Indulge in the simple yet sublime pleasure of perfectly baked Russet potatoes with this delightful recipe. Each russet, lovingly prepared, undergoes a transformative journey in the oven, emerging as a masterpiece of crisp skin and fluffy, tender insides.
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Clean and Scrub the Potatoes:
Wash the Russet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Scrub the skin with a vegetable brush to clean it well.
3. Dry the Potatoes:
Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel.
4. Poke the Potatoes:
Use a fork to poke several holes into each potato. This helps steam escape during baking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
5. Coat with Olive Oil:
Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring the entire surface is coated. This will help the skin become crispy during baking.
6. Season with Salt and Pepper:
Sprinkle salt and black pepper over each potato, ensuring an even coating.
7. Place on Baking Sheet:
Put the seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack or place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
8. Bake in the Oven:
Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of a potato – it should go in easily.
9. Optional Step - Crispy Skin:
For extra crispy skin, you can brush a bit more olive oil on the potatoes halfway through the baking time.
10. Remove from Oven:
Once the potatoes are tender on the inside and have a crispy skin, carefully remove them from the oven.
11. Let Them Rest:
Allow the baked potatoes to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the interior finish cooking and allows the skin to set.
12. Serve and Add Toppings:
Cut a slit in the top of each potato, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or bacon bits.
13. Enjoy:
Serve the baked Russet potatoes as a delicious side dish or as a meal on their own.
These baked Russet potatoes are versatile and can be customized with various toppings according to your preferences. Enjoy!