Perfect Baked Potato
Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt
*Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon, chili, broccoli
Instructions:
-Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position the oven rack in the middle for even cooking.
-Pierce the potatoes several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape while they cook.
-Rub each potato with olive oil, enhancing the skin’s crispiness.
-Evenly sprinkle sea salt over the potatoes, aiding in flavor and skin texture.
-Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack. A baking sheet or foil can be placed on the lower rack to catch drippings.
-Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the inside is tender, as checked with a fork.
-Remove the potatoes from the oven, letting them rest for 5 minutes for easier handling.
-Cut a seam on each potato’s top, gently squeeze the ends to open, and fluff the insides with a fork.
-Serve the baked potatoes hot with your choice of toppings, enjoying the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that make this dish a timeless favorite.
