Baked potatoes can be made with very little effort and are extremely satisfying. If you need to prepare sides for an event, or are busy cooking during the week, baked potato can be easily adapted. All you need is the right method to get that fluffy inside and crispy outside, as well as a little creativity with toppings.
In this guide, we’ll go over a failsafe baked potatoes recipe and look at a number of topping suggestions that can elevate these humble spuds to a full-blown meal.
Perfect Baked Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
- Coarse sea salt
- Optional: Garlic powder, fresh ground pepper
Instructions:
1. Choose the Right Potato Russets work best for baking thanks to their starchy consistency. When properly baked, the potatoes become soft on the outside and develop a crisp golden skin.
2. Scrub under running a water. With a dry, clean towel, pat them down well. Too much moisture can cause the skins to become soggy.
3. The skin can be pricked with a fork. Make a few holes using the fork on each potato. This allows steam out and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
4. Season the skin Rub each potato generously with olive and sea salt. For extra flavor, add a little garlic powder or some pepper.
5. Bake After the oven has been preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, place your potatoes immediately on the center rack. Bake the potatoes between 45-60 minutes depending on their size. The skins need to be crisp. They should also slide easily with a fork.
6. Once the potatoes are baked, use a knife to slice them open and then gently fluff their insides using a fork. Your favorite toppings can be added now.
Classic Toppings
You can go simple or creative with your toppings. Here are classic and crowd pleasing favorites:
1. Butter and Sour Cream
It’s okay to use butter and sour cream together. To give your dish a touch of freshness, sprinkle chives on top.
2. Cheese and Bacon
Top with shredded bacon and crumbled cheddar cheese. To melt the cheese, return the pan to the heat for 5 minutes. Add chives, green onions or green onions for more flavor.
3. Chili and cheese
A delicious option to turn your baked potatoes into an entire meal. Serve warm chili over the top of shredded cheese and jalapenos.
Healthy Topping Options
Want to keep your life a bit lighter? These healthy additives are a great way to add nutrition and taste without sacrificing health.
1. Greek Yogurt Fresh Herbs
You can replace sour cream in this recipe with Greek yogurt. Add dill leaves, parsley or scallions if you want a more zesty flavor.
2. Broccoli with Cheese, Steamed
Melted cheddar and tender broccoli make a nutrient rich, delicious combo. You can use low-fat versions of mozzarella or cheese for a healthier alternative.
3. Salsa Avocado
Add a tablespoon of fresh salsa and some sliced avocado. Sprinkle with lime juice. For a Tex-Mex touch, this is a perfect choice.
Toppings Gourmet And Creative
You can try these new ideas to make your baked potatoes more interesting:
1. Caramelized Onions with Goat Cheese
Sweet, slow cooked onions pair perfectly with tangy cheese. Sprinkle with a little balsamic for an elegant touch.
2. Pesto and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Add oven-roasted tomato cherry slices on top of the pesto. This Mediterranean-inspired topping bursts with flavor.
3. BBQ Pulled Poultry
Top with leftover BBQ pulled ham and a little coleslaw. This recipe is ideal for informal or game-day meals since it is substantial and satisfying.
Baked Potatoes: Tips To The Best Baked Potatoes
- Avoid wrapping in foil for soft skins. Directly baking the skin on the oven rack will give it its characteristic crispiness.
- Put a wire grating on a baking sheet so that the potatoes don’t go straight into the oven. As a result, air may flow freely about the potato.
- Make ahead. Heat in oven at 350degF for 15-20 minutes. Ideal for busy weeks or bulk cooking.
Conclusion
It’s easy to customize baked potatoes with different flavors, textures or nutrients. This simple baked potato recipe offers a foundation that you can build on, whether you choose to go with just salt and butter or go for gourmet toppings. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
You can use the humble potato as a delicious side dish or even a meal. Just a few ingredients, and a little creativity can make it something special.
