Description
Irresistible quick baked potatoes deliver crispy golden perfection straight from your kitchen. Simple ingredients and smart techniques help busy cooks create a comforting side dish you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Butter
- Cheese
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse potatoes under running water, ensuring all dirt is removed, then gently pat dry with a clean towel.
- Using a fork, puncture several holes across the potato surface to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Massage olive oil evenly over the potato skin, creating a light, glossy coating that promotes crispiness.
- Generously season the oiled potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing the seasoning uniformly.
- Position potatoes directly on the middle oven rack at 400°F (200°C), allowing hot air to circulate and create an evenly crisp exterior.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, checking potato tenderness by inserting a fork – it should glide smoothly through the center with minimal resistance.
- Once fully cooked, carefully remove potatoes from the oven using oven mitts.
- Create a lengthwise slit across the top of each potato, gently pressing the sides to open and reveal the fluffy interior.
- Delicately fluff the potato’s flesh using a fork, creating soft, airy texture.
- Embellish with preferred toppings such as sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheese, or freshly chopped chives.
Notes
- Enhance potato crispiness by thoroughly drying potatoes before oiling to prevent steaming.
- Select medium-sized potatoes with uniform shape for consistent cooking and even baking.
- Experiment with alternative seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or herbs for added flavor complexity.
- Consider using parchment paper or aluminum foil on the oven rack for easier cleanup and preventing potato drippings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, 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