Hasselback Potatoes

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

Step 2

Wash and dry the potatoes.

Step 3

Place two chopsticks* along the sides of a potato: these will act as guides to prevent cutting all the way through. Slice a potato into 1/8th-inch slices, being careful not to go all the way through to the bottom using the guides. Pay special attention to the ends of the potatoes that need a shallow cut: the guides won’t help here! Repeat for each potato.

Step 4

Place the potatoes on a parchment or aluminum-foil lined baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.

Step 5

Bake for 60 minutes, until the potato slices are starting to separate. Remove the tray from the oven and brush it with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Evenly sprinkle with the 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt.

Step 6

Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes (or less for smaller potatoes), until crispy, lightly browned, and easily pierced with a paring knife. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning and remove from the heat.

Step 7

When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and brush with the melted seasoned butter, making sure to evenly distribute the seasonings that sink to the bottom. Gently fan the potatoes with one hand while sprinkling a bit of flaky sea salt over the potatoes. Garnish with parsley or chives and serve immediately.