Description
This recipe for Perfect Baked Potatoes delivers crispy skin with fluffy, tender interiors. Using simple ingredients and a straightforward baking method, you can create a classic side dish that pairs well with numerous meals. Customize with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cheese, chives, or butter to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Cheese
- Chives
- Butter
- Additional toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the potatoes evenly with a crispy skin.
- Clean Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt and debris, then pat them dry with a towel to prepare for oiling.
- Prepare Potatoes: Use a fork to poke several holes all over each potato; this allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the potatoes from bursting.
- Season Potatoes: Rub each potato completely with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper for flavor and to help crisp the skin.
- Bake: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet, baking for 45 to 60 minutes. The potatoes are done when the skin is crispy and a fork pierces easily into the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Slice open the top and fluff the interior with a fork.
- Add Toppings and Enjoy: Add your preferred toppings like sour cream, cheese, chives, or butter to personalize your baked potatoes and serve immediately.
Notes
- Choosing russet potatoes is ideal since their high starch content produces fluffy interiors and crisp skins.
- Do not wrap potatoes in foil; baking them unwrapped ensures a crisp skin.
- Check doneness by inserting a fork; it should glide in easily if fully cooked.
- For extra crispy skin, consider flipping potatoes halfway through baking.
- Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
