A simple and satisfying baked potato with a crispy skin and fluffy interior. Perfect as a side dish or a base for toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 large russet potato per person (or another baking potato)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- Optional: Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water.
- Dry the potatoes completely with a clean towel or paper towels.
- Using a fork, pierce the potatoes several times on all sides. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
- Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the potatoes generously with coarse sea salt.
- optional: add freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- 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 the 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.
- Serve:
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Cut a slit in the top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the interior.
- Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Topping Ideas:
- Butter
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Bacon bits
- Chives or green onions
- Broccoli florets
- Chili
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Variations:
- Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, after rubbing the potatoes with oil and salt, place them directly on the oven rack.
- Faster Baking: For faster baking, you can microwave the potatoes for 5-10 minutes before baking them in the oven. This will soften them up and reduce the oven time.
- Foil-Wrapped Potatoes: While it will make the skin softer, you can wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil before baking. This will result in a softer, more steamed potato.
- Garlic Baked Potatoes: Before baking, you can rub the potatoes with minced garlic or garlic powder along with the oil and salt.
- Sweet Potatoes: This recipe can be used for sweet potatoes as well. Baking times may vary slightly.
Tips:
- Choose potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes.
- Don’t skip the piercing step! It’s crucial for preventing explosions.
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before handling them. They will be very hot.
- If you are going to use heavy toppings such as chili, consider baking the potatoes on a baking sheet to catch any drips.