Baked Potato, with its crispy skin and fluffy inside, is a flavorful side dish. Made primarily with Russet Potatoes, seasoned with oil and salt, and topped with sour cream, chives, and black pepper, it's ideal for parties or as a lunch and dinner accompaniment.
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly with cold water. Use a food cleaning brush to remove any dirt or debris. Then, pat the potatoes dry using a clean kitchen towel.
Next, poke the potatoes on all sides using a fork. This not only helps in cooking them evenly but also prevents them from exploding in the oven.
Drizzle cooking oil over the potatoes and sprinkle them with salt. Give them a good rub to ensure the flavors from the salt and oil are well absorbed.
Place the seasoned Russet Potatoes on a baking tray, preferably with a wire rack. Using a wire rack helps in cooking the potatoes evenly.
Bake the potatoes in a preheated oven at 425° F for about 60 minutes, or until they turn fork-tender.
Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool down slightly. Then, using a knife, slit open the potatoes. Gently press the ends of the potatoes to open them wider. Be careful as the baked potatoes will be hot; use a kitchen towel to handle them.
Finally, fluff the insides of the baked potatoes with a fork and top them with butter, sour cream, chives, and black pepper powder. Your delicious Baked Potatoes are now ready to be served and enjoyed!
To Serve
Enjoy these crispy and fluffy Baked Potatoes with salad, vegetable soup, oven-baked chicken wings, garlic butter salmon, garlic butter chicken, roasted broccoli, or your choice of sides.
Notes
Here are some basic tips to make perfect baked potatoes:
Flavor Enhancement: Rub oil and salt on the poked potatoes. This simple step significantly elevates the flavor and taste.
Crispy & Fluffy Texture: Bake at high temperatures for that desirable crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
Versatile Toppings: While classic toppings like sour cream, chives, and crushed black pepper are great, feel free to experiment with cheese, guacamole, or your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.
Avoiding Potato Explosions: Prick the potatoes with a fork before baking. This facilitates air circulation inside, preventing explosions in the oven and promoting even cooking.
Baking Time for Perfect Potatoes: For ideal oven-baked potatoes, preheat your oven to 425° F and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until they're fork-tender. Alternatively, temperatures like 350° F, 375° F, 400° F, or 450° F are also suitable, with baking times ranging from 45 to 60 minutes. Keep in mind, the size of the potatoes can affect the baking duration, so adjust accordingly.