Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it steals the spotlight from the main course - welcome to the world of Parmesan Hasselback Potato Casserole! This isn't just another potato recipe; it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms humble potatoes into a crispy, cheesy, mouthwatering sensation that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. With its stunning fan-like appearance and layers of melted Parmesan goodness, this dish is about to become your new go-to recipe for impressing family and friends.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Thoroughly wash and dry the potatoes, ensuring no dirt remains.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully make thin, parallel cuts across each potato, slicing about 3/4 of the way through but keeping the bottom intact. Space cuts approximately 1/8 inch apart to create the classic hasselback fan-like appearance.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a small amount of the melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring they are spread evenly and not overcrowded.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to create a seasoned butter mixture.
- Carefully drizzle the seasoned butter between the potato slices, ensuring it penetrates deeply and coats each cut surface.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the potatoes, allowing the cheese to fall between the slices.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to ensure potatoes become tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the edges become crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the potatoes to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves just before serving for added aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, ensuring each portion includes crispy, cheese-covered potato slices.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Use medium-sized potatoes with a uniform shape for the most consistent hasselback cuts.
- Knife technique matters: Use a sharp knife and place chopsticks on either side of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through.
- Butter distribution is key: Take your time drizzling the seasoned butter between potato slices to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
- Don't skip the resting time: Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the potatoes set and makes serving easier.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: The fresh thyme isn't just for looks - it adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Watch the browning: Keep an eye on the potatoes during the uncovered baking phase to prevent burning while achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
