Black Pepper Hasselback Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Black pepper hasselback potatoes are a delicious twist on a classic side dish, featuring crispy, golden edges and a fragrant black pepper kick. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or elevating a simple family meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2½ kg medium potatoes, scrubbed (choose a variety that roasts well like Maris Piper)
• 2½ tsp black peppercorns
• 150g butter
• 120ml olive oil
• 2 large lemons, zest pared

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Rest each potato on a large serving spoon and carefully cut widthways at 3mm intervals, slicing only partway through; the spoon helps prevent cutting all the way through. Repeat for all potatoes.
2. Step 2: Roughly grind the black peppercorns using a pestle and mortar.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large roasting tin placed over medium heat. Once sizzling, add the potatoes and lemon zest, tossing gently to coat all surfaces in the fat.
4. Step 4: Season the potatoes well with salt and three quarters of the freshly ground black pepper. Transfer the roasting tin to the bottom shelf of the oven and roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and tender.
5. Step 5: Remove the lemon zest and scatter the remaining black pepper over the potatoes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a sharp knife and steady hands to ensure even slices, which helps the potatoes cook evenly and look impressive.
• Try adding garlic cloves or fresh rosemary to the roasting tin for extra aroma.
• Substitute black pepper with smoked paprika for a different flavor twist.
• If you prefer a crispier finish, increase the oven temperature in the last 10 minutes of roasting.

Storage

Store leftover hasselback potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 180C/160C fan until warmed through to maintain their crisp edges rather than using a microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to choose varieties that roast well and hold their shape, such as Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, or Russet potatoes. Waxy potatoes may become too soft and won’t achieve the desired crispness.

How do I prevent the potatoes from slicing all the way through?

Resting each potato on a large serving spoon while cutting helps support the potato and stops the knife from slicing the bottom entirely, creating the classic hasselback effect with slices that fan out but remain connected.

Black Pepper Hasselback Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This recipe features golden, crispy black pepper hasselback potatoes roasted to perfection with butter, olive oil, and fresh lemon zest, delivering a flavorful and visually impressive side dish perfect for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 2½ kg medium potatoes, scrubbed (choose a variety that roasts well like Maris Piper)

Seasoning & Fat

• 2½ tsp black peppercorns
• 150g butter
• 120ml olive oil
• 2 large lemons, zest pared
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Place each potato on a large serving spoon and make widthwise cuts at 3mm intervals along the potato, stopping short of cutting all the way through to keep the base intact. Repeat with all potatoes.
2. Grind the pepper: Use a pestle and mortar to roughly grind the black peppercorns until coarse.
3. Melt the fats: In a large roasting tin, melt the butter together with olive oil over medium heat until sizzling.
4. Coat and season potatoes: Add the potatoes and lemon zest to the roasting tin with the melted fats. Toss well to coat all potatoes in the butter and oil mixture. Season generously with salt and three quarters of the freshly ground black pepper.
5. Roast the potatoes: Place the roasting tin on the bottom shelf of the oven and roast the potatoes for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Finish and serve: Remove the lemon zest and discard. Scatter the remaining black pepper over the roasted potatoes before serving to add a fresh burst of peppery flavor.

Notes

• Slicing the potatoes on a spoon prevents cutting all the way through and helps create the signature hasselback look.
• Use a variety of potato that roasts well, such as Maris Piper, for best texture.
• Be sure to season generously with salt and black pepper for optimal flavor.
• If you prefer, you can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional aroma.
• These potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European

Keywords: hasselback potatoes, black pepper potatoes, roasted potatoes, lemon zest potatoes, crispy potatoes, side dish