Imagine a world where crispy meets creamy, with a dash of fiery goodness—sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Ultimate Buffalo Hasselback Potatoes recipe. It’s like a spicy hug for your taste buds, perfect for those nights when you crave something comforting yet adventurous.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure each potato lies flat and stable by slicing off a thin piece from the bottom if necessary.
- Using a sharp paring knife, cut vertical slits into the potatoes about 3mm apart, going three-quarters deep without cutting all the way through. Keep the cuts as even as possible, and if a piece falls off, squeeze it back together.
- Brush each potato generously with melted butter or olive oil, making sure to get some into the slits. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, then place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the potatoes for 60-70 minutes, occasionally basting with the butter collected on the baking sheet. They are done when the centers are soft and the edges are crispy and slightly wilted.
- As the potatoes bake, combine the hot sauce with an extra tablespoon of melted butter to create buffalo sauce.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, take them out of the oven and immediately sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle them with the buffalo sauce, and garnish with crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions. Serve right away.
Ingredients
- 4 baking potatoes (e.g., Russet), thoroughly cleaned
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
- 1 additional tablespoon melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup finely sliced green onions
FAQ
- What is the best way to slice Hasselback potatoes?
- To slice Hasselback potatoes, ensure they are stable and not wobbling. If needed, trim a small slice from the bottom. Use a sharp paring knife to make vertical cuts along each potato, about 3mm apart, going 3/4 of the way down. It’s okay if you accidentally cut through a slice; you can just press it back together.
- How do you prevent the potatoes from drying out during baking?
- To keep the potatoes from drying out, brush them generously with melted butter or olive oil before baking. Re-baste them with the butter collected at the bottom of the baking sheet 2-3 times during the cooking process.
- Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use different types of potatoes such as Yukon or red potatoes. Using smaller varieties can turn them into bite-sized appetizers, perfect for serving as snacks.
- What toppings can be added to Buffalo Hasselback Potatoes?
- In addition to cheddar and blue cheese, you can enhance the dish with toppings like sliced green onions, crispy bacon, or even buffalo chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
- How can I make the buffalo sauce for this recipe?
- To prepare the buffalo sauce, whisk together 4 tablespoons of hot sauce with an additional tablespoon of melted butter. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference when drizzling over the cooked potatoes.
Tips
- Ensure Stability: Before slicing, make sure each potato is stable by cutting a thin slice off the bottom to create a flat surface. This will prevent them from rolling around while you make the cuts.
- Efficient Slicing: Use a sharp paring knife to make evenly spaced vertical cuts about 3mm apart, going nearly to the bottom without cutting through. If a slice falls off, simply press it back in place.
- Baste for Crispiness: During baking, reapply the melted butter (or olive oil) 2-3 times to the potatoes. This helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.
- Customize Toppings: While the recipe suggests cheddar and blue cheese, feel free to add toppings like crispy bacon or buffalo chicken for extra flavor and texture.
Equipment
- Sharp Paring Knife – Essential for making precise vertical cuts in the potatoes.
- Aluminum Foil – For covering the baking sheet.
- Baking Sheet – Required for baking the potatoes.
- Pastry Brush – Useful for brushing melted butter or olive oil on the potatoes.
- Whisk – To mix the hot sauce and melted butter together for the buffalo sauce.
