A Little Help From Chopsticks

I first saw these fancy potatoes years ago. A friend made them for a party. I thought they looked so hard to make. I was a little nervous to try.

But then she showed me her trick. She used two chopsticks! You place a potato between them. When you slice down, the chopsticks stop your knife. It keeps the bottom of the potato connected. I still laugh at how simple it is.

Why This Recipe Matters

This dish is more than just food. It turns a simple potato into something special. It shows you care without spending a lot of money.

That is my first “why this matters” for you. Cooking with love is a gift. It does not need to be fancy or expensive. It just needs to be made with a happy heart.

The Magic of Butter and Cheese

Let’s talk about the good stuff. You brush melted butter all over the potato. You get it in between all those little slices. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Then you roll it in parmesan and spices. The cheese gets crispy in the oven. The inside stays soft and fluffy. It is the best of both worlds. What is your favorite type of cheese to cook with?

A Fun Fact to Share

Fun fact: These potatoes are called “Hasselback” potatoes. They are named after a restaurant in Sweden. The restaurant was called Hasselbacken. I love knowing the stories behind food names.

This is my second “why this matters.” Food connects us to the whole world. You can make a Swedish dish right in your own kitchen. It is like taking a tiny trip without leaving home.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

This recipe is very forgiving. If your slices are not perfect, that is okay. They will still taste wonderful. The potato wants to be delicious for you.

Will you be using your oven or an air fryer? I have tried both. The air fryer makes them extra crispy. I would love to hear how yours turn out. What will you serve them with?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Russet potatoes	4 large	rinsed, patted dry
Unsalted butter, melted	6 tablespoons
Parmesan cheese, finely grated	1 cup (100 g)
Paprika	1 tablespoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon

My Fancy (But Easy!) Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes

Oh, these potatoes are such a treat. They look like a fancy restaurant made them. But I promise, they are so simple. My grandson calls them “hedgehog potatoes” because of all the little slices. I still laugh at that. The best part is the crispy, cheesy edges. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: First, get your potatoes nice and dry. Then, the trick is to use two chopsticks. Place one potato between them on your cutting board. The chopsticks will stop your knife from cutting all the way through. (This is my hard-learned tip! I once cut a potato clean in half. What a mess that was.)

Step 2: Now, make thin slices across the potato. You will hit the chopsticks each time. It’s like making a little accordion. Brush the melted butter all over the potato. Try to get some between the slices. This makes them so rich and golden.

Step 3: Mix your parmesan and spices in a bowl. Roll each buttered potato in this yummy mix. Really press the seasoning into all those little cracks. This is where the magic happens. What’s your favorite cheese to cook with? Share below!

Step 4: Bake them until they are tender and crispy. The edges will get all brown and delightful. You can also use an air fryer. It makes them extra crunchy. Let them rest for just a minute before serving.

Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish

Three Fun Twists to Try

I love this recipe because you can change it up. It’s fun to play with your food sometimes. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried in my own kitchen. They always make dinner feel new and exciting.

BBQ Bacon: Swap the parmesan for cheddar. Add a sprinkle of cooked, crumbled bacon. Brush with a little BBQ sauce before baking. So smoky and good!

Everything Bagel: Use everything bagel seasoning instead of the spice mix. It’s so full of flavor. My neighbor gave me this idea. We love it.

Pizza Party: Tuck tiny slices of pepperoni between the slits. Use mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of marinara. It’s like a potato pizza!

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Plate for Your Potatoes

These potatoes are the star of the show. I like to serve them with something simple. A juicy roasted chicken is my go-to. A crisp green salad also pairs beautifully. It balances the richness. For a garnish, a little chopped parsley makes everything pop.

For a drink, a cold glass of lemonade is perfect. It’s so refreshing. For the grown-ups, a chilled glass of Chardonnay is lovely. It sips nicely with the garlic and cheese. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Tasty Potatoes Fresh

These potatoes are best fresh from the oven. But you can save them for later. Let them cool completely first. Then, put them in a container in the fridge. They will be good for three days.

You can freeze them too. I wrap each potato tightly. I use foil and then a freezer bag. My first time, I just used a bowl. The potatoes got freezer burn. Now I know to wrap them tight.

To reheat, use your oven or air fryer. This keeps them crispy. The microwave makes them soft. Reheat at 350°F until warm. Batch cooking saves you time on a busy night. It makes a weeknight feel special. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Potato Problems

Sometimes, you might cut all the way through the potato. Do not worry. The chopstick trick helps prevent this. Place a chopstick on each side of the potato. Your knife will stop at the chopsticks.

I remember when my slices stuck together. They did not get crispy. Now I brush the butter carefully between each slit. This helps the seasoning get in too. Good flavor needs to reach every part.

If your potatoes are not tender, bake them longer. Ovens can be different. This matters for a perfect texture. A crispy outside and soft inside is the goal. Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Potato Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just check your parmesan cheese label to be sure.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: You can prep them a few hours early. Keep them in the fridge until baking.

Q: What if I do not have paprika? A: You can use smoked paprika for a different taste. Or just leave it out.

Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Of course! Just use a bigger baking dish. You may need more time in the oven.

Q: Any optional tips? A: A little chopped parsley on top looks pretty. Fun fact: This dish is named after a restaurant in Sweden! Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making these potatoes. They always make my kitchen smell wonderful. I feel so happy sharing this recipe with you. Food is a way to show people you care.

I would love to see your creation. Your photos make my day. Please share them with me online. It is like we are cooking together. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Grace Ellington.