent twist on the classic fanned baked potato, transforming it into an unforgettable side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This casserole promises a delightful textural contrast: incredibly creamy and tender on the inside, beautifully crisp and golden at the edges. It’s an effortless yet impressive potato recipe designed to feed a crowd with ease and elegance, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or a sophisticated brunch.

Elevate your meal with this spectacular and deeply satisfying potato casserole that redefines comfort food. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe provides a foolproof way to impress your guests and delight your palate.

Hasselback Potato Casserole Reinvented: A Modern Classic

For those familiar with the classic Hasselback potatoes, you know the magic: thinly sliced potatoes, fanned out, baked to achieve a creamy interior and wonderfully crisp exterior. Originating in Sweden, specifically at the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, this method brilliantly increases the surface area for seasoning, resulting in an explosion of flavor in every bite. However, preparing individual Hasselback potatoes for a large gathering can be a labor-intensive endeavor. This is where the Hasselback Potato Casserole shines, offering all the beloved textures and tastes of the original in a convenient, crowd-friendly format.

I once served this Hasselback Potato Casserole at a dinner club brunch, and it was an instant sensation. Every guest not only raved about the taste but also clamored for the recipe, especially upon learning how deceptively simple it was to create. It embodies the essence of elegant home cooking – a dish that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated but requires minimal fuss. It takes the individual effort out of fanning each potato and instead arranges them artfully in a dish, allowing them to bake together into a cohesive, flavorful masterpiece.

Why This Casserole Is A Must-Make for Your Next Meal

If your go-to potato menu typically revolves around basic baked or mashed potatoes, prepare to discover an exciting and truly delicious alternative with this Hasselback Potato Casserole. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings both visual appeal and exceptional flavor to your table.

• Effortless Elegance: This casserole offers a beautiful presentation without requiring intricate plating. The neatly arranged, thinly sliced potatoes create an attractive fanned pattern when baked, elevating the visual appeal of your meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for making a grand statement at holiday dinners or special occasions.
• Unforgettable Flavor and Texture: Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures – from the soft, creamy center of the potato slices to the irresistibly crisp, golden-brown edges. Infused with savory herbs and seasonings, the flavor profile is rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying, making it a standout dish that guests will remember.
• Incredible Versatility: This potato casserole pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses. Whether you’re serving grilled meats, succulent roasts, pan-seared fish, or a hearty vegetarian entrée, its robust flavor and comforting nature make it an ideal companion. It’s equally at home at a casual weeknight dinner as it is at a festive holiday feast.
• Perfect for Crowds: Unlike individual Hasselback potatoes which can be time-consuming to prepare in large quantities, this casserole format streamlines the process, allowing you to feed many people efficiently without compromising on quality or presentation. It’s a true hero for entertaining.

Ingredient Insights and Expert Tips for the Perfect Casserole

The inspiration for this hasselback potato casserole came from a fellow blogger’s creative approach, who experimented with a combination of Yukon Golds and sweet potatoes. While sweet potatoes add a beautiful color and a hint of sweetness, I opted for a purely savory version to cater to my husband’s preferences. You, however, have the freedom to customize and experiment to your heart’s content!

Achieving the perfect Hasselback Potato Casserole requires attention to a few key details. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully crispy on the outside, wonderfully tender within, and bursting with flavor.

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: For this recipe, Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended. Their waxy texture holds up well to slicing and baking, ensuring a creamy interior. Other good choices include Red Bliss or even Russet potatoes, though Russets might result in a slightly drier texture. Regardless of your choice, ensure they are firm and free of blemishes.
• Precision Slicing is Key: Consistent potato slice thickness is paramount for even cooking. For best results, use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniformly thin slices (aim for about 1/8 inch or 3-4 mm). If slicing by hand, take your time and try to maintain an even thickness for all slices. This ensures that every piece cooks through at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are perfectly tender.
• Preventing Oxidation: Potatoes oxidize quickly when exposed to air, turning an unappetizing gray. To avoid this, slice your potatoes just before you plan to assemble the casserole. If you must prep them ahead of time, immediately place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cool water. Submerging them prevents air from reaching the potato starch, keeping them fresh and vibrant. Drain thoroughly and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.
• Flavor Infusion and Seasoning: Tossing the thinly sliced potatoes and onions generously with olive oil ensures they cook evenly and helps achieve those desirable crispy edges. Beyond the olive oil, liberally season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and finely minced fresh rosemary. Remember, potatoes are notorious for being bland without adequate seasoning, so don’t be shy with the salt! However, taste as you go – over-salting is irreversible. Fresh herbs like rosemary impart an incredible aromatic depth that truly elevates this dish.
• Customizing Flavors: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to drizzle melted butter over the potatoes for added richness. Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme, sage, or parsley. For a pungent kick, add some minced garlic to the potato and onion mixture. To introduce a vibrant color and a hint of sweetness, alternate slices of Yukon Gold potatoes with thinly sliced sweet potatoes. Consider a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth.
• Assembling the Casserole: Arrange the seasoned potato slices upright in your prepared baking dish. The goal is for them to stand closely together, creating a beautiful fanned effect. Insert thinly sliced onions between some of the potato slices, allowing their flavors to meld during baking. Don’t be afraid to fill the dish snugly, as the potatoes will soften slightly during cooking.
• Checking for Doneness: The size of your baking dish and the precise thickness of your potato slices can affect baking time. To determine if the casserole is done, gently poke a potato slice with the tip of a knife or a fork. If it pierces easily with no resistance, the potatoes are tender. If you feel any firmness, cover the dish again and bake for another 15 minutes before rechecking. Ovens can vary significantly, so relying on visual cues and a quick test is always best. Uncovering for the final baking stage allows the top to crisp and brown beautifully.

This hasselback potato casserole is not just a dish; it’s a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It’s perfect for entertaining, a showstopper for the holidays, or even a comforting addition to weeknight dinners. The unanimous demand for the recipe from my dinner club friends was the highest endorsement I could ask for.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the classic Hasselback Potato Casserole is a masterpiece on its own, its simple foundation makes it ripe for creative variations. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to tailor the dish to your taste or the specific occasion.

Elevate Your Casserole with These Delicious Additions:

• Cheesy Goodness: For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle grated Parmesan, Gruyere, or sharp cheddar cheese between the potato layers during the last 15-20 minutes of baking, or after uncovering. The cheese will melt into a gooey, savory blanket over the crispy potatoes.
• Bacon Lover’s Dream: Cook and crumble some crispy bacon, then sprinkle it over the potatoes before baking, or stir it into the potato mixture for a smoky, salty kick.
• A Creamy Twist: Instead of solely olive oil, consider drizzling a mixture of heavy cream and melted butter over the potatoes before baking. This will result in an even richer, more decadent casserole with a velvety texture. Ensure the potatoes are still well-seasoned to balance the richness.
• Spice It Up: Introduce different spice blends such as a touch of cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or a blend of Italian herbs for a unique flavor profile. Smoked paprika can add warmth and a beautiful hue.
• Vegetable Medley: Beyond onions and optional sweet potatoes, consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms between the potato layers for added nutrients and flavor.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Casserole

The versatility of Hasselback Potato Casserole makes it an excellent companion to a wide range of main courses. Its comforting and robust flavors complement both light and hearty dishes.

• Roasts and Grilled Meats: This casserole is a natural fit for classic roasts such as beef tenderloin, pork loin, roasted chicken, or a festive turkey. Its crisp texture and savory notes perfectly balance rich meats. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled steaks, lamb chops, or flavorful sausages.
• Fish and Seafood: For a lighter meal, serve alongside baked salmon, pan-seared cod, or grilled shrimp. The herbal notes in the casserole can beautifully enhance delicate seafood flavors.
• Vegetarian Mains: This hearty potato dish can stand proudly next to a savory lentil loaf, a roasted vegetable tart, or substantial mushroom steaks, creating a fulfilling and balanced vegetarian meal.
• Brunch and Holiday Feasts: Its impressive presentation makes it ideal for holiday brunches or grand dinner spreads. Serve it alongside quiches, frittatas, glazed ham, or a festive roast for an unforgettable spread.

No matter how you choose to customize or serve it, the Hasselback Potato Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit, offering a delicious and memorable experience for all who gather around your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More Delicious Side Dishes

If you’ve enjoyed this unique potato casserole, you’ll love exploring other comforting and impressive side dishes from our collection. Expand your recipe repertoire and find new favorites to complement any meal.

• Classic Twice Baked Potatoes
• Luxuriously Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Irresistible Cheesy Potato Cups
• Browse more of my Best Side Dishes

The Recipe:

Hasselback Potato Casserole

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 30 minutes

Yield
6 servings

A delicious and impressive casserole version of the classic Hasselback potato, perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold (or similar waxy potato), peeled and sliced very thinly (approximately 1/8 inch thick). Adjust quantity based on your dish size.
• ½ medium onion, peeled and sliced very thinly.
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil, plus extra for greasing the pan.
• Kosher salt, to taste.
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
2. Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a standard loaf pan or a similar size baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
3. Season Potatoes and Onions: In one large bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with enough olive oil to lightly coat each slice evenly. In a separate, smaller bowl, toss the thinly sliced onions with a little olive oil.
4. Flavor the Potatoes: Season the coated potato slices generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the minced fresh rosemary. Ensure all slices are well-coated with the seasonings for maximum flavor.
5. Assemble Casserole: Carefully arrange the seasoned potato slices upright in the prepared baking dish. Pack them snugly so they stand firm, creating the signature fanned look. Artfully insert the thinly sliced onion pieces between some of the potato slices. Sprinkle with a final touch of salt if desired.
6. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. This initial covered baking ensures the potatoes cook through and become tender. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and deliciously tender. If they’re not quite tender, continue baking uncovered for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
7. Serve: Serve the Hasselback Potato Casserole hot, directly from the oven, or at room temperature. It’s delightful either way!

Notes

Potatoes require generous seasoning, especially salt, to truly bring out their flavor. Taste and adjust as needed, but remember it’s easier to add more salt than to remove it. For prep-ahead convenience, slice potatoes and store them submerged in cold water to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry thoroughly before seasoning and assembling.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 205
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 113mg
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 4g

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Recipe adapted from my friend Laura’s blog, Every Mother Would Know.