Creamy Hasselback Bacon Potato Bake: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

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If you’re searching for a show-stopping side dish or a hearty main course that combines rich, savory flavors with a stunning presentation, look no further than this Creamy Hasselback Bacon Potato Bake. This recipe takes the classic Hasselback potato technique—slicing potatoes thinly to create a fan-like effect—and elevates it with crispy bacon, a luscious cream sauce infused with French onion soup mix, and a golden blanket of melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests, this dish is as delicious as it is beautiful. Let’s dive into this indulgent, comforting recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Hasselback potato, originally a Swedish creation, is known for its accordion-like slices that create a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior. In this recipe, we’ve taken it up a notch by infusing the potatoes with the bold, savory flavors of French onion soup mix, smoky bacon, and a creamy, cheesy topping. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor, with every bite offering a perfect balance of textures—crisp potato edges, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to add a crowd-pleaser to their repertoire.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 4 large russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold, for a creamier texture), scrubbed clean
• 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix (store-bought or homemade for a personal touch)
• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, if desired)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar for bold flavor or gruyère for a nutty, sophisticated twist)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a handful of chopped green onions for extra flavor

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife or Hasselback potato slicing guide
• Baking dish (9×13-inch works well)
• Pastry brush (for applying butter)
• Aluminum foil
• Cutting board
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. While the oven heats, wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, as the skins will be left on for added texture and flavor. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. To create the Hasselback effect, place each potato on a cutting board and make thin slices (about 1/8-inch thick) across the top, stopping about 1/4-inch from the bottom to keep the potato intact. A helpful tip for beginners: place two wooden spoons or chopsticks on either side of the potato to act as a guide, preventing you from slicing all the way through.
2. Season and Butter the Potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they sit snugly in a single layer. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the potatoes with the melted butter, making sure to get some butter between the slices for extra crispiness. Sprinkle the French onion soup mix evenly over the potatoes, allowing the savory, oniony seasoning to settle into the crevices. For an extra flavor boost, you can add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper at this stage, though the soup mix already provides plenty of seasoning.
3. Add the Creamy Base: Pour the heavy cream over the potatoes, tilting the baking dish slightly to ensure the cream seeps between the slices and coats the potatoes evenly. This step is key to achieving the dish’s signature creamy texture, as the cream mingles with the onion seasoning to create a rich, velvety sauce. The cream also helps keep the potatoes tender as they bake.
4. Incorporate the Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon generously over the potatoes, making sure some pieces tuck into the slices for bursts of smoky flavor in every bite. If you haven’t cooked your bacon yet, simply fry the strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels before crumbling. For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based bacon alternative.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and help the potatoes cook evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are nearly tender when pierced with a fork. The foil ensures the potatoes soak up the cream and seasonings while staying moist.
6. Add the Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the potatoes. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve the potatoes warm, either as a decadent side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables, or as a main course with a crisp green salad.

Tips for Success

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, which creates a fluffy interior and crispy edges. Yukon Gold potatoes work well too, offering a slightly creamier consistency.
• Hasselback Slicing Hack: If you’re worried about slicing too deeply, try using a sharp knife and take your time, or invest in a Hasselback potato slicer for consistent results.
• Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings, such as a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne for heat, or garlic powder for extra depth. You can also swap the cheese for your favorite variety—mozzarella for stretchy goodness or parmesan for a sharp, nutty kick.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the potatoes up to the point of adding the cream and bacon, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pour in the cream and proceed with the recipe as written.

Serving Suggestions

This Hasselback Bacon Potato Bake pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a juicy grilled steak, roasted chicken, or pan-seared salmon for a hearty meal. For a vegetarian feast, pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh arugula salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The dish’s rich flavors also make it a fantastic addition to holiday spreads, complementing classics like turkey, ham, or prime rib.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the texture may not be as crispy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 450-500
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 12g
• Note: Nutritional values vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Hasselback Bacon Potato Bake is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. The combination of tender potatoes, savory bacon, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s indulgent yet approachable, with a presentation that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Try this recipe today and share your creations with us! Tag your photos on social media or leave a comment below to let us know how your Creamy Hasselback Bacon Potato Bake turned out. Happy cooking!

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