Introduction: Vegan Hasselback Potatoes are a show-stopping, crispy, and delicious side dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. These thinly sliced, fan-shaped potatoes roast beautifully in the oven, with a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior. Topped with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil, they’re packed with flavor and add a touch of elegance to any meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted vegan butter for richer flavor)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Slice the Potatoes:
    • Place each potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks (this will prevent you from cutting all the way through the potato). Make thin, even slices about 1/8 inch apart across each potato, stopping just before you cut through to the bottom.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

  1. Prepare Garlic Herb Oil:
    • In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Brush the Potatoes:
    • Use a brush or spoon to carefully coat each potato with the garlic herb oil, making sure to get the oil into the cuts of each potato for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Bake the Potatoes

  1. Place Potatoes on a Baking Sheet:
    • Arrange the potatoes on a lined or greased baking sheet, cut side up.
  2. Bake in Oven:
    • Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges, with a soft center. Halfway through baking, baste the potatoes with any remaining oil to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish with Fresh Parsley:
    • Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
  2. Serve Warm:
    • Serve the Hasselback potatoes warm as a delicious side dish for any meal, or enjoy them on their own with a dipping sauce.

Tips and Variations:

  1. Add Vegan Cheese: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle a bit of vegan cheese or nutritional yeast over the potatoes for a cheesy finish.
  2. Add Spice: For a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika into the garlic herb oil.
  3. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings):

  • Calories: 180
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 7g

WW SmartPoints (Per Serving):

Each serving has approximately 4 SmartPoints on the Weight Watchers program, depending on specific ingredients used.

These Vegan Hasselback Potatoes are a simple yet elegant dish that combines crispy edges with a soft, creamy center. With fresh herbs and a hint of garlic, they’re packed with flavor and are a perfect addition to any vegan or plant-based meal. Enjoy!