Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes

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### 👩‍🍳 How to Make Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes:

**1. Preheat Your Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and become beautifully crispy.

**2. Prep the Potatoes:**
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

To make the Hasselback slices, place each potato between two chopsticks or the edges of a wooden spoon (this prevents you from slicing all the way through). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the potato into thin, even slices, being careful not to cut all the way through. Leave about 1/4 inch at the bottom of the potato so it stays in one piece.

**3. Season and Coat:**
Place the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the potatoes generously with olive oil or melted butter, making sure to get the oil in between the slices. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

**4. Bake the Potatoes:**
Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about **45-50 minutes**, or until the potato is tender on the inside and the edges are crispy and golden. Halfway through, you can brush the potatoes with more butter or oil to enhance the crispiness.

**5. Add the Cheese:**
Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return them to the oven for an additional **5-7 minutes** or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**
Once the cheesy Hasselback potatoes are out of the oven, top them with your favorite garnishes. A dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh herbs, and crispy bacon bits add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.

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### 🍽️ Perfect Pairings:

Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. Here are a few ideas for what to serve them with:

– **Grilled Steak or Chicken:** The rich, cheesy potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or even pork chops.
– **Roasted Vegetables:** Pair with roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced, flavorful meal.
– **Salads:** A light, refreshing salad with greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the cheesy potatoes.

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### ✨ Variations & Tips:

– **Herb Infused:** Add some fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, between the slices of the potatoes before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
– **Bacon Lovers:** For a savory crunch, add crispy bacon bits between the layers of potato before baking, and garnish with more bacon after they’re out of the oven.
– **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese—Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack—each adding a unique flavor to the dish.
– **Make It Spicy:** Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce over the cheese for a little heat!

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### 🥄 Final Thoughts:

**Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes** are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. They’re an impressive yet easy-to-make side dish that will elevate any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration. With the perfect balance of tender potato, crispy edges, and gooey cheese, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!

So, next time you’re craving something cheesy and indulgent, try out this recipe and enjoy the delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness of **Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes**!

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Looking for more fun and creative ways to cook potatoes? I’d be happy to share some more delicious ideas! Just let me know.