There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly baked potato. With a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, it’s a versatile dish that can stand alone or complement a variety of meals. Today, we’re sharing a classic recipe for oven-baked potatoes that’s both simple and delicious.
Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients:
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt (coarse sea salt or pink Himalayan salt preferred)
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create the perfect baked potatoes:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). This high temperature ensures that your potatoes will develop a crisp, golden skin.
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the oven is heating, wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly. It’s important to remove any dirt from the skin, as the potatoes will be baked with the skins on.
- Pierce the Potatoes: Use a fork to pierce each potato 2-3 times. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the potatoes from bursting.
- Oil and Salt: Pour the olive oil into a bowl. Generously rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Then, sprinkle the salt over the potatoes, making sure to cover all sides. The coarse salt will give the potatoes a wonderful texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the prepared potatoes on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. The potatoes are done when a fork slides in easily with little resistance.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Serving Suggestions
These classic oven-baked potatoes can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, fish, or a hearty salad.
- Loaded Potatoes: Top with sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and cheese for a loaded baked potato.
- Healthy Option: Pair with steamed vegetables and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Final Tips
- Choosing Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their high starch content, which gives them a fluffy texture.
- Enhance Flavor: Experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary for a flavorful twist.
- Storage: Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their crispiness.
Baking potatoes is a timeless technique that brings out their natural flavors and textures. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or preparing a side for a dinner party, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy your perfectly baked potatoes!