Oven Baked Potatoes with Garlic Salt and Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Oven baked potatoes are a simple and delicious side dish perfect for any meal. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these potatoes are enhanced with melted butter and garlic salt for rich flavor. They’re easy to prepare and versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons of melted butter
• Garlic salt, to taste
• Optional: Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry. You can leave the skins on or peel them according to your preference.
3. Step 3: Use a fork to pierce each potato several times on all sides to allow steam to escape during baking.
4. Step 4: Brush each potato generously with melted butter using a pastry brush.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle garlic salt evenly over the potatoes. Add freshly ground black pepper or other seasonings if you like.
6. Step 6: Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil.
7. Step 7: Arrange the foil-wrapped potatoes in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a fork pierces the potatoes easily.
9. Step 9: Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before unwrapping.
10. Step 10: Serve the potatoes sliced open, topped with your favorite additions such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier skin, unwrap the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking and return them to the oven.
• Try rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkling sea salt instead of butter and garlic salt for a different flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a sweeter, nutrient-rich option.

Storage

Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap and microwave or place in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid reheating in foil in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake potatoes without wrapping them in foil?

Yes, baking potatoes without foil results in a crispier skin. Wrapping in foil steams the potato for a softer skin. Choose based on your texture preference.

How do I know when my potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when a fork or skewer easily pierces through to the center without resistance. Cooking times may vary depending on the potato size.

Oven Baked Potatoes with Garlic Salt and Herbs Recipe

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This recipe guides you through making perfectly oven-baked russet potatoes with a crispy skin and fluffy interior. Coated in melted butter and seasoned with garlic salt, these potatoes are wrapped in foil and baked until tender, making for a comforting and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 to 60 minutes
• Total Time: 55 to 70 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 4 medium-sized russet potatoes

Seasoning and Topping

• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• Garlic salt, to taste
• Optional: Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it reaches the right temperature for baking your potatoes evenly.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing any dirt off. Pat them dry completely with a clean towel. Leaving the skins on preserves flavor and texture, but peeling is optional.
3. Pierce the potatoes: Use a fork to prick each potato several times on all sides. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents bursting.
4. Brush with melted butter: Pour melted butter into a bowl and use a pastry brush to coat every potato generously, which encourages a flavorful, crispy skin.
5. Sprinkle with garlic salt: Season the potatoes evenly with garlic salt. Add freshly ground black pepper or additional seasonings if you wish for extra flavor.
6. Wrap in foil: Tightly wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil to lock in moisture during baking and help them cook evenly.
7. Arrange on a cookie sheet: Place the foil-wrapped potatoes in a single layer on a cookie sheet. This makes them easy to handle and keeps your oven clean.
8. Bake the potatoes: Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on potato size. Check doneness by poking with a fork; the potatoes should feel soft inside and the fork should slide in easily.
9. Remove from the oven: Carefully take the cookie sheet out and let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before unwrapping the foil to avoid steam burns.
10. Serve: Unwrap the foil and slice open your baked potatoes. Top with your favorite additions such as sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, or fresh herbs for a delicious finish.

Notes

• Wrapping the potatoes in foil helps retain moisture but results in softer skins; for crispier skins, bake without foil.
• Russet potatoes are preferred due to their starchy texture, which yields fluffy interiors.
• You can prick the potatoes in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
• Leftover baked potatoes can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference, including butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits.

Keywords: oven baked potatoes, russet potatoes recipe, baked potatoes, easy side dish, garlic butter potatoes