The Perfect Baked Potato
 
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly baked potato, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. For best results, start with a russet potato. Scrub it clean, dry it thoroughly, and rub it lightly with olive oil and a sprinkle of coarse salt.
 
Bake it directly on the oven rack at 425°F for about 45–60 minutes, depending on size. When you can easily pierce it with a fork, it’s ready. Slice it open, fluff the insides with a fork, and you’ve got a blank canvas for all sorts of delicious toppings.
 
Most people reach for butter,
sour cream, cheese, and chives, but let’s get creative! Here are a whole bunch of tasty ideas to top your next baked potato:
 
Greek yogurt and dill
 
Sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions
 
Broccoli and shredded cheddar
 
Crispy bacon bits and ranch
dressing
 
Black beans, salsa, and taco seasoning
 
Pulled chicken or BBQ pork
 
Chopped spinach and ricotta cheese
 
Chili with a dash of hot sauce
 
Avocado slices and everything bagel seasoning
 
Cottage cheese and fresh herbs
 
Diced ham and Swiss
cheese
 
Roasted red peppers and feta
 
Steamed asparagus and hollandaise sauce
 
Crumbled blue cheese and buffalo sauce
 
Tuna salad and sliced olives
 
Corn, green onions, and a sprinkle of paprika
 
Shredded rotisserie chicken with Caesar dressing
 
Roasted
garlic and parmesan
 
Fresh tomatoes and basil pesto
 
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers
 
Kimchi and sesame seeds for a tangy, spicy kick
 
Hummus and roasted chickpeas for a Mediterranean twist
 
Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella
 
Pesto drizzle with pine nuts and grated parmesan
 
The beauty of a baked potato is its versatility. It can be comfort food, a side dish, or even the main event. The key is starting with that perfect crispy skin and letting your imagination (and taste buds) do the rest!
 
 
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