If you're looking for a simple yet delicious dish that pairs well with almost anything, look no further than quick baked potatoes. These crispy-skinned, fluffy potatoes are easy to make and can be customized with a variety of toppings. Perfect as a side dish or as a base for your favorite toppings, this recipe is both comforting and versatile.
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, butter
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a towel.
Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and a fork easily pierces the flesh.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing open. Add your favorite toppings and serve.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
Cheese and Bacon: Add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon for a richer, heartier option.
Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top with sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, and bacon bits for the ultimate loaded potato.
Vegan Option: Skip the sour cream and cheese, and top with avocado or a drizzle of olive oil with garlic and herbs.
Herb-Infused: Rub the potatoes with a mix of olive oil and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic for a fragrant twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the potatoes back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave for 2-3 minutes, depending on your preference.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but russet potatoes are ideal for baking because of their fluffy interior and crispy skin.
Can I make these baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and reheat them later. Just keep in mind that the skin may lose some crispiness during storage.
What should I do if I don’t have olive oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted butter as a substitute.
Can I microwave these potatoes instead of baking them?
While microwaving will cook the potatoes faster, it won’t give you that crispy skin. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes per potato, depending on the size.
What toppings do you recommend for baked potatoes?
I love classic toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives. However, you can also try bacon bits, butter, salsa, or even a dollop of guacamole for something different.
Conclusion
Quick baked potatoes are a perfect, simple side dish that I can easily make for any meal. The crispy skin and fluffy interior make them irresistible, and the best part is I can customize them with a variety of toppings to suit my mood. Whether I’m enjoying them as a snack or part of a larger meal, they always hit the spot.
Recipe:
Quick Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Simple to make with minimal ingredients, they are a versatile dish that pairs well with any meal and can be customized with various toppings.
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a towel.
- Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and a fork easily pierces the flesh.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing open. Add your favorite toppings and serve.
Notes
For a richer option, add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
For a loaded baked potato, top with sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, and bacon bits.
For a vegan option, skip the dairy and use avocado or olive oil with garlic and herbs.
To add a fragrant twist, rub the potatoes with olive oil and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic.
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
