Description
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these classic baked potatoes are simple, versatile, and perfect as a side or main dish. They are made by baking russet potatoes coated with olive oil and salt until tender, resulting in a deliciously crispy skin and soft interior that can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (approximately 400°F) to ensure it is hot enough to bake the potatoes evenly.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and scrub each potato thoroughly to remove dirt and debris, then pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Pierce the potatoes: Use a fork to prick each potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
- Season the potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil to coat the skin evenly, then sprinkle salt over them for flavor and to help crisp the skin.
- Bake: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack to allow air circulation and bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven, slice them open, and fluff the insides with a fork. Season with black pepper to taste and add your favorite toppings if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can customize your baked potatoes by adding toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped chives.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes; larger potatoes may require closer to 60 minutes.
- For softer skin, wrap the potatoes individually in aluminum foil before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
