A simple and delicious recipe for perfectly baked potatoes with crispy skin and fluffy insides.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
- Optional toppings (choose your favorites!):
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Bacon bits
- Chives or green onions
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Broccoli florets
- Chili
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt.
- Pat the potatoes dry with paper towels.
- Using a fork, pierce each potato several times. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
- Oil and Season:
- Rub each potato with olive oil (or vegetable oil), ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the potatoes generously with coarse sea salt (or kosher salt), rubbing it into the skin.
- Bake:
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Placing them directly on the rack will promote crispier skin.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the skin is crispy. The baking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes.
- Check for Doneness:
- To check if the potatoes are done, gently squeeze them. They should feel soft. You can also insert a fork or knife; it should slide in easily.
- Cool Slightly and Serve:
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly for a few minutes.
- Cut a slit in the top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the insides.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Choose Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking because they have a high starch content and low moisture, resulting in a fluffy interior.
- Don’t skip the piercing: piercing the potatoes is very important.
- Crispy Skin: Placing the potatoes directly on the oven rack promotes crispy skin.
- Even Baking: For even baking, choose potatoes that are similar in size.
- Hot Oven: A hot oven is essential for crispy skin and a fluffy interior.
Enjoy your delicious baked potatoes!