What goes better with a steak, chicken, or fish than a Baked Potato? But the uses for this versatile spud don’t stop there!
Baked potatoes are one of my favorite easy-to-make comfort foods. They’re cost-effective, simple, and absolutely delicious. Potatoes themselves are native to South America. Once the potato had been brought to Europe, it became a fast favorite. Potatoes were diced into stews, mashed, boiled, and, of course, baked.
By the mid-19th century, baked potatoes, which were also called jacket potatoes in the UK, were being sold on street corners. Tons of these delicious treats are said to have been sold every day! It’s not hard to understand why. Baked potatoes are amazing, after all.
The reason you’re going to love these potatoes is their perfectly crispy skin and tender, fluffy interiors. They’re perfect as a side dish, but also great for holding a variety of yummy toppings. Truly, there’s no side quite as versatile as a baked potato!
Best Baked Potato Toppings
Sure, butter and sour cream are excellent toppings, but there’s nothing stopping you from getting really creative! One of my favorite ways to crown a fluffy baked potato is with a zesty cream cheese like Boursin, delicate slices of smoked salmon, a sprinkling of freshly chopped chives, and a squeeze of lemon. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, go ahead and top your spud with some leftover chili, a dollop of sour cream, and some spicy salsa. Looking for robust, comforting flavors? Drizzle your baked potato with melted cheddar, smoky bacon bits, chopped jalapeños, and green onions. In the fall, nothing beats a baked potato stuffed with a medley of sautéed garlicky mushrooms and some freshly grated Parmesan!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can refrigerate your cooled potatoes for up to 3 days in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15-20 minutes when ready to eat. Alternatively, you can freeze your baked potatoes. Cover them in plastic wrap and put them in a Ziploc bag, so that you can easily take them out as needed for future use. When reheating, there’s no need to thaw. In fact, you shouldn’t, as this will affect the texture of your potato. Cover your frozen potatoes in aluminum foil, put them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes, if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Baked potatoes can be a meal, but they can also be a great side dish! After all, you can’t go wrong with steak and potatoes. Put them next to Oven-Baked Beef Ribs or a Perfect Pot Roast. A London Broil is also an excellent choice, as is a nice Pan-Seared Steak.
Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes scrubbed clean, dried, and pierced with a fork
- Olive oil as needed for coating potatoes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Unsalted butter for serving
- Preferred toppings for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender inside and the skins are crisp.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven, let them cool slightly, then make a slit on the top and fluff the inside with a fork before serving.
- Top with butter and your preferred garnishes.
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