Ultimate Baked Potato Recipe
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Category
Thanksgiving
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Cusine
American
What do you need?
How to make?
Ingredients
4 potatoes, preferably russets
Canola, vegetable, or olive oil, for rubbing
1 stick unsalted butter , diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Toppings of your choice, such as grated cheddar cheese, crispy diced bacon bits, minced chives, sliced scallions, and/or sour cream
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F . Using a fork or paring knife, puncture potatoes in several spots. Rub each potato with a light coat of oil. Arrange on a rack set on a baking sheet, or directly on an oven rack, and bake until a fork can easily be inserted into the center of each potato, about 1 hour. If setting potatoes directly on oven rack, set a sheet of foil on the rack below to catch any oil drips.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F . Using a fork or paring knife, puncture potatoes in several spots. Microwave potatoes for 5 minutes. Rub each potato with a light coat of oil. Arrange on a rack set on a baking sheet, or directly on an oven rack, and bake until a fork can easily be inserted into the center of each potato, about 20 minutes. If setting potatoes directly on oven rack, set a sheet of foil on the rack below to catch any oil drips. Let potatoes rest 5 minutes. Slice each open lengthwise and scoop flesh into a mixing bowl. Add butter, season with salt and pepper, and roughly mash, just until butter is incorporated but potatoes are still chunky. Scoop mashed potatoes back into skins. Using your hands, reshape each stuffed potato back into a classic baked-potato shape. Top with toppings of your choice. To melt cheese, add it first, then return potatoes to oven until cheese melts, about 1 minute; alternatively, use a torch to melt cheese. Serve right away.