Potato fans, also known as Accordion or Hasselback potatoes, are a delicious twist on the classic baked potato.
The process involves slicing the potato almost all the way through. This creates a fan-like shape while keeping the bottom intact.
This unique preparation not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish, but also allows for a perfect balance of textures – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
However, what takes these potato fans to the next level is the addition of herb butter.
Herb Butter, as the name suggests, is a delicious blend of fresh herbs and butter, resulting in a luxurious and aromatic spread that enhances the flavors of any dish it accompanies.
When generously brushed over sliced potato fans before baking, the herb butter seeps into every crevice, infusing the potato with a medley of savory flavors.
The beauty of Potato Fans with Herb Butter lies not only in their exquisite flavor, but also in their versatility.
You can customize the herb butter to your liking by experimenting with a variety of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, parsley, or chives.
Each herb brings its own unique fragrance and character to the dish, creating endless possibilities for flavor combinations.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply looking to add a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinner, Herb Butter Potato Fans are sure to impress.
So let’s dive in and discover the irresistible charm of Potato Fans with Herb Butter!
Read also:
- Red Potatoes and Green Apples
- Italian Stuffed Artichokes
- Veal Saltimbocca alla Romana
- Pork Loin Braised in Milk
- Crispy Broccoli with Parmigiano Reggiano and Garlic
How to Make Potato Fans with Herb Butter
- Prep Time: 40 Min
- Chill Time: 30 Min
- Cook Time: 55 Min
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 small potatoes, preferably all the same size. Choose potatoes that are suitable for baking.
- 150 g (~2/3 cup) of unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon of chopped mixed herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, tarragon, chives, bau leaf
- 2 garlic cloves
- the zest of 1/2 untreated lemon + a few drops of its juice
- fine salt to taste
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
A sharp knife is essential for slicing potatoes and forming the fan.
Use a sturdy cutting board to finely chop the herbs. Or you can use a food processor, which is very handy and faster.
Finally you’ll need a baking pan or a casserole dish to arrange the fan potatoes before baking.
Instructions
How to make Herb Butter
Step 1) – First prepare the herb butter, which will need to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1/2 hour.
Take the softened butter at room temperature, put it on a plate and cut it into chunks.
Meanwhile, make a fine chop of the herbs. You can use any you like. We opted for sage, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf.
Then add the herbs to the butter, a pinch of salt to taste, the zest of 1/2 lemon and a few drops of lemon juice.
Step 2) – Using a spoon, mix the butter and herbs until smooth and creamy. Finally place the creamy butter mixture on a sheet of baking paper.
Step 3) – Wrap the creamy butter in baking paper, as if to form a small cylinder. Then close the ends into a candy shape. Finally, place in the refrigerator to chill for at least half an hour.
How to Make Potato Fans
Step 4) – Wash and peel the potatoes. Put them in a large pot of cold water.
When the water comes to a boil, add a little salt and cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes.
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Step 5) – Drain the potatoes. Place each potato on a spoon and use a sharp knife to slice into the potato, making close, parallel cuts.
The cuts should not be deep or the potato will break. Go about halfway through so that the base of the potato remains intact.
Cover a baking pan with parchment paper. Place the sliced potatoes on top, along with a few whole sprigs of rosemary, sage, and bay leaves. In short, the herbs of your choice.
Now spread the herb butter over the potatoes and also inside the potatoes through the cuts.
Bake and Serve
Step 6) – Add the garlic cloves, peeled and left whole and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) in the middle part of the oven for about 45 minutes, until you see a crispy crust forming on the surface.
The Italian-style potato fans with herb butter are ready! Remove from the oven and let rest 2 minutes before serving.
How to Store Baked Potato Fans
Baked Potato Fans with Herb Butter should be eaten immediately, hot and fragrant right out of the oven!
We don’t recommend keeping them in the refrigerator.
Unfortunately, baked potatoes left in the refrigerator quickly lose their flavor and texture. That is why we always recommend eating them right away and finishing them off!
Can I Make Herb Butter in Advance?
Yes, of course you can. You can make herb butter up to a week in advance. Wrap it tightly in parchment paper and store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Can I Bake Potatoes in the Oven without Boiling them First?
We do not recommend this method. When the potato is cooked-or almost cooked-it’s easier to season with herb butter, especially on the inside.
It will also get a flavor and crispness in the oven that you won’t get with a raw potato. If the potatoes are raw, you run the risk of them being too toasted on the outside, but still a little raw on the inside.