If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping side dish that’s both irresistible and packed with bold flavors, the Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip Recipe is going to become your new kitchen hero. These little golden beauties get perfectly crispy edges with tender, flavorful insides thanks to their signature hasselback slicing, while a simple yet zesty Cajun dip takes every bite up a notch. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself to something special, this dish balances ease and elegance in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together easily but contribute layers of flavor, texture, and warmth that make this recipe truly stand out. Each one plays an essential role from juicy, soft potatoes to rich vegan butter and a spicy, creamy dip that complements every bite.
- 1 1/2 lbs small yellow flesh potatoes: Their natural sweetness and firm texture are perfect for hasselback slicing.
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted: Adds richness and helps crisp the potato edges beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor from the first brush.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: A light seasoning to balance the butter’s richness without overpowering.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Introduces a fresh herbal note and vibrant green color.
- 3 tsp smoked paprika: Brings smoky depth and a warm color to the potatoes.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential seasoning for perfect flavor balance in the spice mix.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a savory punch throughout the dish.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adds a little heat and piquancy in the Cajun spices.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Gives subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tsp oregano: Adds earthiness and a fragrant herbal touch.
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper: For that signature Cajun kick without overwhelming.
- 1/2 tsp thyme: Offers a gentle piney aroma.
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo: Creates the creamy base for the Cajun dip.
- 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix: The star seasoning in the dip, tying all those wonderful flavors together.
How to Make Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Get started by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Preparing your workspace helps keep things smooth as you slice and season the potatoes.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
This is the magic moment. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each potato thinly, cutting halfway through but leaving them intact at the bottom so they fan open when baked. This technique allows flavors to seep deeper and creates those gorgeous crispy edges.
Step 3: Bake the Potatoes (Round 1)
Place the potatoes sliced side down in your prepared baking dish. Brush them with melted vegan butter, and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over each one—this initial seasoning lays the foundation for their fantastic flavor and texture.
Step 4: Bake for 20 Minutes
Pop the potatoes into the oven and give them a solid 20 minutes to start softening and crisping. This first bake starts breaking down the potato’s structure just enough to deepen the flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake the Potatoes (Round 2)
Once the first bake is done, carefully flip the potatoes so the slices face up. Brush on more melted butter, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the vibrant dried parsley. These extra touches intensify the dish’s appearance and taste.
Step 6: Bake for Another 30 Minutes
Return the dish to your oven for 30 more minutes. Watch for the potatoes to become fork-tender with delightfully crispy, slightly caramelized edges. If you want them extra crispy, a quick 2 to 3-minute broil step on top does wonders.
Step 7: Make the Cajun Dip
While baking, mix the vegan mayo with 1 tablespoon of your homemade Cajun spice mix in a small bowl. Stir until everything is perfectly combined into a creamy, spicy dip that’s just waiting to elevate those potatoes.
Step 8: Serve
Once baked and slightly cooled, serve your Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip Recipe warm with a generous dollop of the dip on the side. Watching your friends and family enjoy these flavorful bites is a joy you’ll want to repeat often.
How to Serve Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the presentation with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley sprinkled on top. A small dusting of smoked paprika over the finished potatoes can revive their smoky allure, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the side brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables, a crisp green salad, or a simple vegan protein like lentil loaf or black bean patties. Their rich, spicy, and crispy nature can complement many mains, making them a versatile star in your menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party platter, arrange the mini hasselback potatoes in a circular pattern on a board with small bowls of Cajun dip dotted around for easy dipping. Or serve them on skewers for fun individual portions that guests can grab and enjoy with zero mess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the dip separate helps maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
While freezing fried or roasted potatoes can sometimes affect texture, you can freeze these pre-baked mini hasselbacks before the second bake. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month, then finish baking fresh when you’re ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftover potatoes in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the potatoes soggy, dulling the incredible texture you worked for.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Absolutely! Regular butter works just as well and will add its own creamy flavor. The vegan butter simply makes this recipe suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Small yellow flesh potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and have a naturally buttery texture when cooked. Yukon Gold or baby new potatoes are excellent choices.
Is the Cajun dip spicy?
The Cajun dip has a gentle kick thanks to the cayenne and spice mix, but it is balanced by the creamy mayo. You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
You can slice the potatoes a few hours ahead and store them in cold water to prevent browning. However, it’s best to bake them fresh for optimal crispness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your spice mixes and store-bought vegan mayo to be sure.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving up the Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip Recipe at your table—crispy, flavorful, and packed with personality. This recipe turns humble potatoes into a memorable crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make but endlessly satisfying. Give it a try and watch as these little potatoes become a cherished favorite in your home.
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Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with a zesty Cajun dip are a deliciously crispy and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Thinly sliced mini potatoes are brushed with melted vegan butter and seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs before baking to tender perfection. Paired with a creamy Cajun-spiced vegan mayo dip, they make for an irresistible appetizer or snack suitable for vegan diets.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lbs small yellow flesh potatoes
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Cajun Spice Mix
- 3 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp thyme
Cajun Dip
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix (from above)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Slice the Potatoes: Using a very sharp knife, carefully slice each potato thinly halfway through without cutting all the way. This classic Hasselback technique allows the slices to fan out slightly during cooking.
- Bake the Potatoes (Round 1): Place the potatoes sliced side down in the prepared baking dish. Brush generously with melted vegan butter, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp pepper for initial seasoning.
- Bake for 20 Minutes: Place the dish in the oven and bake the potatoes for 20 minutes to start the cooking process and get the bottoms crisping nicely.
- Bake the Potatoes (Round 2): Remove the potatoes from the oven, flip them over so the sliced side is up. Brush again with melted vegan butter, then sprinkle with additional salt, pepper, and dried parsley for extra flavor.
- Continue Baking: Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and the tops are crispy. For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for 2-3 minutes at the end if desired.
- Make the Cajun Dip: While the potatoes bake, combine the vegan mayo and 1 tablespoon of the homemade Cajun spice mix in a bowl. Stir thoroughly until the dip is smooth and flavorful.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve the warm Hasselback potatoes alongside the Cajun dip for dipping and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a very sharp knife for clean, even slices without breaking the potatoes.
- Broiling at the end enhances crispiness but watch closely to prevent burning.
- The leftover Cajun spice mix can be used to season other dishes such as roasted vegetables or grilled tofu.
- These potatoes are perfect as a side dish or appetizer for gatherings.
- Ensure potatoes are small and similar in size for even cooking.
