Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
Optional toppings
Grated cheese
Sour cream
Garlic powder
Paprika
Preparation
Wash the potatoes very well under running water and scrub the skins to remove dirt
Dry them completely with a clean towel
Pierce each potato 3 to 4 times with a fork so steam can escape while baking
Rub each potato with olive oil all over the skin
Sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper
Cooking
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
Wrap each potato loosely in aluminum foil
Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray
Bake for 60 to 75 minutes until the potatoes are soft inside when pierced with a knife
Finishing
Carefully remove the foil from the hot potatoes
Cut a slit lengthwise across the top of each potato
Gently press the ends to open the potato and fluff the inside with a fork
Place 1 tablespoon of butter inside each potato
Let it melt naturally
Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top
Optional Variations
Cheesy version
Add grated cheese inside the hot potato and return to the oven for 5 minutes until melted
Garlic butter version
Mix softened butter with minced garlic and herbs, then add to the potato
Creamy version
Add sour cream and a pinch of salt and pepper and mix lightly
Serving
Serve hot as a side dish or as a main meal with salad or grilled meat
Nutrition and Benefits
Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C
They provide energy from natural carbohydrates
When baked instead of fried, they are lower in fat
Butter adds flavor and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins
Conclusion
Baked potatoes are simple, comforting, and very versatile
They can be served plain or dressed up with many toppings
Perfect for quick dinners, family meals, or as a healthy alternative to fried potatoes