Golden Roasted Accordion Potatoes with Melty Cheese and Savory Ham
If you love roasted potatoes and melted cheese, this recipe is going to make you very happy.
Hasselback potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes that stay connected at the bottom, creating a beautiful fan or accordion shape. When baked, the slices open up, the edges get crispy, and the inside becomes soft and fluffy.
Now imagine taking that crispy potato and stuffing slices of ham and cheese between every layer.
Yes… it’s as good as it sounds.
The cheese melts deep into the potato, the ham gets warm and slightly crispy, and the outside turns golden and crunchy. Every bite gives you layers of texture and flavor — crispy, creamy, cheesy, and savory.
These potatoes are:
- perfect as a side dish
- amazing for parties
- great for dinner
- kid friendly
- and honestly addictive
They look impressive but require very little skill.
Once you learn the simple slicing trick, you’ll want to make them every week.
🕒 Time & Servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6 people
🧾 Ingredients
Potatoes
- 6 medium or large potatoes (Yukon gold or russet work best)
Seasoning Butter/Oil
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra crispiness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Filling
- 8–10 slices deli ham or turkey ham
- 8–10 slices cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or Swiss)
Optional Toppings
- parmesan cheese
- green onions
- fresh parsley
- sour cream
- bacon bits
- chili flakes
🧰 Equipment
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Brush or spoon
- Oven
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2 – Prepare the Potatoes
Wash potatoes thoroughly.
Do NOT peel. The skin helps hold everything together and becomes crispy.
Pat dry.
Step 3 – Slice the Hasselback Style
This is the important part.
Place two wooden spoons or chopsticks on each side of the potato.
Slice thin cuts across the potato (about 2–3 mm apart).
The spoons stop your knife from cutting all the way through.
So the potato stays connected at the bottom.
You want lots of thin slices.
More slices = more crispiness.
Repeat for all potatoes.
Step 4 – Season Generously
In a bowl, mix:
- melted butter
- olive oil
- garlic
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- herbs
Brush this mixture all over the potatoes.
Make sure it goes between slices.
This is what gives flavor and crispy edges.
Don’t be shy — really coat them well.
Step 5 – First Bake (Without Filling)
Place potatoes on tray.
Bake for 35–40 minutes.
This step cooks them halfway and opens the slices.
After this bake, the layers will fan out naturally.
This makes stuffing much easier.
Step 6 – Add Ham and Cheese
Remove potatoes from oven.
Carefully slide small pieces of ham and cheese between slices.
Alternate:
cheese → ham → cheese → ham
Or however you like.
Try not to force them — just tuck gently.
Add more seasoning butter if you want extra flavor.
Step 7 – Second Bake
Return to oven.
Bake another 15–20 minutes until:
- cheese melted
- edges crispy
- golden brown
- potatoes fork tender
Top should look bubbly and delicious.
Your kitchen will smell AMAZING.
Step 8 – Serve
Remove from oven.
Sprinkle:
- parmesan
- parsley
- green onions
Serve hot.
Optional: add sour cream or dipping sauce.
😋 Taste & Texture
These potatoes are:
✔ crispy outside
✔ soft and fluffy inside
✔ cheesy and gooey
✔ buttery
✔ savory ham flavor
✔ super satisfying
Every bite is layers of crispy + creamy + cheesy goodness.
Basically comfort food heaven.
🍽 Serving Ideas
Perfect with:
- grilled chicken
- steak
- roasted vegetables
- salad
- burgers
- BBQ
- eggs (for breakfast style)
Or eat alone as main dish (totally acceptable 😄).
🔁 Delicious Variations
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Add cheddar + mozzarella + parmesan mix
🥓 Bacon Lovers
Replace ham with bacon bits
🌶 Spicy
Add jalapeños or chili flakes
🧄 Garlic Butter
Add fresh garlic butter at end
🍄 Veggie
Stuff with mushrooms and spinach
🧀 Creamy
Add cream cheese between slices
🧊 Storage
Fridge: 3–4 days
Reheat: oven or air fryer for crispiness
Avoid microwave (makes soft)
💡 Pro Tips
⭐ Cut thin slices for maximum crisp
⭐ Don’t skip first bake
⭐ Use high heat for golden edges
⭐ Brush oil between slices
⭐ Serve immediately for best texture
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Because it’s:
- crispy
- cheesy
- easy
- looks impressive
- family favorite
- budget friendly
- super customizable