Baked Potato Hacks: Elevate Your Side Dish Game
A perfect baked potato has a crispy outside and a fluffy inside. My way of baking potatoes works every time, so let’s load up those spuds and dig in!
Perfect Baked Potato
There’s nothing quite like a perfect baked potato. The outside is brown and crispy, covered in a sprinkle of sea salt. When you poke the skin, your fork sinks into the soft, fluffy inside. It’s tempting to eat it straight out of the oven, but if you wait just a bit and add a pat of butter or a spoonful of (cashew) sour cream, you’ll be glad you did!
You might be surprised to hear that I wasn’t always a baked potato fan. I used to think they were pretty boring on their own. When I had them as a kid or at restaurants, the toppings were the star of the show. The potatoes were often shriveled and soft, just holding the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon.
But this salt-crusted baked potato recipe changed my mind. Now, the potato is the main attraction! Sure, a little butter or sour cream makes it even better, but these potatoes come out of the oven with wonderfully crispy skins and warm, creamy interiors that are delicious on their own. Enjoy them as a filling side dish or load them up and make them the main meal. You’ll love them either way!
How to Bake a Potato
I like using russet potatoes because their skin gets nice and crispy in the oven. You’ll only need olive oil and salt for this recipe. Once you have everything ready, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes well and dry them with a kitchen towel. Then, poke each potato a few times with a fork to make small holes.
- Season the Potatoes: Place the potatoes on the baking sheet. Rub them all over with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with sea or kosher salt. Now, pop them in the hot oven!
- Bake: Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the skins are crispy and you can easily pierce them with a fork. Use oven mitts to carefully take the hot baking sheet out of the oven.
- Dig In!: Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes, then slice them open, fluff up the insides, and add your favorite toppings. I love mine with cashew sour cream, tempeh bacon, chives, and a little salt and pepper!
Tips for a Great Baked Potato
Cooking Time Varies: The baking time can change depending on how big your potatoes are. I recommend baking for 45 to 60 minutes, but keep an eye on them. They’re done when they’re fork-tender and the skin is crispy.
Skip the Foil: If you want crispy skin, don’t wrap your potatoes in foil. Wrapping them makes the skins soft, and we want them to be crunchy!
Add Plenty of Salt: If you enjoy eating potato skins, you’ll want to coat them in salt. It makes the skins extra tasty and crispy, so you won’t need to season the potato flesh much.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with a baked potato topped with butter, salt, and pepper, but adding a few fun toppings can make it even better! I love mine with cashew sour cream, tempeh bacon, and chives. Regular sour cream, “cheese sauce,” Greek yogurt, or cheddar cheese also work great.
Enjoy your baked potato as a meal on its own or pair it with your favorite protein. It would be delicious with a hearty salad like Caesar salad, broccoli salad, or kale salad, or alongside roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
Jacket Potato Near Me
If you’re searching for a cozy spot to grab a jacket potato nearby, you might find a few tempting places, but let me tell you, making one at home is where the real magic happens! With our easy recipe, you can whip up a fluffy, crispy-skinned jacket potato that’ll give any restaurant a run for its money. Just imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly seasoned, crunchy potato that reveals a warm, soft inside. Plus, the best part? You get to customize your toppings! Whether you love classic butter and chives or want to go wild with chili and cheese, making it at home means it’s all about your taste!
Loaded Potato Near Me
While you’re on the lookout for loaded potatoes in your area, don’t forget that creating one at home can be just as fun and oh-so-delicious! Our recipe will guide you in crafting a loaded potato that’s packed with all your favorite flavors. Picture this: a hearty potato stuffed with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. Sounds yummy, right? Not only can you make it just the way you like it, but it’s also a fantastic way to gather friends and family for a cozy meal. So, why settle for takeout when you can enjoy a loaded potato masterpiece right from your kitchen? Happy cooking!
More Favorite Potato Recipes
If you enjoyed learning how to bake a potato, try one of these tasty potato recipes next:
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Potato Soup
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Oven Roasted Potatoes
