There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing dance of flavors that comes when you grill potatoes to perfection. As summer kicks into gear, I found myself yearning for a side dish that would wow my guests while making the most of our outdoor gatherings. That’s when I stumbled upon the brilliance of Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter.
Each potato boasts a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a fluffy interior, perfectly infused with the rich, aromatic chive butter. Picture this: the sizzle of butter melting into those delicate slices, filling my backyard with an irresistible aroma. This dish not only elevates my barbecue spread but also offers an astonishingly simple way to impress those I love.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard feast or just craving something extraordinary with your weeknight dinner, these grilled Hasselback potatoes will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to transform your summer meals!
Why are Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter Essential?
Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
Flavor Explosion: The melty chive butter seeps into each slice, providing a burst of rich flavor that pairs beautifully with summer vibes.
Showstopper: These potatoes not only look stunning on the plate but also make a perfect side dish for barbecued meats, turning any meal into an event.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment! Swap in different herbs or add cheese for variations that suit your taste.
Quick & Easy: You can prep the potatoes in advance and grill them in about 45 minutes while you chat with guests or enjoy a cool drink.
Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter Ingredients
For the Chive Butter
- Salted Butter – Adds a rich, creamy texture; you can substitute with unsalted butter and increase salt to 1 teaspoon for flavor.
- Chopped Chives – Offers a subtle onion-like flavor; green onions or garlic make great substitutes if chives aren’t available.
- Garlic – Imparts depth and fragrance; minced garlic or a pinch of garlic powder can be used as alternatives.
- Coarse Salt – Elevates flavor and texture; regular salt works, but it might change the final outcome slightly.
For the Potatoes
- Medium Russet Potatoes – The base of the dish ensuring fluffiness; try Yukon gold or red potatoes for a unique twist.
- Coarse Salt – Sprinkled on the potatoes before grilling adds an extra flavor boost; feel free to adjust to taste.
These Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter will elevate your summer gatherings to delicious new heights!
How to Make Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter
-
Prepare Chive Butter: Start by combining softened butter, chopped chives, minced garlic, salt, and a dash of pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend these ingredients until smooth, then shape the mixture into a log using plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up the flavors.
-
Slice Potatoes: Next, take your medium russet potatoes and carefully slice them into thin slits about 1/4 inch apart, stopping just short of cutting all the way through. To avoid piercing through, place chopsticks or pencils alongside the potatoes as guides.
-
Add Butter: Once your potatoes are beautifully sliced, take the chilled chive butter and cut it into thin slices. Carefully wedge the butter slices into each cut of the potatoes for maximum flavor infusion while grilling.
-
Wrap in Foil: Lay out several squares of aluminum foil and place each prepared potato in the center. Sprinkle coarse salt on top and wrap the foil tightly around the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly.
-
Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, making sure to use indirect heat for this step. Grill the wrapped potatoes for about 45 minutes, rotating them occasionally until they become tender and a nice golden brown.
-
Serve: Once they’re perfectly grilled, unwrap the potatoes and top them with additional slices of chive butter before serving. This will create a delightful finish to each bite.
Optional: Garnish with extra chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Grilled Hasselback Potatoes
- Use Guides: Chopsticks or pencils prevent cutting through potatoes completely, ensuring even slicing and a splendid presentation.
- Chill the Butter: Allow the chive butter to chill for at least one hour to maximize flavors; this is key for an extraordinary taste experience.
- Indirect Heat: Ensure your grill has both direct and indirect heat zones; this technique provides evenly cooked Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter without burning.
- Test for Tenderness: After 45 minutes, check potatoes for tenderness by inserting a fork. If they’re still firm, give them a few more minutes on the grill.
- Season Well: Don’t be shy with the coarse salt on the potatoes; it enhances their natural flavor and complements the richness of the chive butter.
Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter Variations
Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen! These ideas will elevate your grilled potatoes to new heights of flavor and fun.
-
Herb-Infused: Use basil or dill instead of chives for a different aromatic twist. Fresh herbs bring a vibrant character to your dish.
-
Cheesy Delight: Insert slices of your favorite cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, between the potato cuts before grilling. The melted cheese adds rich, gooey goodness.
-
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chive butter for a touch of heat. This brings a zesty surprise that livens up every bite.
-
Bacon Lover’s: Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon between the potato slices for a smoky addition. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible.
-
Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a bit of honey over the potatoes before grilling for a sweet contrast to the savory chive butter. It’s a delightful balance that surprises the palate.
-
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or lime zest to the chive butter for a refreshing zing. The citrus will brighten the dish and enhance the flavors beautifully.
-
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika into the butter mixture for a deep, smoky essence. This is perfect for that grilled summer vibe.
-
Veggie Boost: Layer in thin slices of zucchini or bell peppers in the potato cuts. This adds extra texture and nutrition while complementing the original flavors.
Now, let your imagination run wild and enjoy crafting your unique spin on Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter!
What to Serve with Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter?
Cooked to crispy, buttery perfection, these potatoes are sure to steal the show at your summer gatherings!
-
Grilled Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken adds a delightful protein to your meal, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the potatoes. The smoky char from the grill resonates with the crispy skin of the potatoes.
-
Steak: A well-seasoned steak brings a hearty touch, enhancing the grill vibes. Pairing these potatoes with steak creates a classic summer feast where each bite promises savory satisfaction.
-
Grilled Fish: Light, flaky fish like salmon or tilapia introduces a refreshing contrast. The zesty flavors of the fish harmonize beautifully with the buttery chive infusion, creating balance on your plate.
-
Mediterranean Salad: Crisp romaine with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives brightens up the meal. The salad’s fresh acidity cuts through the richness of the potatoes, adding a lively crunch.
-
Corn on the Cob: Sweet, grilled corn brings a fun texture and summer sweetness. Slathered in butter, it’s the perfect side that complements the savory notes of the Hasselback potatoes.
-
Garlic Bread: For those who can’t resist a little more indulgence, garlic bread serves as a comforting addition. Its buttery, herby essence ties together the flavors of the grill.
-
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing and slightly tangy, these drinks perfectly cleanse the palate. They balance the richness of the meal and enhance the summery feel of your gathering.
-
Brownies: For dessert, pair these savory potatoes with fudgy brownies. The rich chocolatey goodness offers a luscious ending after the satisfying flavors of the main meal.
Storage Tips for Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter
- Fridge: Store leftover grilled Hasselback potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their delicious flavor and prevents them from drying out.
- Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, wrap the cooled potatoes tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To restore crispness, reheat the potatoes on the grill or in a conventional oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This ensures they taste fresh and delightful!
- Avoid Room Temperature: For food safety, avoid leaving leftover potatoes at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Enjoy your Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter fresh!
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the chive butter up to 24 hours ahead by mixing it and chilling it in the fridge; this allows the flavors to deepen. Additionally, you can slice the potatoes and store them in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours to prevent browning. When you’re ready to grill, simply drain the potatoes, add the chilled butter, wrap them in foil, and grill as directed. This way, you’ll have delightful, flavor-packed potatoes with minimal effort, leaving you free to enjoy the company of your guests.
Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best potatoes for grilling?
Absolutely! The best potatoes for grilling Hasselback recipes are medium-sized russet potatoes, as they deliver a fluffy interior. Look for potatoes that are firm with smooth skins, avoiding any with dark spots or wrinkles. Yukon gold or red potatoes are also great options for a slightly different texture if desired.
How should I store leftover grilled Hasselback potatoes?
Very! Leftover grilled Hasselback potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Ensure they have cooled completely before sealing to keep them fresh. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in freezer-safe bags to freeze for up to 1 month.
Can I freeze grilled Hasselback potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze, ensure the potatoes have cooled completely after grilling. Wrap each cooled potato tightly in aluminum foil or freezer bags to protect from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven or on the grill.
What if my grilled potatoes are not cooking evenly?
Don’t worry! If your potatoes aren’t cooking evenly, double-check that you’re using both direct and indirect heat zones on your grill. If they seem undercooked after the recommended 45 minutes, you can extend the cooking time by an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep rotating the foil packets to ensure they heat through evenly.
Are grilled Hasselback potatoes suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, indeed! Grilled Hasselback potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them a wonderful addition to any meal for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure to check any additional ingredients, like seasoning, to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I add different herbs or toppings?
The more the merrier! Experimenting with different herbs is a fantastic way to personalize your grilled Hasselback potatoes. Try using fresh parsley, basil, or even some spicy flavors like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also add cheese slices between the potato cuts before grilling for a delicious cheesy twist!
Grilled Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter: Grilling Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Chive Butter: Combine softened butter, chopped chives, minced garlic, salt, and a dash of pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend until smooth, shape into a log with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Slice Potatoes: Carefully slice the medium russet potatoes into thin slits about 1/4 inch apart, stopping just short of cutting all the way through, using chopsticks or pencils as guides.
- Add Butter: Cut the chilled chive butter into thin slices and wedge them into each cut of the potatoes.
- Wrap in Foil: Place each prepared potato in a square of aluminum foil, sprinkle with coarse salt, and wrap tightly.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the wrapped potatoes for about 45 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and golden brown.
- Serve: Unwrap the potatoes and top with additional slices of chive butter before serving.