There’s a certain joy that comes from transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and that’s exactly what these Accordion Potatoes deliver. When I first tried my hand at this elegant yet surprisingly easy dish, I was enchanted by the way the crispy edges contrasted with the tender insides. The buttery goodness infused with fragrant herbs and spices creates a flavor profile that’s sure to make it the star of your dinner table.
As the aroma of roasted garlic and rosemary fills your kitchen, you’ll find that the process of preparing these crispy hasselback-style potatoes is as delightful as the end result. Whether you’re hosting friends for a cozy gathering or simply looking to elevate your weeknight meals, these Accordion Potatoes are not just a side dish; they’re a showstopper. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the recipe that will turn your potatoes into a feast for both the eyes and the palate!
Why Are Accordion Potatoes So Irresistible?
Flavor Explosion: The mix of butter, olive oil, and fresh herbs creates a tantalizing taste that elevates the simplest potato to gourmet status.
Visual Appeal: Their unique accordion shape makes for a beautiful presentation, sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can enjoy crispy edges and tender centers without complicated techniques.
Versatile Side: Great for any occasion, these potatoes pair beautifully with meats, veggies, or as a standalone treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: Be assured—everyone will be coming back for seconds (or thirds) once they taste these deliciously perfect potatoes!
Accordion Potatoes Ingredients
Ready to make these delightful accordion potatoes and impress your loved ones? Here’s what you’ll need!
For the Flavor Base
- Unsalted butter – This rich ingredient ensures a beautifully golden crust and enhances the flavor.
- Olive oil – Adds a hint of fruity flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up perfectly.
- Fine sea salt – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes.
- Freshly cracked black pepper – Provides a little kick that pairs wonderfully with the buttery goodness.
- Smoked paprika – A touch of this spice adds warmth and a subtle smoky depth to the dish.
For the Aromatic Blend
- Fresh rosemary – Finely minced, it infuses the potatoes with an aromatic and earthy note.
- Oregano – Brings a slightly sweet and savory flavor that complements the rosemary perfectly.
- Garlic – Grated or finely minced, it adds a deliciously pungent aroma that elevates your accordion potatoes to another level.
For the Potatoes
- Yukon gold potatoes – Their creamy texture makes them ideal for achieving that delightful contrast between crispy edges and tender insides.
For Serving
- Flaky sea salt – A sprinkle adds a delightful crunch and enhances every bite.
- Fresh herbs – Use them as a colorful garnish that brightens both the dish and your table.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to turn your ordinary potatoes into a memorable feast!
How to Make Accordion Potatoes
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F and prepare your baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. This will help achieve that golden, crispy texture we all love.
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Mix the flavor base: In a small bowl, blend together the melted butter, olive oil, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, minced rosemary, oregano, and grated garlic. This aromatic mixture will infuse the potatoes with delightful flavors.
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Prep the potatoes: Peel the Yukon gold potatoes and carefully slice off the tips, creating a rectangle or square shape. Then, cut the potatoes into 1/3-inch thick slices, ensuring they’re nice and even for even cooking.
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Create the accordion effect: Position each potato slice between two chopsticks or skewers. Slice horizontally through the potato, making close cuts—about 10 slices every inch. Flip the potato and repeat diagonally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
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Brush and bake: Arrange the potato slices on your prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the butter mixture. Bake for 20 minutes; then flip the potatoes and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes until crispy and beautifully blackened at the edges.
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Garnish and serve: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before sprinkling them with fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, tender flavor explosion!
Optional: For an extra touch, drizzle some balsamic reduction over the potatoes before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crispy Hasselback Potatoes?
Elevate your meal experience by pairing these beautifully crispy potatoes with delicious accompaniments that enhance their flavor and texture.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smokey, and tender chicken provides a satisfying contrast to the crispy potatoes, making for a well-rounded meal.
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Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens, colorful veggies, and a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing palate cleanser and balance to the rich flavors of the potatoes.
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Roasted Veggies: Caramelized seasonal vegetables like carrots and bell peppers add sweetness and color, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor palette.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw introduces a delightful contrast in texture while complementing the savory herbs of the potatoes beautifully.
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Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine enhances the meal experience, bringing out the earthy notes of the rosemary and garlic in the potatoes.
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Tzatziki Sauce: This cool and creamy yogurt sauce adds an unexpected burst of freshness that perfectly complements the crispy texture of the potatoes.
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Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty baguettes or artisan bread to soak up every drop of flavor from the accompanying dishes while adding a comforting touch.
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Dessert Bars: Finish with a sweet note by serving lemon or chocolate dessert bars, counterbalancing the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
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Herb Butter: A dollop of herb-infused butter melts over the warm potatoes, intensifying their savory flavor while adding a touch of decadence.
Accordion Potatoes Variations
Feel free to explore different twists on these accordion potatoes that will delight your taste buds in new ways!
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Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil for a delicious vegan-friendly side.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a warm, spicy flavor that elevates every bite.
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Cheesy Delight: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated parmesan or cheddar cheese over the potatoes halfway through baking for a mouthwatering melted topping.
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Herb Medley: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or basil to give these potatoes a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
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Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the finished potatoes for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
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Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic to 4 cloves or add roasted garlic for an even richer garlic flavor that will make your heart sing.
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Citrus Zest: Add a bit of lemon or lime zest to the butter mixture for a refreshing twist that brightens up the overall flavor.
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Loaded Style: Top your accordion potatoes with sour cream, chives, and crispy bacon bits to transform them into a loaded potato delight that’s sure to impress.
Expert Tips for Accordion Potatoes
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Slice Carefully: Make sure your cuts are even and about 1/3 inch apart to ensure the potatoes cook uniformly and achieve that signature accordion effect.
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Use Chopsticks: This handy trick prevents you from cutting all the way through the potatoes, ensuring they hold their shape and get crispy on the edges.
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Flavor Infusion: Don’t skip brushing the butter mixture generously on the potatoes. This step is crucial for achieving those amazing flavors in your accordion potatoes.
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Watch the Time: Keep an eye on the baking time, as each oven varies. You want them crispy but not burnt, so check after 20 minutes and adjust as needed.
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Garnish for Wow Factor: Always finish with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs to elevate the presentation and flavor. It makes all the difference!
Make Ahead Options
These Accordion Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor their deliciousness even on your busiest days! You can slice and prepare the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Simply peel and cut the potatoes as instructed, then store them submerged in cold water to prevent browning. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just drain, pat dry, and proceed with brushing on the flavorful butter mixture before placing them in the oven. This way, you’ll enjoy that restaurant-quality crispy texture with minimal effort and still have time to tackle everything else on your to-do list!
How to Store and Freeze Accordion Potatoes
Room Temperature: If you’re enjoying your accordion potatoes immediately, they can be left out for up to 2 hours before needing to be stored.
Fridge: Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, place fully cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them again, reheat your accordion potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, ensuring they regain their crispy edges.
Accordion Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for accordion potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon gold potatoes are my top pick for this recipe. They have a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy edges. Their naturally buttery taste enhances the overall flavor, making them the perfect choice for these accordion potatoes.
How should I store leftover accordion potatoes?
After your meal, allow the leftover accordion potatoes to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll still taste delicious, and you can easily reheat them for a quick snack!
Can I freeze accordion potatoes for later?
Yes, you can! To freeze, first cool the fully baked accordion potatoes completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
What if my potatoes aren’t crispy enough?
Very! If your potatoes don’t reach that desired crispiness, a couple of tweaks can help. Make sure you’re brushing them well with the flavored butter mixture and consider increasing the oven temperature to 450°F during the last few minutes of baking. Also, allow enough space between the potatoes on the baking sheet—overcrowding will result in soggy potatoes!
Are accordion potatoes suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! These accordion potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them a great side dish for anyone following a gluten-free diet. However, always check the labels of any seasoning blends you use to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Enjoy these scrumptious potatoes without worry!
How do I ensure even cooking for my accordion potatoes?
To achieve that perfect cook, slice your potatoes evenly into 1/3-inch slices, and make sure your cuts are closely spaced (about 10 per inch). A great tip is to use chopsticks as a cutting guide—they prevent you from slicing all the way through, ensuring a beautiful accordion effect while promoting even cooking. If you focus on these details, your potatoes will turn out perfectly every time!
Savory Accordion Potatoes That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F and prepare your baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
- Mix the flavor base: In a small bowl, blend together the melted butter, olive oil, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, minced rosemary, oregano, and grated garlic.
- Prep the potatoes: Peel the Yukon gold potatoes and carefully slice off the tips, creating a rectangle or square shape. Then, cut the potatoes into 1/3-inch thick slices.
- Create the accordion effect: Position each potato slice between two chopsticks or skewers. Slice horizontally through the potato, making close cuts—about 10 slices every inch. Flip the potato and repeat diagonally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Brush and bake: Arrange the potato slices on your prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the butter mixture. Bake for 20 minutes; then flip the potatoes and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes until crispy and beautifully blackened at the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before sprinkling them with fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, tender flavor explosion!