The Potato is perhaps one of the most perfect foods. It is certainly one of our favorites. There are so many uses for potatoes. From french fries to mashed potatoes to scalloped potatoes, the uses are endless. One of our favorite ways to prepare potatoes are by baking them.
Toppings
Baked Potatoes are a favorite for us because not only are they great as a side dish but they can also serve as a main dish. You can top them with chili, various pulled meats, cheese, vegetables, and more! Basically the world is your oyster when it comes to baked potatoes.
Some of our favorite toppings include:
- The Works- Sour cream, butter, cheese, bacon, and chives
- Green Chile Pork- Green chile pulled pork and cheese
- Broccoli Cheese- Melted cheese and steamed broccoli (the pre-packaged freezer type are great for a quick topping)
- Chili- Your favorite chili (homemade or canned), cheese, and onions
- Salsa- Salsa or hot sauce, sour cream, and cheese
Preparation
The secret to a delicious baked potato isn’t necessarily the toppings you put on it, but rather how you prepare it. There is more to it than washing the potato off, poking holes, and throwing it into the oven. The skin can actually be one of the tastiest parts of the potato with a little work. Below is our recipe for what we think is the most delicious way to prepare your baked potato pre-topping.
How do you prefer your potatoes? Do you have a favorite topping? In the comments below tell us how you prepare your perfect baked potato!
Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes
- Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Wash potatoes.
- Poke holes around the entire potato.
- Drizzle with olive oil and massage into skin (this is important to get the flavor into the potato).
- Coat with kosher salt, making a salt crust.
- Cook for 60 minutes or until tender.
I never use to put a fat on the outside of my baked potatoes, then I learned. They turn out SO good uncovered, coated in oil and salt.
We never make them without oil and salt. It adds so much flavor!
There is nothing better than a potato made with oil and salt. I eat the entire thing, skin and all!
same goes for us!
Ohhh man I absolutely love potato. I could eat potato allll day. I’ve never cooked a perfect baked potato though so I am going to give this a go!
P.S I love your website and pictures, they really work well together!
We love love love potatoes too! Oh man, the perfect baked potato is soooo easy! You will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner! Thank you also for the wonderful compliment!
I love potatoes and they are so good for you.
Okay, this looks seriously delicious! I normally just stick my potatoes in the microwave to save time- but I think I need to suck it up and bake it. This looks incredible!
http://beyondblessedblog.com/
It is totally worth the wait! We promise!
This is how I do mine too, so much better with the salt and oil! Sometimes, I also wrap in a slice of bacon too, but then have to wrap in foil when cooking. Very yummy.
Nothing beats a perfectly baked potato in this weather!
Thank you for reminding me how good baked potatoes are! I always eat the skins, too. ; )
Potatoes are my ultimate comfort food. Loved the post
I have to agree, baked potatoes are amazing. Add some toppings and yum! I have never tried preparing the potatoes with olive oil and salt as suggested. Although I don’t make them often (due to the carbs) I am going to try this method the next time I do.
I tried something a little similar in the past… I’m going to surprise my wife with this recipe one of these days. Thanks for sharing!
I just bought potatoes yesterday and I have so many things I want to do with them. A simple baked potato with toppings sounds good! Thanks for sharing!
I love geek’s guides! Do you think you would do exactly the same for sweet potatoes? They are my personal favourite
I will add that to our idea list! We don’t eat them a lot so it would be fun to experiment with them!
A green chilli pork baked potato sounds soooo good right about now! Love this post…always good to know how to bake the perfect potato.
I am salivating reading this post! That is one seriously gorgeous looking spud!
I usually cheat and use the microwave, but this post reminds me how good the results are when you take the time to do it right: poking, oiling, salt. Ah! Such simplicity and goodness–the toppings are optional.
I love baking potatoes, we have them almost every week. I don’t know why I never thought of broccoli cheese topping! Sounds like a perfect comfort food for cold winter evenings.
That potato looks pretty perfect! Simple, classic, and I want one. Lol!!
It is 12 below zero here – I could totally warm up to this ball of comfort. I like to top my baked potato with chili!
This is exactly how I prepare mine! Bakes up perfect everytime. Great photos!
This is my favorite way to bake potatoes. Makes the skin yummy to eat toO!