If you have not yet experienced the magic of a Loaded Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe, get ready to have your taste buds dazzled. This dish takes simple potatoes and transforms them into a show-stopping, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside masterpiece. The layers of garlic-infused vegan butter, smoky spices, melty vegan cheddar, and savory bac’n bits create an irresistible combination that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. It’s comfort food elevated with compassion and flavor, and once you try it, you will want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Loaded Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe truly special are the simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From creamy vegan butter to smoky paprika and sharp vegan cheddar, every element plays a critical role in creating the perfect balance you’ll savor in every bite.
- 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes: These varieties hold their shape well and have a fluffy interior, perfect for hasselbacks.
- 1/4 cup softened vegan butter: Adds richness and helps the spices infuse into the potatoes while crisping the edges.
- 4 cloves minced garlic: Brings a punch of aroma and depth that makes this dish anything but bland.
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast: Boosts the cheesy umami flavor naturally without any dairy.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a warm smokiness that perfectly complements the vegan cheddar.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and earthiness that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to enhance and balance the flavors throughout the potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper: Gives a gentle spicy note that wakes up the palate.
- 8 ounces vegan cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the potatoes for that gooey, cheesy layer everyone loves.
- Vegan sour cream: A creamy, tangy topping that adds cool contrast to the hot, crispy potatoes.
- Crumbled bac’n bits: Lends a smoky, savory crunch that replicates the comforting flavor of bacon.
- Chopped green onion or chives: Provides a fresh, vibrant garnish that brings color and brightness.
How to Make Loaded Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures the potatoes become gorgeously crispy on the edges while staying tender inside. Having your oven ready beforehand helps your cooking process go smoothly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Take each potato and place it between two chopsticks or wooden spoons. This clever trick stops your knife from slicing all the way through, so you get perfect, thin slices that fan open like little potato fingers. Slice about 1/8 inch apart—this spacing is key to maximizing both crispiness and buttery flavor absorption.
Step 3: Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine your softened vegan butter with the minced garlic, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper. This seasoned butter blend will coat the potatoes, infusing them with layers of savory, smoky goodness as they bake.
Step 4: Bake the Potatoes
Arrange the prepared potatoes on a baking sheet, then brush generously with the seasoned vegan butter mixture. Pop them into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll want to bake until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork and the slices begin to crisp beautifully at the edges.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the potatoes are nearly done, sprinkle the top with vegan cheddar cheese. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This step melts the cheese perfectly, allowing it to bubble and brown slightly, adding that irresistible gooey layer on top.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
After baking, give the potatoes a few minutes to cool so they handle well. Then add generous dollops of vegan sour cream, sprinkle on crumbled bac’n bits, and top with fresh green onions or chives. This final flourish elevates your Loaded Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe into a culinary delight ready to share.
How to Serve Loaded Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this recipe shines through with the garnishes. Vegan sour cream adds a lush creaminess, bac’n bits introduce savory, smoky crunch, and fresh green onions or chives cut through the richness with a bright, herbaceous note. Together, these toppings turn each bite into a flavor sensation.
Side Dishes
This dish is versatile enough to be a main event or a side. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a colorful, balanced meal. A simple bowl of steamed greens, like kale or broccoli, provides a satisfying counterpoint to the indulgence of the loaded potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends? Serve these potatoes on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra toppings like chopped nuts, hot sauce, or fresh herbs. You can also cut the potatoes into individual slices to let guests pick their perfect bite. Presentation with vibrant garnishes always elevates the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of your Loaded Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
While freezing hasselback potatoes is possible, it may affect the texture slightly. If you do choose to freeze, wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for best taste. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is to use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to help crisp the edges again. Microwaving is quicker but can result in softer, less crispy potatoes. Reheat until warmed through and the cheese topping is melty.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes work beautifully in this recipe, adding a naturally sweet contrast to the smoky and savory toppings. Just keep an eye on baking time, as sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely. This Loaded Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure your vegan butter and bac’n bits do not contain any gluten ingredients.
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
Most of the listed ingredients are nut-free already. Just be sure to choose a vegan butter and cheese alternative that is not made from nuts if you need to avoid them.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
You can slice the potatoes and prepare the butter mixture a few hours ahead, but it’s best to bake them fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
What brand of vegan cheese works best?
Any good melting vegan cheddar works, but brands like Daiya, Follow Your Heart, or Violife are popular choices that achieve a creamy, melty finish for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe is a true winner for anyone craving comforting, flavorful, and visually stunning food without any animal products. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests. Once you master this recipe, it will become one of your all-time favorites to make and share, bringing joy and satisfaction with every bite.
Print
Loaded Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Loaded Hasselback Potatoes are a delicious vegan twist on a classic favorite, featuring thinly sliced crispy potatoes baked with a flavorful seasoned vegan butter, nutritional yeast, and smoked paprika. Topped with melted vegan cheddar, vegan sour cream, savory bac’n bits, and fresh green onions, they make a perfect hearty side or main dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes
Seasoned Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup softened vegan butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Toppings
- 8 ounces vegan cheddar cheese
- Vegan sour cream (for serving)
- Crumbled bac’n bits (for serving)
- Chopped green onion or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to create crispy edges on the potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons to prevent slicing all the way through. Carefully make thin, evenly spaced cuts about 1/8 inch apart across each potato, creating the signature Hasselback look.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened vegan butter, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix until well blended to create a flavorful seasoning butter.
- Bake Potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes on a prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with the seasoned butter mixture, ensuring some seeps into the slices. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, until the potatoes are tender inside and the edges are crispy and golden.
- Add Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the vegan cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes, allowing it to fill the slices. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Serve: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before serving. Top each potato with a dollop of vegan sour cream, crumbled bac’n bits, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives for freshness and extra flavor. Serve hot as a satisfying main dish or a flavorful side.
Notes
- Use chopsticks or wooden spoons to avoid cutting potatoes all the way through and maintain the Hasselback shape.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste or add your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure bac’n bits are gluten-free or omit them.
- These potatoes can be prepared ahead and reheated gently to preserve crispiness.
