“Cheesy Ham-Stuffed Hasselback Potatoes Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic”

“Cheesy Ham-Stuffed Hasselback Potatoes Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic”

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, preferably Russet
• 4 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 slices of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar
• 8 slices of ham
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for garnish

Instructions:

Preparing the Potatoes:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes. Place a potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons to act as a stop, preventing the knife from cutting all the way through. Make slices across the potato about 1/8 inch apart.
3. Season: Place the potatoes on a baking tray. Brush each potato with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring some gets between the slices. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Baking:

4. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the potatoes start to spread out and the edges become crispy.

Adding Cheese and Ham:

5. Prepare Fillings: Cut the cheese and ham slices into strips that will fit between the potato slices.
6. Stuff the Potatoes: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Carefully insert strips of cheese and ham into the slits of the potatoes. You might not use all the cheese and ham depending on the size of your potatoes.
7. Bake Again: Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving:

8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Tips:

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their size and texture, which becomes crispy on the outside and soft inside.
• Variations: You can customize the fillings based on your preferences. Try different types of cheese, or add some spices like paprika for a kick.
• Serving Suggestion: These Hasselback potatoes are perfect as a side dish or a main course for a light meal. Serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Enjoy your cooking and the delicious, visually appealing results of these cheesy, ham-stuffed Hasselback potatoes