Ah, the humble baked potato—it’s like the unsung hero of comfort food, right? Sometimes, I think they’re like a blank canvas, just waiting to be dressed up or enjoyed in their pure, buttery glory. A few years ago, I had one at a little diner that was so perfect, it made me rethink my entire approach to home cooking. Who knew something so simple could spark such joy?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Clean the potatoes thoroughly by scrubbing them, then dry them with a towel. Use a fork to poke several small holes in each potato.
- Position the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Coat them with olive oil and generously sprinkle with sea or kosher salt.
- Bake the potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes, until the skins are crispy and the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts. Let the potatoes cool slightly, then slice them open, fluff the interiors, and add your favorite toppings before serving.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes (quantity depends on serving size, e.g., 4 large potatoes for 4 servings)
- Olive oil (enough to coat the potatoes)
- Sea salt or kosher salt (liberal amount for coating)
FAQ
- Why shouldn’t I wrap the potatoes in foil when baking them?
- Wrapping the potatoes in foil can cause the skins to become soft and shriveled. For a crispy skin, it’s best to bake them unwrapped.
- How do I season the baked potatoes for the best flavor?
- Generously coat the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with sea or kosher salt. This will make the skins crispy and flavorful, enhancing the overall taste.
- What type of potatoes are best for baking?
- Russet potatoes are ideal for baking because their skins puff up and become crisp in the oven, while the insides remain fluffy.
- How can I tell when my baked potatoes are done?
- The potatoes are ready when their skins are crisp and puffy, and you can easily pierce them with a fork. The cooking time can vary, so adjust based on the size of the potatoes.
- What are some tasty topping suggestions for baked potatoes?
- Some delicious toppings to try include cashew sour cream, tempeh bacon, chives, regular sour cream, cheese sauce, Greek yogurt, or cheddar cheese.
Tips
- Avoid Using Foil: To achieve crispy potato skins, leave them unwrapped. Wrapping potatoes in foil can cause the skins to become soft rather than crisp.
- Generously Season with Salt: Coating the potatoes with salt enhances the flavor of the skins, making them extra crispy and flavorful. This way, each bite is perfectly seasoned without needing to add salt to the potato flesh.
- Adjust Baking Time Based on Size: The baking time can vary widely from 45 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes. Check for doneness by ensuring the potatoes are fork-tender and the skins are crisp before removing them from the oven.
- Experiment with Toppings: While a simple pat of butter works wonders, consider adding toppings like sour cream, cheese, or chives to elevate the dish.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet (Nonstick, like those from USA Pan Bakeware)
- Parchment Paper
- Oven Mitts
