Cheddar-Bacon Hasselback Potatoes Delight
Transform your dining experience with these beautifully fanned Hasselback potatoes stuffed with rich, creamy cheddar cheese and crispy smoked bacon. This eye-catching side dish not only elevates the classic baked potato but also tantalizes the taste buds with layers of flavor and texture. Perfect for impressing your guests, these potatoes bake to perfection with a delightful crunch from the panko topping, making them an irresistible addition to any meal.
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (New World EVOO)
strawberry blonde potatoes
6 (washed and unpeeled)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to season)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground to season)
fresh rosemary
1 sprig (for flavor)
fresh thyme
1 sprig (for flavor)
aged white cheddar cheese
250 g (grated and sliced)
panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (Black Label)
naturally smoked bacon
6 slices (cooked and cut into pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and extra virgin olive oil. Brush the bottom of a 14 x 11-inch (3 L) roasting pan with a portion of this butter-oil mixture.
3
Prepare the potatoes: Slice a thin strip off the bottom of each potato to create a flat base. Place the potato flat side down on a cutting board. To create the Hasselback effect, position two wooden spoons on either side of the potato and slice it crosswise into approximately 20 thin slices, stopping just before you reach the wooden spoon handles to keep the potato intact. Repeat this process for all remaining potatoes.
4
Place the sliced potatoes in the roasting pan with the flat side down. Brush each potato generously with the remaining butter-oil mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Scatter the sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme around the potatoes for added flavor.
5
Bake the potatoes in the center of the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through but retain a firm texture. Baste the potatoes with the butter-oil mixture halfway through baking for extra flavor.
6
After the baking time, remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Grate 2 tablespoons (25 mL) of cheese finely and mix it with the panko breadcrumbs.
7
Cut the remaining cheddar cheese into thin slices and then cut each slice into thirds, resulting in 60 bite-sized cheese pieces.
8
Carefully insert alternating pieces of bacon and cheese into the potato slices, filling them generously. Brush the tops of the potatoes with the remaining butter from the roasting pan and evenly sprinkle the panko mixture over each potato.
9
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 16 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the panko topping is golden brown.
10
Once baking is complete, discard the herb sprigs and, if desired, garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
21.25g
Fat
25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheddar-Bacon Hasselback Potatoes Delight?
They are fanned Hasselback potatoes stuffed with aged white cheddar cheese and crispy smoked bacon, finished with a crunchy panko topping.
How do I create the Hasselback effect on the potatoes?
Position two wooden spoons on either side of the potato and slice crosswise into thin slices, stopping when the knife reaches the spoon handles to keep the base intact.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
Do I need to peel the potatoes for this recipe?
No, the recipe uses strawberry blonde potatoes that are washed and remain unpeeled.
Why should I slice a thin strip off the bottom of each potato?
Slicing a thin strip off the bottom creates a flat base so the potatoes sit securely on the cutting board and in the roasting pan.
How many slices should each potato have?
Each potato should be sliced into approximately 20 thin slices.
What size roasting pan is recommended?
A 14 x 11-inch (3 liter) roasting pan is recommended for this recipe.
What mixture is used to coat the potatoes?
A combination of two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is used.
Which fresh herbs are used for flavoring?
Fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme are scattered around the potatoes in the roasting pan.
How long is the initial baking time?
The potatoes bake initially for 25 to 30 minutes in the center of the preheated oven.
Should I baste the potatoes during cooking?
Yes, baste the potatoes with the butter-oil mixture halfway through the initial baking time for extra flavor.
How long should the potatoes cool before stuffing?
Allow the potatoes to cool for about 5 minutes after the first baking session.
How do I prepare the panko topping?
Mix 2 tablespoons of finely grated aged white cheddar cheese with 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs.
How should the cheese be prepared for stuffing?
Cut the cheddar into thin slices and then into thirds to create 60 bite-sized pieces for insertion.
Is the bacon cooked before being added to the potatoes?
Yes, use 6 slices of naturally smoked bacon that have been cooked and cut into pieces.
How do I stuff the potatoes?
Carefully insert alternating pieces of bacon and cheese into the potato slices, filling them generously.
How long is the final bake after stuffing?
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 12 to 16 minutes.
What are the signs that the potatoes are finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese has melted and the panko topping has turned golden brown.
What should be done with the herb sprigs before serving?
Discard the rosemary and thyme sprigs once the baking process is complete.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 21.25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving provides 25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What type of cheddar is recommended?
The recipe calls for 250 grams of aged white cheddar cheese.
What brand of panko is mentioned in the recipe?
The recipe suggests using Black Label panko breadcrumbs.
What kind of olive oil is used?
New World extra virgin olive oil is specified for the butter mixture.
How many potatoes do I need?
You will need 6 strawberry blonde potatoes.
Can I garnish the dish after baking?
Yes, you can garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include potatoes, side dish, cheddar, bacon, hasselback, baked potatoes, comfort food, and vegetables.