Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Slice the Potatoes: Place a potato between two wooden spoon handles or chopsticks to prevent slicing all the way through. Using a sharp knife, slice thinly along the length of the potato, leaving about ¼ inch at the bottom uncut. Repeat with each potato.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the sliced potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps them fan out more during baking. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 3: Season and Prepare for Baking
- Brush with Oil and Season: Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Brush each potato with olive oil or reserved bacon fat, making sure to coat each slice. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
- Bake Initial Round: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. They should start to fan out, with the slices separating slightly as they soften.
Step 4: Add the Bacon and Cheese
- Add Bacon Crumbles: After 40 minutes, remove the potatoes from the oven. Carefully tuck crumbled bacon pieces between the slices, spreading them evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the tops of the potatoes, making sure it falls between the layers for extra cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
- Bake Again: Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley.
- Serve with Sour Cream: Serve the potatoes with a dollop of sour cream on top or on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Filled Hasselback Potatoes
- Get Creative with Fillings: Try adding sliced green onions, garlic slices, or thinly sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap the cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Potato Selection: Russet potatoes work well for their size and texture, but Yukon Golds can be a deliciously creamy alternative.
These Bacon-Filled Hasselback Potatoes are loaded with flavor, texture, and everything we love in comfort food. With crispy bacon and melted cheese tucked into each slice, they’re bound to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy!