Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly crispy side dish, look no further than these Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo. This recipe is a vibrant celebration of simple ingredients transformed into crunchy, tender bites bursting with eye-catching colors and bold Cajun-inspired flavors. The mini potatoes are sliced thinly but left whole to fan out as they bake, soaking up every bit of seasoning and butter, while the creamy vegan Cajun mayo adds a spicy, smoky kick that pairs perfectly. Whether you’re serving these at a family dinner or a casual gathering, they will quickly become a beloved staple that offers something just a little different from your everyday roasted spuds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward but brilliant in its ingredient choices. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and aroma—from the soft yellow potatoes to the fragrant spices and the luscious vegan mayo that ties it all together.

• 1 1/2 lbs small yellow flesh potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for even cooking and a tender interior.
• 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create that golden, crispy exterior.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances natural potato flavor without overpowering.
• 1/4 tsp pepper: Just enough heat to deepen the overall taste subtly.
• 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note for visual appeal and flavor.
• 3 tsp smoked paprika: Brings warmth and smokiness essential for Cajun flavor.
• 1 tsp salt: Seasoning base for the Cajun mayo and potatoes alike.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlic aroma that’s never overpowering.
• 1 tsp pepper: Adds a little punch for balanced spiciness.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Lends depth and savory sweetness to the mayo.
• 1 tsp oregano: Earthy and aromatic, great for complexity in the spice blend.
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper: For that signature Cajun heat that wakes up your palate.
• 1/2 tsp thyme: Offers a subtle woodsy undertone to complement the spices.
• 1/2 cup vegan mayo: Creates the creamy, luscious base for the Cajun spice mix.
• 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix: The star seasoning, doubling as a dip flavor and a versatile spice blend to keep on hand.

How to Make Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This setup ensures your potatoes will cook evenly and crisp up beautifully without getting stuck to the pan. Ready your potatoes by washing and drying them thoroughly.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes Hasselback Style

Here’s the fun and distinctive part: to achieve those iconic thin slices without cutting through the entire potato, place a chopstick or wooden spoon on either side of each potato. Use these as guards while slicing. With a sharp knife, cut thin, even slices down the potato until you reach the chopsticks. The potatoes will fan out during baking, creating a gorgeous texture contrast that makes every bite interesting.

Step 3: First Coat of Butter and Seasoning

Place the potatoes sliced-side down in your baking dish to allow the edges to crisp first. Brush them generously with melted vegan butter and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper overtop to begin building layers of flavor. This initial bake seals in moisture and starts the delicious browning process.

Step 4: Bake and Flip

Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each potato so the sliced side faces up. This step is really important because it allows the slices to fan out and get direct heat, making them crispy and golden. Brush again with vegan butter, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried parsley for fresh herbal notes. Continue baking for another 30 minutes or until they are tender inside with crispy tops. For an extra-crispy finish, briefly broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 5: Mix the Vegan Cajun Mayo

While the potatoes bake, stir together your vegan mayo and Cajun spice mix in a small bowl. This creamy and smoky dip will elevate the potatoes to new flavor heights. If you have leftover Cajun spice, keep it in an airtight container to use on fries, dips, or sprinkle on roasted veggies. Having this mix ready means more easy, delicious meals ahead.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Cajun Mayo

Once the potatoes are beautifully roasted and slightly cooled, serve warm alongside the vegan Cajun mayo. The mayonnaise provides a cool, spicy balance to the crunchy, buttery potatoes — a pairing that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo

Garnishes

Enhance the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions, chives, or a pinch of smoked paprika over the potatoes just before serving. These garnishes add vibrant color, fresh herbal brightness, and extra dimension to your presentation, making the dish look as amazing as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Try it alongside a hearty vegan burger for a casual meal or serve it next to roasted vegetables and a crisp salad for something lighter. The bold spices stand up well to both simple grilled dishes and robust plant-based proteins like lentil loaf or tempeh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo as part of a tapas spread or appetizer platter. Arrange them on a wooden board with additional dips like guacamole or spicy ketchup. Or, get creative and stuff each potato with vegan cheese before baking for ooey-gooey goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the Cajun mayo dip separate in a small container to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or warm.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but best reserved for the potatoes only, without the mayo. After baking and cooling, place the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat the potatoes in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit to restore their crispy texture—usually around 15 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it tends to make them soggy. Warm the Cajun mayo separately before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While small yellow potatoes are ideal for their smooth texture and even cooking, you can also use red potatoes or fingerlings. Just make sure they’re similar in size to ensure they cook through evenly and hold their shape when sliced.

Is it necessary to use vegan butter, or can I substitute something else?

Vegan butter adds that rich, buttery flavor and helps the potatoes crisp nicely. You could substitute olive oil or another plant-based oil, but the texture and taste might be slightly different—still delicious but less buttery.

How spicy is the vegan Cajun mayo?

The Cajun mayo offers a moderate spice level with smoky and savory notes. If you prefer it milder, adjust the cumin and cayenne pepper amounts. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make the Cajun spice mix from scratch?

Absolutely! The mix typically includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and pepper. Feel free to tailor the blend to your taste, making it as smoky or spicy as you like.

What’s the best way to slice the potatoes safely?

Using chopsticks or wooden spoons alongside the potato is a great trick to prevent cutting all the way through. Always use a sharp knife and slice slowly and evenly for the best results and to keep the potato intact while allowing it to fan out as it bakes.

Final Thoughts

You absolutely must try these Oven-Baked Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Vegan Cajun Mayo if you want a side dish that’s anything but ordinary. Crispy, tender, and packed with vibrant flavors, this recipe brings a little southern charm and a lot of comfort to your table. Once you make these, you might find yourself reaching for the Cajun spice mix again and again, turning your everyday potatoes into something extraordinary. So go ahead, bake up a batch, dip into that creamy mayo, and savor every delicious bite!

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