Classic Oven Baked Potatoes

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:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). This high temperature ensures that your potatoes will develop a crisp, golden skin.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!