Description
Rustic potato perfection delights with this mouthwatering “perfectly baked potato recipe” straight from kitchen comfort. Crispy skin and fluffy interior promise a simple yet irresistible side dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chives
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse potatoes under running water, ensuring all dirt is removed, then meticulously dry with a kitchen towel.
- Using a fork, create multiple punctures across the entire potato surface to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Massage potato exteriors with olive oil, creating an even coating that will help develop a crispy, golden skin.
- Generously season potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing seasoning evenly.
- Position potatoes directly on the middle oven rack or place on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- Slide potatoes into a preheated 425°F oven, allowing 45-60 minutes of roasting time until the exterior turns deep golden and crisp.
- Verify doneness by inserting a fork into the potato’s center – it should glide in smoothly with minimal resistance.
- Extract potatoes from oven and permit a brief 5-minute resting period to allow internal temperatures to stabilize.
- Carefully slice potatoes lengthwise, using a fork to gently separate and fluff the tender interior.
- Embellish with preferred toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, or shredded cheese to enhance flavor profile.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for the fluffiest interior and crispiest skin, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
- Use a generous amount of olive oil and coarse salt to create a crunchy, flavorful exterior that elevates the potato’s natural taste.
- Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or smoked paprika to add exciting flavor variations.
- For a lighter version, swap olive oil with cooking spray and use Greek yogurt instead of butter as a topping to reduce calories while maintaining deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg