🥔🔥 Perfect Baked Potato
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 large russet potatoes
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1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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Kosher salt, for seasoning
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Optional: black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Potatoes
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Scrub potatoes clean and dry thoroughly.
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Prick each potato 4–5 times with a fork to let steam escape.
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Rub with olive oil or butter and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
2️⃣ Bake
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Place directly on the middle oven rack at 400°F (200°C).
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Optionally place a baking sheet on a lower rack to catch drips.
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Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on size, until skins are crisp and a knife slides in easily.
3️⃣ Fluff & Serve
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Let cool 5 minutes, then slice a shallow X on top.
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Gently squeeze the ends to open and fluff the interior with a fork.
🍽️ Topping Ideas
Classic:
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Butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped chives, bacon bits, black pepper
Hearty:
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Chili and cheese
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BBQ pulled chicken or beef
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Broccoli and cheddar sauce
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Taco-seasoned ground beef, salsa, and avocado
Lighter:
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Greek yogurt + lemon + herbs
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Steamed veggies + olive oil drizzle
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Cottage cheese + cracked pepper
🔄 Variations:
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Microwave Start: Microwave potatoes 5–6 mins first, then finish in the oven for crisp skin.
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Air Fryer: Bake at 400°F for 35–45 minutes for ultra-crispy skin.
Would you like a twice-baked version, a stuffed meal-style potato, or a sweet potato alternative?
