I love making hasselback potatoes as a side because they’re one of those dishes that looks really fancy, but in fact isn’t complicated at all! They often make the holiday table instead of mashed potatoes, and these microwave hasselback potatoes make the cooking even quicker!
Hasselback potatoes are just normal potatoes that have slices cut into them horizontally. Between the slices, you can stuff all sorts of seasonings, herbs, or even cheese! You can even make sweet versions with cinnamon, sugar, and sweet potatoes.
More surface area with all the slices means more flavor! They’re sure to please, from your holiday table to just a normal meal. The microwave makes hasselback potatoes so easy to make, cutting cooking time in half (or more) compared to the oven or air fryer.
Of course, I still love making them in the air fryer because of the nice crispy edges you get (something I do sometimes miss in the microwave, despite the speed and convenience).
You can also use 2 larger baking potatoes if preferred. I have Idaho potatoes, but you can also use Russett, Yukon Gold, or even sweet potatoes!
The olive oil can be swapped for butter, if preferred
All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omitting if desired. This is a simple recipe that pairs with a variety of dishes, but you can swap up the herbs and seasonings as you like
Finishing touch options could include chopped chives or green onions, sour cream or Greek yogurt, cooked diced bacon, cheese sauce, or any other fresh herbs you like!
Step By Step Instructions
Slice your potatoes widthwise into thin (about ⅛” to ¼” thick) slices, without cutting through the bottom (leave about ¼” intact at the base so they hold together). Pro tip: use chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to form a guide from cutting too deep
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with all of the seasonings, except the parmesan cheese and parsley
Brush half of the oil mixture over the potatoes, trying to get between the slices as much as possible without forcing the slices open (as this will crack them)
Place potatoes onto a microwave safe plate or baking dish, and cook on high for 4 minutes
After 4 minutes, brush with the remaining half of the oil mixture, which should be easier to get between the slices as they have softened slightly
Cook an additional 4 minutes on high, or until the potatoes are fork tender (the time will vary slightly based on the size of your potatoes and the wattage of your microwave)
Top with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, then serve!
Can I Use Different Potato Types for Making Hasselback Potatoes in the Microwave?
Yes, you can use various types like Idaho, Russet, Yukon Gold, or even sweet potatoes, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Red potatoes are also alright, but tend to take longer to cook, so I generally avoid them for this recipe.
How Do I Prepare the Potatoes for the Hasselback Cut?
Wash the potatoes thoroughly, pat them dry, and make thin slices without cutting all the way through.
Use chopsticks or wooden spoon handles on either side of the potato to act as a guideline, making it easier to avoid accidentally cutting through.
What Seasonings Work Best for Microwave Hasselback Potatoes?
Popular choices include garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, or a blend of spices that suit your taste preferences.
Alternatively, you can go for a sweet option with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon or other warm spices.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Hasselback Potatoes in the Microwave?
Generally, it takes about 8-12 minutes to cook hasselback potatoes in the microwave.
The time can vary slightly depending on the potato variety and size, as well as your microwave’s wattage.
Can I Add Cheese or Other Toppings While Cooking the Hasselback Potatoes?
Yes, you can add cheese, butter, or herbs during the cooking process or after it’s partially cooked, for added flavor.
Fresh herbs can be added to the top after cooking, and grated or shredded cheeses should melt with the residual heat from cooking without needing additional time.
Is It Necessary to Cover the Potatoes While Microwaving?
No, it is not necessary to cover the potatoes while microwaving. They don’t tend to splatter very much.
However, you can add a vented lid over top of them, if preferred.
How Crispy Do Microwave Hasselback Potatoes Get?
Microwave hasselback potatoes do not get crispy, but rather offer a soft, steamed interior and firm skin. They are more akin to a baked potato in texture.
For crispy hasselbacks, you’d have to cook in either the oven or air fryer to achieve that texture.
Can I Make a Large Batch of These Potatoes at Once?
You can make as many potatoes at once as fit comfortably on a plate in your microwave. Each potato should have some space around it to allow for more even cooking.
Feel free to cook in multiple batches if needed to make even more. With cooking times under 10 minutes, it’s easy to make a few batches for a larger crowd.
How Do I Check If the Potatoes Are Cooked Thoroughly?
Insert a fork near the center of the potato; if it slides easily through the slices, the potatoes are cooked.
I usually gently peel the central slices apart and stick the fork inside, rather than down through the top, to preserve appearance.
Can You Microwave Raw Cut Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can microwave raw cut potatoes for recipes like these hasselback style potatoes.
If it makes it easier for you, you can cook them for a few minutes to slightly soften the potatoes and then cut them. Return to the microwave and finish cooking as normal.
Recipe Pro Tips
My potatoes were approximately 4” long and 2” wide and cooked in a 1000W microwave. They were perfect after 8 minutes total, but other varieties and sizes of potato and wattages of microwave may vary slightly!
If you have a difficult time cutting raw potatoes, you can always cook them for the first 4 minutes, then slice and season them, and then finish cooking. I sometimes do this with sweet potatoes, as I find them tougher than regular baking potatoes
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the potatoes for 3-4 months for longer term storage, but do so without toppings on them (add later, once you reheat)!
To reheat, microwave your hasselback potato for about 1 minute on high, or until warmed through the center. The exact time will vary based on the size of the potato and the microwave wattage
If you’re looking for a quick yet elegant side dish for your dinner table, then you’ll love these microwave hasselback potatoes! With an average cooking time under 10 minutes, they’re ready in no time, with the added bonus of not heating up your house!
Season them with your favorite herbs and spices to compliment your meal or top them with a variety of toppings, much like you would a baked potato. If you add something like chili, you can even make a meal out of these!
Otherwise, they’re a great side dish for any meal, but pretty enough to show up on the Thanksgiving or holiday table. If you’re ready to change up the old mashed potatoes for something new, give them a shot!
Don’t want to do the slicing yourself? Check out my recipe for Trader Joe’s Hasselback Potatoes in the Air Fryer!
Quick Microwave Hasselback Potatoes
These quick microwave hasselback potatoes cook in under 10 minutes for an easy yet stunning side dish. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, holidays, and anytime!
Slice your potatoes widthwise into thin (about ⅛” to ¼” thick) slices, without cutting through the bottom (leave about ¼” intact at the base so they hold together). Pro tip: use chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to form a guide from cutting too deep
4 Small potatoes
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with all of the seasonings, except the parmesan cheese and parsley
1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ Tsp salt, ¼ Tsp black pepper, ½ Tsp garlic powder, ½ Tsp onion powder, ½ Tsp paprika
Brush half of the oil mixture over the potatoes, trying to get between the slices as much as possible without forcing the slices open (as this will crack them)
Place potatoes onto a microwave safe plate or baking dish, and cook on high for 4 minutes
After 4 minutes, brush with the remaining half of the oil mixture, which should be easier to get between the slices as they have softened slightly
Cook an additional 4 minutes on high, or until the potatoes are fork tender (the time will vary slightly based on the size of your potatoes and the wattage of your microwave)
Top with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, then serve!
You can also use 2 larger baking potatoes if preferred. I have Idaho potatoes, but you can also use Russett, Yukon Gold, or even sweet potatoes!
The olive oil can be swapped for butter, if preferred
All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omitting if desired. This is a simple recipe that pairs with a variety of dishes, but you can swap up the herbs and seasonings as you like
Finishing touch options could include chopped chives or green onions, sour cream or Greek yogurt, cooked diced bacon, cheese sauce, or any other fresh herbs!
My potatoes were approximately 4” long and 2” wide and cooked in a 1000W microwave. They were perfect after 8 minutes total, but other varieties and sizes of potato and wattages of microwave may vary slightly!
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the potatoes for 3-4 months for longer term storage, but do so without toppings on them (add later, once you reheat)!
To reheat, microwave your hasselback potato for about 1 minute on high, or until warmed through the center. The exact time will vary based on the size of the potato and the microwave wattage
Exact nutritional values will vary based on size, brand, and variety of ingredients, any toppings or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
