Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip

Introduction

I recently made these Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip for a small family gathering, and they were a huge hit! The crispy texture of the potatoes combined with the spicy Cajun dip made for a perfect appetizer. Not only were they easy to prepare, but the flavors were also bold and satisfying. My family couldn’t get enough of these little treats, and I loved how versatile this recipe is. It can be served as a snack, an appetizer, or even a side dish for any meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love These Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip

These Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip are an easy yet flavorful dish that brings together crispy potatoes and a creamy, spicy Cajun dip. What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of textures and flavors. The potatoes are tender on the inside, with crispy edges that offer a satisfying crunch. The Cajun dip adds a creamy heat that perfectly complements the potatoes’ mild flavor. It’s an exciting twist on classic Hasselback potatoes, bringing in the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning.

This dish is incredibly versatile too. You can serve it as an appetizer for a dinner party, a side for a more substantial meal, or as a fun snack for movie nights. The best part is that it’s simple to make, and even those with limited kitchen skills will be able to pull it off effortlessly. Whether you’re vegan or not, this dish uses vegan butter and mayo, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 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

For the 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

For the Cajun Dip:

• 1/2 cup vegan mayo
• 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix (save the leftover spice mix for future use!)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Slice the Potatoes:
Take each small yellow potato and carefully slice it thinly, making cuts halfway down without slicing all the way through. You want to keep the potato intact. For best results, use a very sharp knife for precision. If you need help, you can also use a pair of chopsticks or a spoon on either side of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through.

Bake the Potatoes (Round 1):
Place the potatoes sliced-side down in the prepared baking dish. Brush them generously with melted vegan butter and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Bake the Potatoes (Round 2):
After the first 20 minutes, remove the potatoes from the oven and flip them so that the sliced sides are facing up. Brush them with more melted butter, and sprinkle additional salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and crispy on top. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the potatoes for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Make the Cajun Dip:
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the Cajun dip by combining the vegan mayo and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun spice mix in a small bowl. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined. If you have any leftover spice mix, save it for another use.

Serve:
Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm with the Cajun dip on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250 calories (depending on exact serving sizes and specific ingredients used)

Note: The nutrition facts may vary slightly based on the specific brands of vegan butter and mayo used, so be sure to check the labels for the most accurate information.

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Active Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 50 minutes
• Cooling Time: 5 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as an appetizer at dinner parties or gatherings.
• Pair with your favorite main dish as a flavorful side.
• Enjoy as a fun and easy snack for game nights or movie marathons.
• If you’re looking for a heartier meal, serve with a protein like grilled chicken or a veggie burger.
• You can also prepare these potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for an easy-to-reheat snack.

Additional Tips

1. Cutting the Potatoes: When slicing the potatoes, be sure to slice them evenly for the best cooking results. A sharp knife will make the job easier.
2. Extra Crispy Potatoes: If you like your potatoes extra crispy, add a few minutes under the broiler at the end of the baking process.
3. Spice It Up: If you want an even spicier dip, increase the cayenne pepper in the Cajun spice mix to suit your taste.
4. Leftover Spice Mix: The Cajun spice mix makes more than enough for this recipe, so save the leftover mix for future use in other recipes like roasted vegetables or popcorn seasoning.
5. Make It Non-Vegan: If you’re not following a vegan diet, feel free to swap out the vegan mayo and butter for their dairy counterparts (regular mayo and butter).

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of mini potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes, but keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes ahead of time, but they’re best served fresh. You can also prep the Cajun dip in advance and store it in the fridge.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper to the Cajun spice mix for an extra kick.

4. What other dips could I serve with these potatoes?
You could serve them with sour cream, ranch, or guacamole if you prefer a different flavor profile.

5. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but yellow flesh potatoes work best for a creamy interior.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore some crispiness.

7. Can I freeze these potatoes?
While freezing is not ideal for Hasselback potatoes, you can freeze the cooked potatoes (without the dip) and reheat them in the oven.

8. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought Cajun seasoning will work fine if you’re short on time.

9. How do I prevent the potatoes from falling apart when slicing?
Use chopsticks or spoons on either side of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through. This will keep the potato intact during slicing.

10. How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
After baking, broil the potatoes for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve extra crispiness.

Conclusion

These Salt & Pepper Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Cajun Dip are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward preparation process make this recipe a go-to for anyone looking for a flavorful dish without a lot of fuss. The Cajun dip adds a spicy, creamy punch that elevates the potatoes to a whole new level. Give this recipe a try and prepare to have your taste buds delighted!

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