Baked potatoes

Baked potatoes are a classic and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Here’s a simple recipe for perfect baked potatoes:

Perfect Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or your favorite toppings

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
   • Pat them dry with a clean towel.
3. Prick the Potatoes:
   • Using a fork, poke several holes all over each potato. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents them from bursting.
4. Oil and Salt:
   • Rub each potato with a small amount of olive oil to coat the skin lightly.
   • Sprinkle kosher salt all over the potatoes. This will make the skins crispy and flavorful.
5. Bake:
   • Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack.
   • Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven.
   • Let them cool slightly, then cut a slit down the middle of each potato.
   • Fluff the inside of the potato with a fork.
7. Add Toppings:
   • Add butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or any of your favorite toppings.

Tips:

• Crispy Skin: If you prefer extra crispy skin, you can bake the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.