Description
Baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, transforming simple russet tubers into a warm, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. With a crispy golden skin and fluffy interior, they become the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings, from classic butter and sour cream to gourmet cheese and chives. Whether enjoyed as a side or the star of the meal, these baked potatoes are sure to evoke nostalgia and delight at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 8 ounces each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Toppings of choice (sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water and dry thoroughly.
- Poke several holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Let cool slightly before slicing open and adding butter and desired toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato (227g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Experiment with various toppings like chili or avocado for exciting flavor combinations. For optimal texture, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.