Hasselback potatoes

Lore & Background

Hasselback potatoes get their name from the restaurant Hasselbacken in Stockholm, Sweden. The name 'Hasselback' is the Swedish word for 'hazel slope', as the restaurant was located near a thicket of hazel trees on a steep mountain. In 1953, student chef Leif Elison served the dish, and it was very popular. Later, in 1955, credit for the recipe went to the principal of the restaurant school.

Reader's Guide

The significance of Hasselback potatoes lies in their distinctive preparation method and enduring popularity. The technique of cutting the potato about halfway through into thin slices allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the interior fluffy, and enables flavors from toppings to penetrate deeply. This method, known as hasselbacking, can be applied to other fruits and vegetables to create artful-looking food. The dish's origins are tied to the restaurant Hasselbacken in Stockholm, with a notable debut in 1953 by student chef Leif Elison. However, a recipe for 'Oven Fried Potatoes' in the 1929 cookbook Prinsessornas Kokbok by Jenny Åkerström leaves the question of who served them first unresolved. Hasselback potatoes can be served as a main course, side dish, or canapé, and toppings such as caraway seeds, paprika, cheese, bacon, and breadcrumbs can be added, either stuffed between the slices or added near the end of baking. The legacy of this dish is its simple yet elegant presentation and the versatility it offers in both home and professional kitchens.

Did You Know?

• Hasselback potatoes are named after the restaurant Hasselbacken in Stockholm, Sweden.
• The word 'Hasselback' means 'hazel slope' in Swedish, referring to the restaurant's location near hazel trees on a steep mountain.
• Student chef Leif Elison served the dish in 1953, but credit later went to the principal of the restaurant school in 1955.