If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that packs a punch of flavor and impresses any crowd, then Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo is the perfect recipe for you! These bite-sized beauties are crispy on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside, making them an irresistible treat. The unique hasselback style not only adds visual appeal but ensures that each slice absorbs the rich flavors of the seasonings and the velvety vegan Cajun mayo. Whether paired with a hearty main dish or served as a snack, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste or dietary needs. Plus, the homemade vegan cajun mayo brings a delightful kick that complements the earthy flavor of the potatoes beautifully. This dish is not only perfect for gatherings or family dinners but also offers a great way to treat yourself to a delicious, plant-based experience. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love these oven-baked mini hasselback potatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices elevates the simple potato into a gourmet experience.
- Healthier Alternative: Using vegan mayo and baked potatoes provides a lighter option compared to fried alternatives.
- Endless Versatility: You can customize the spices to suit your preference, adding more heat or additional herbs, depending on your taste.
- Easy Preparation: These potatoes require minimal prep and can be assembled quickly, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.
- Perfect for Sharing: Their mini size makes them an ideal finger food for gatherings, allowing everyone to easily indulge without a mess.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this mouth-watering recipe, it’s crucial to prep your kitchen and gather the right tools. First, ensure you have a clean and organized workspace—this will help streamline your cooking process. You’ll need a sharp knife for slicing the potatoes and a cutting board for stability. Having chopsticks or wooden spoons handy will prevent you from slicing all the way through the potatoes, ensuring the signature hasselback effect. A baking dish lined with parchment paper will not only prevent sticking but also make cleanup a breeze.
Gather the ingredients laid out ahead of time. This includes small yellow-flesh potatoes such as fingerling, Yukon Gold, or red, along with vegan butter, seasonings, and vegan mayo. Finally, don’t forget to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before you start the preparation process. This ensures that your potatoes will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crisp.”
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs small yellow-flesh potatoes (fingerling, Yukon Gold, or red)
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Cajun Spice Mix:
- 3 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp thyme
Cajun Mayo:
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your potatoes bake perfectly. While the oven is heating, get your baking dish ready by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and allow for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
To create the beautiful hasselback effect, place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons, which will serve as a cutting guard. Using a sharp knife, make thin, even slices across the potato, ensuring to not slice all the way through. This technique allows the potato to fan out slightly during cooking, creating a delightful texture and presentation.
Step 3: Season & Bake (First Round)
Once sliced, arrange the potatoes in the prepared baking dish with the sliced side facing down. Brush them liberally with the melted vegan butter and sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the top. Baking the potatoes on their sliced side first helps to sear the edges, enhancing their flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Flip & Finish Baking
After the initial 20 minutes, carefully flip the potatoes so that the sliced sides face up. Brush them again with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for a few additional minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Make the Cajun Mayo
While the potatoes are savorily baking, it’s the perfect time to whip up your Cajun mayo. In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayo with one tablespoon of the prepared Cajun spice mix. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This light and creamy dip will enhance the flavors of the potatoes wonderfully!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Once the potatoes are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Present them on a platter with the creamy Cajun mayo on the side for dipping. Your guests will love the flavor explosion!
Variations
- Protein: Add chickpeas or black beans for protein-rich toppings or mix them into the mayo for extra texture.
- Vegetables: Consider topping the potatoes with green onions, chives, or even shredded vegan cheese for added flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different herb blends, like Italian seasoning, or add a hint of lime zest for a fresh twist.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your knife is sharp for slicing to make the task easier and to achieve even cuts.
- Be careful not to slice all the way through the potatoes; the chopsticks should help prevent this and keep the base intact.
- If you’re short on time, you can try boiling the potatoes for 10 minutes before baking to reduce the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these potatoes with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables and your favorite plant-based protein for a balanced dish.
Tips
- Always taste your Cajun mayo as you mix to balance out flavors; adjust seasoning if needed.
- For extra moisture, you can place a small baking dish filled with water in the oven to create steam while baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the oven for best results.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving (varies based on size and ingredients)
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any variety of small potatoes such as fingerlings or red potatoes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your Cajun spice mix doesn’t contain gluten.
Can I prepare the mayo ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the Cajun mayo a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Conclusion
The Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavorful adventure perfect for any occasion. With its enticing aroma and a fun twist on traditional potatoes, it’s bound to win hearts at your dinner table. Encourage your friends and family to share their variations and tips when they try out this recipe! By trying this dish, you’re not just creating a meal; you’re participating in a flavorful journey. So get baking, dip into that creamy mayo, and savor every bite of these delicious potatoes. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments and share your experience!
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Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that packs a punch of flavor and impresses any crowd, then Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo is the perfect recipe for you!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs small yellow-flesh potatoes (fingerling, Yukon Gold, or red)
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Cajun Spice Mix:
- 3 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp thyme
Cajun Mayo:
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your potatoes bake perfectly. While the oven is heating, get your baking dish ready by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and allow for easier cleanup.
- To create the beautiful hasselback effect, place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons, which will serve as a cutting guard. Using a sharp knife, make thin, even slices across the potato, ensuring to not slice all the way through. This technique allows the potato to fan out slightly during cooking, creating a delightful texture and presentation.
- Once sliced, arrange the potatoes in the prepared baking dish with the sliced side facing down. Brush them liberally with the melted vegan butter and sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the top. Baking the potatoes on their sliced side first helps to sear the edges, enhancing their flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After the initial 20 minutes, carefully flip the potatoes so that the sliced sides face up. Brush them again with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for a few additional minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- While the potatoes are savorily baking, it’s the perfect time to whip up your Cajun mayo. In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayo with one tablespoon of the prepared Cajun spice mix. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This light and creamy dip will enhance the flavors of the potatoes wonderfully!
- Once the potatoes are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Present them on a platter with the creamy Cajun mayo on the side for dipping. Your guests will love the flavor explosion!
Notes
Always taste your Cajun mayo as you mix to balance out flavors; adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Protein: 3 g