Forget everything you thought you knew about baking potatoes! A food blogger has revealed the secrets to creating the most scrumptious, comforting baked potatoes using just four simple ingredients. Ali, a longtime foodie and creator of the recipe website Gimme Some Oven, shares her expert knowledge on transforming this classic British staple into a culinary masterpiece.
First and foremost, the choice of potato is crucial. While any potato can technically be baked, Ali strongly advocates for Russets. These starchy beauties boast thick skins that crisp up perfectly in the oven, resulting in a golden-brown exterior. The fluffy, sweet insides are an added bonus, ensuring a truly satisfying experience.
Next, butter reigns supreme when it comes to achieving those iconic crispy skins. Ali insists that butter adds not only flavor but also that coveted golden color. While olive oil can be used, Ali recommends using a high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil or regular olive oil for the best results. Avoid extra virgin olive oil, as it may smoke at the high temperatures required for this recipe.
To complete the ingredient list, simply add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and you’re ready to embark on the baking journey.
Now, here comes the key to achieving those perfectly crispy skins: a super-hot oven. Ali’s secret weapon? A whopping 450°F! This high temperature ensures that the potato skins crisp up quickly, creating that irresistible crunch.
But it’s not just about the heat. The positioning of the potato is also vital. Ali recommends placing a wire cooling rack on top of a baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can bake the potatoes directly on the rack with a sheet below to catch any dripping juices. Baking them directly on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet is an option, but Ali warns that this method may lead to less evenly cooked potatoes.
Before baking, give the potatoes a few pokes to prevent any explosive surprises. The first bake should last around 25 minutes. Look for a dry, slightly wrinkly skin as a sign that the potatoes are ready for the next step. Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and generously brush them with melted butter or your preferred cooking oil. Don’t skimp on the kosher salt! Add a generous pinch all over. Flip the potatoes over and return them to the baking sheet for another 20 minutes.
Once the potatoes have been baking for a total of 45 minutes, it’s time to check if they’re cooked through. Use an oven glove to safely remove the potatoes, as they will be extremely hot. Give them a gentle squeeze. If the insides feel soft and give under pressure, they’re ready to enjoy. If not, simply bake them for another 5 minutes at a time until they reach the desired tenderness.
Finally, it’s time to reveal your perfectly baked potato masterpiece. Carefully place it on a plate and cut it lengthwise with a paring knife. Fluff the insides and get ready to load them with your favorite toppings.
And there you have it! The secret to the most delicious, crispy, and fluffy baked potatoes, straight from a seasoned food blogger’s kitchen. You’ll never want to bake potatoes any other way again.
