Hasselback Potatoes with Red Dust Mince

Crispy, golden, and impossibly satisfying — Hasselback potatoes are one of those dishes that look far more impressive than the effort required to make them. Each thin slice fans open during baking, creating a texture that's crunchy on the edges and pillowy soft in the centre. Pair that with a richly seasoned mince and you've got a complete, crowd-pleasing meal that belongs on any Australian dinner table.

What sets this version apart is the seasoning. Terrablendz Red Dust Mild Taco Seasoning with Saltbush & Pepperberry brings a distinctly Australian character to the dish — earthy, mildly spiced, and layered with native botanicals that you simply won't find in a standard spice rack. This isn't just a potato recipe. It's a flavour experience rooted in the Australian landscape.

Whether you're cooking for the family on a weeknight or looking to impress guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers. It's hearty, flavourful, and built around ingredients that are genuinely worth knowing about. For more Australian native side dish inspiration, explore our Australian Native Side Dishes guide — your go-to resource for cooking with native botanicals.

• Ready in under 90 minutes
• Uses one hero seasoning blend for both the potatoes and the mince
• Family-friendly with mild heat
• Naturally gluten-free base recipe

What Makes Red Dust Seasoning Unique

Not all seasonings are created equal, and Red Dust is proof of that. Handcrafted on the Sunshine Coast, this blend combines the mineral-rich character of Saltbush with the bold, peppery warmth of Tasmanian Pepperberry. Together, they create a seasoning that's genuinely unlike anything imported or mass-produced.

Saltbush has been used in Australian cooking for generations — it's salty, slightly herbal, and adds a depth that regular table salt simply can't replicate. Tasmanian Pepperberry, on the other hand, delivers a slow-building heat that's more complex and aromatic than standard black pepper. When blended into the Red Dust mix, these two botanicals create something that's both familiar and distinctly new.

What also sets this blend apart from other native seasoning products is its versatility. It's not a single-use spice. Red Dust works across proteins, vegetables, and even dairy-based toppings like sour cream. In this recipe, it seasons both the potatoes and the mince — creating a cohesive flavour profile throughout the entire dish.

• No artificial flavours or fillers
• Mild heat — suitable for the whole family
• Handcrafted in small batches on the Sunshine Coast
• Combines two distinct native Australian botanicals

Flavour Profile: What to Expect

Red Dust delivers a layered flavour experience that unfolds as you eat. The first thing you'll notice is the savoury warmth — a mild taco-style base that's familiar and comforting. Then comes the earthiness of Saltbush, adding a mineral quality that grounds the dish. Finally, the Tasmanian Pepperberry leaves a gentle, lingering heat on the palate.

On the Hasselback potatoes, this translates to a beautifully seasoned crust — golden and aromatic, with each fanned slice carrying the flavour all the way through. On the mince, it creates a rich, savoury sauce that's bold without being overpowering. The two components complement each other perfectly.

This is a flavour profile that works across seasons. It's warming enough for a winter dinner but light enough to serve in summer alongside a fresh salad. The native botanicals add a point of difference that makes this dish genuinely memorable — not just another weeknight mince recipe.

• Savoury and mildly spiced base
• Earthy, mineral notes from Saltbush
• Slow-building warmth from Tasmanian Pepperberry
• Cohesive flavour across both the potatoes and mince

How to Use Red Dust in This Recipe

One of the best things about Red Dust is how straightforward it is to use. There's no need to build a complex spice blend from scratch — this seasoning does the heavy lifting for you. In this recipe, it's used in two ways: as a dry rub on the potatoes before baking, and as the primary seasoning for the mince during cooking.

For the potatoes, brush generously with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle Red Dust into the sliced fans before baking. The seasoning crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating a flavourful crust on every edge. For the mince, add it during the cooking process so the spices bloom in the pan and infuse the entire mixture.

A light dusting over the finished dish just before serving adds a final hit of colour and aroma. It's a small step that makes a big visual difference — especially if you're serving this to guests. The seasoning is also excellent stirred through sour cream or Greek yoghurt as a quick topping.

• Use as a dry rub on the potatoes before baking
• Add to the mince during cooking for full flavour infusion
• Finish with a light dusting before serving
• Stir through sour cream for a quick native-spiced topping

Why Choose Australian Native Ingredients

There's a growing movement in Australian kitchens to cook with what's actually native to this country — and for good reason. Native botanicals like Saltbush and Tasmanian Pepperberry are adapted to the Australian environment, which means they're often more sustainable to grow and harvest than imported alternatives. Choosing them is a small but meaningful way to support local producers and reduce food miles.

Beyond sustainability, native ingredients simply taste different. They carry the character of the Australian landscape — something that imported herbs and spices, no matter how high quality, can't replicate. When you cook with Red Dust, you're bringing that character into your kitchen in a way that's accessible, practical, and genuinely delicious.

Terrablendz is committed to making native Australian ingredients easy to use for everyday cooks. The blends are designed to work with familiar recipes — like this one — so you don't need to overhaul your cooking style to start enjoying native flavours. It's about adding something new, not replacing what you already love. Discover more ideas in our Australian Native Side Dishes guide.

• Supports local Australian producers
• Lower food miles than imported spice alternatives
• Unique flavour profiles not found in standard spice blends
• Designed for everyday cooking — no specialist knowledge required

Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes with Red Dust Mince

Prep: 15 min  |  Cook: 60 min  |  Total: 75 min  |  Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes (washed, unpeeled)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tsp Terrablendz Red Dust Seasoning (plus extra to taste)
• 500g beef or lamb mince
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small capsicum or carrot, diced (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste or ½ cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup grated cheese
• Salt to taste (optional)
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Method:

Step 1 — Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan forced). Slice potatoes thinly, three-quarters of the way through — place them between two wooden spoons to prevent cutting all the way through. Boil in a large pot of water for 15 minutes to soften. Brush with olive oil or butter, sprinkle generously with Red Dust Seasoning, and bake for 45–50 minutes, basting once at the halfway mark. At the 30-minute mark, add grated cheese on top and return to the oven until golden and melted.

Step 2 — Cook the Mince
Heat a pan with a little oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the mince and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Add tomato paste or crushed tomatoes, diced vegetables, and 1 tsp Red Dust Seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavours meld together.

Step 3 — Assemble and Serve
Spoon the seasoned mince beside or over the Hasselback potatoes. Sprinkle a little extra Red Dust over the top and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately while the potatoes are still crisp.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Use wooden spoons on either side of the potato when slicing to control depth
• Boiling before baking ensures the inside is fully cooked and fluffy
• Baste with extra butter or oil at the 30-minute mark for maximum crispness
• Add cheese in the final 20 minutes to avoid burning
• Rest the mince for 2–3 minutes off the heat before serving — it thickens slightly

Buy Red Dust Seasoning — Taste the Difference

If this recipe has you keen to explore what Red Dust can do, now's the time to stock your pantry. Terrablendz Red Dust Mild Taco Seasoning with Saltbush & Pepperberry is handcrafted in small batches on the Sunshine Coast and available for delivery across Australia.

This isn't a seasoning you'll use once and forget. It's the kind of blend that becomes a kitchen staple — one that works across proteins, vegetables, and everything in between. Once you've tasted what native Saltbush and Tasmanian Pepperberry bring to a dish, it's hard to go back to standard spice blends.

Order directly from the Terrablendz online store and have it delivered to your door. Browse the full range of native Australian seasonings, herbs, and BBQ rubs while you're there — each one crafted with the same commitment to quality and flavour.

• Handcrafted in small batches on the Sunshine Coast
• Delivered Australia-wide
• No artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives
• Part of a full range of native Australian seasonings and rubs

Related Recipe Inspiration

If you love the combination of native seasonings and hearty potato dishes, you'll want to try our Aussie Potato Salad — A Classic with a Bush Tucker Twist. It takes a beloved Australian staple and elevates it with native botanicals, creating something that's familiar yet genuinely exciting.

Both recipes showcase how native Australian ingredients can transform everyday dishes without complicating the cooking process. They're approachable, flavourful, and built around ingredients that are worth celebrating. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or putting together a weeknight dinner, these recipes give you something to work with.

For more ideas across sides, mains, and everything in between, head to the Terrablendz Recipes page — a growing library of Australian native-inspired cooking.

• Explore potato-based recipes with native seasoning
• Find BBQ rub recipes and side dish inspiration
• Discover new ways to use Saltbush and Pepperberry in everyday cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you leave the skin on Hasselback potatoes?

Yes — and it's highly recommended. The skin crisps up beautifully during baking and helps hold the sliced fans together. It also adds texture and a slightly nutty flavour that complements the Red Dust seasoning. Just make sure to scrub the potatoes well before cooking.

What type of potato works best for Hasselback potatoes?

Medium-sized, oval potatoes with a firm flesh work best — think Sebago, Desiree, or Dutch Cream varieties. They hold their shape during boiling and baking, and the flesh becomes fluffy inside while the edges crisp up. Avoid waxy potatoes, which can be too dense for this style of cooking.

Can I make Hasselback potatoes ahead of time?

You can prep and boil the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. This actually makes the baking step faster and more convenient. The mince can also be cooked ahead and reheated — it often tastes even better the next day as the flavours develop further.

Is Red Dust Seasoning suitable for kids?

Yes — Red Dust is a mild blend, making it suitable for the whole family including children. The Tasmanian Pepperberry adds warmth rather than sharp heat, so it's flavourful without being spicy. If you're cooking for very young children, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

What else can I use Red Dust Seasoning on?

Red Dust is incredibly versatile. It works brilliantly on roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, lamb cutlets, beef patties, and even stirred through sour cream as a dipping sauce. It's also excellent as a dry rub for BBQ meats. Once you have it in your pantry, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.

A Dish Worth Coming Back To

Hasselback Potatoes with Red Dust Mince is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. It's straightforward enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of crispy, golden potatoes and richly seasoned mince creates a dish that's satisfying on every level.

What makes it genuinely special is the seasoning. Red Dust brings a flavour profile that's rooted in the Australian landscape — earthy, aromatic, and layered in a way that standard spice blends simply can't match. It's a small change that makes a significant difference to the finished dish.

Cooking with native Australian botanicals is also a sustainable choice. Saltbush and Tasmanian Pepperberry are grown and harvested locally, supporting Australian producers and reducing the environmental footprint of your pantry. It's a way of cooking that feels good beyond just the flavour.

Give this recipe a go and taste what Australian native seasonings can do. Then explore the full range at Terrablendz — because once you start cooking with native botanicals, there's no going back.