Description
This classic recipe for perfect baked potatoes delivers crispy skin and fluffy interiors. Simply rubbed with olive oil and salt, these russet potatoes bake in the oven until tender, making a perfect versatile side dish. Top them with butter, sour cream, cheddar, or chives for added flavor.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasoning
- Olive oil (enough to coat potatoes)
- Salt (to sprinkle)
Toppings (optional)
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Chives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough to bake the potatoes evenly, giving a crispy skin.
- Clean Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Dry each potato with a paper towel to ensure olive oil sticks well.
- Poke Potatoes: Use a fork to poke each potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing potatoes from bursting.
- Oil and Salt: Rub olive oil generously over the entire surface of each potato and sprinkle them evenly with salt. This helps to crisp the skin and enhance flavor.
- Bake: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack so the heat circulates evenly around them. Bake for 45-60 minutes until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice them open and add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh chives.
Notes
- Russet potatoes work best for baking due to their starchy texture.
- For faster cooking, you can microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes before baking.
- Ensure potatoes are dry before oiling to get crispier skin.
- Use a fork to pierce potatoes instead of a knife to avoid leaking potato juices.
- Adjust baking time based on potato size; larger potatoes may need closer to 60 minutes.
