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Perfect Baked Potato Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

This perfect baked potato recipe yields fluffy and tender potatoes with a crisp skin, ideal as a comforting side dish. The method uses simple seasoning with olive oil, butter, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of russet potatoes baked to perfection in the oven.

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 4 large russet potatoes

Seasoning & Toppings

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack placed in the middle and a second rack positioned lower in the oven to catch drips.
  2. Prepare the potatoes: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly with a stiff brush to remove dirt, then pat them dry. Use a fork to poke 8-12 holes about 1 inch deep all over each potato to allow steam to escape while baking. Lightly brush the potatoes all over with extra virgin olive oil to crisp the skin.
  3. Arrange potatoes in the oven: Place the prepared potatoes directly onto the middle oven rack to bake. Position a sheet pan on the lower rack underneath to catch any liquids that may drip from the potatoes.
  4. Bake the potatoes: Bake the potatoes for about 1 hour, or until a knife easily pierces through the potato flesh, indicating they are tender inside.
  5. Cool the potatoes: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes to make them easier to handle and to let the steam redistribute inside.
  6. Serve: To serve, cut each potato from one end to the other lengthwise, then gently squeeze one end toward the other to fluff the interior. Top each potato generously with salted butter, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper according to taste.

Notes

  • Using a fork to poke holes helps prevent the potatoes from bursting in the oven by releasing steam.
  • Russet potatoes are preferred for their fluffy interior and crispy skin when baked.
  • Brushing with olive oil before baking creates a crisp and flavorful skin.
  • Make sure to place a pan underneath the potatoes to keep the oven clean from drips.
  • Letting the potatoes cool slightly after baking improves texture and handling.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/perfect-baked-potato-recipe/