The Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
An easy and customizable side dish that is perfect for everyone - this recipe is great with a topping bar at dinner and everyone can customize the way he or she wants.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Russet or Idaho baking potatoes about 6 ounces each
- 4 teaspoons unsalted butter softened
- Coarse kosher salt preferably additive-free such as Diamond Crystal
- Favorite toppings: sour cream, creme fraiche or strained yogurt, chopped fresh chives or scallions, unsalted butter, steamed vegetables such as broccoli or spinach, chili
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Scrub the potatoes, dry and rub each with 1 teaspoon of butter. Pour a layer of salt on the bottom of a shallow baking dish or cookie sheet. 1 1/2 cups is perfect for a 13 x 9 -inch dish.
- Place the potatoes 2 inches apart on top of the salt and bake for 50 minutes, until tender.
- When each potato is removed from the baking dish, rub off any salt clinging to the bottom of the potato. Split open lengthwise and top as desired.