The pros: Trader Joe's Hasselback Potatoes are a good potato that is prepped for you and ready to go. The taste and texture was better in the oven than in the microwave.
The cons: These are truly overpriced potatoes. There was nothing notable or that made these standout in anyway.
The verdict: Here at Become Betty, this blog was established not to be chef-y (because I'm not), it was always about celebrating the easy. There is a fine line between easy and just straight up lazy. This product is designed for the straight up lazy.
I don't know about you, but I've examined my microwave and discovered a button that actually says, "potato" on it. After I put a potato in it, like magic, it is cooked. With a knife and a minimum amount of effort, anyone should be able to make a Hasselback Potato.
So, let's run through what you get in the box. For $3.79 you are getting two sealed and prepped potatoes that can be made either in the microwave or the oven. I made one in each. Hands down the winner was the one in the oven. It was far crispier on the outside skin. However, if you don't have the 30 minutes to spare, the microwave will also yield a reasonably good potato.
Beyond the thin sliced nature (which isn't cut quite as deep as the package might suggest), you have a potato with a bit of butter and salt. That's it. I don't know about you, but the value really isn't there in the product. For the most part you can get many potatoes for $3.79. I'm just saying.
Now, how to make this amazing. Yes, this can be replicated with any potato baked or otherwise. Serve this with some truffle dip. You'll have a very magical potato. Otherwise, this just a very basic and pricey freezer product. No, I wouldn't be buying this one again. I'll press the potato button on the microwave.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The box of Trader Joe's Hasselback Potatoes:
The nutritional information and ingredients:
How to prepare:
Out of the package you get:
After being cooked you get:
Would I buy this again? No, I would not buy Trader Joe's Hasselback Potatoes again.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Timothy Cain says
I wish I hadn't picked these up yesterday. You are absolutely right. They are just lightly buttered and sliced potatoes. Nothing special.
I got some of their chocolate peppermint almond milk. That stuff is good!
becomebetty says
Hey Tim,
I much agree on the chocolate peppermint almond milk. That was an awesome buy. I got it last year and regretted not getting more. It's seasonal and has a long shelf life. So if you really like it, it's worth picking up a few more.
judilyn says
Last winter I saw a one-pound package of tiny Yukon Gold potatoes, whole with a brushing of butter, for $5. a pound, and thought that seemed like a lot. These work out to $5.72 a pound. Currently very nice Idaho Russets are being sold everywhere for about $1.50 for a ten-pound bag, or $.15 a pound.
Definitely worthwhile to hit that POTATO button on the microwave, but a Crock-Pot can be filled with them for various uses during the week. Yes, we had Onion Potato soup, topped with Parmesan,, Smoked paprika, scallions, and cilantro for lunch today!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Hey Judie!
I must agree with you on the price. This is waaaay over priced for what you are getting. I haven't tried using a crock pot for potatoes. I'll put that on my to do list. Your potato soup sounds amazing! As always, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your valuable insight.
Alek says
Also not to mention that it travelled from France. It not rocket science to do hasselback potatoes. If it was topped with bacon & fondue then it might worth the price
becomebetty says
Hey Alek!
I much agree with you. By the way, Trader Joe's has fondue now. It is seasonal and it is very good too. Just sayin'. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
xolilyn says
I loved the Hasselback potatoes. They seemed great to me! I can't find them anymore.
becomebetty says
Hey xililyn! These are a seaside item. Thanks for stopping by!
Patty G says
I tried the Hasselback Potatoes last night. Cooked then in the oven, had to cook 10 minutes longer, they were then done. I went to eat the potato, sorry to say it was horrible, had a strange taste, my husband did not eat his either, they both went in the garage. I was so looking forward to these potatoes. So tomorrow I will take the box back to Trader Joes for a credit or refund.