The humble Baked Potato is the easiest, tastiest, most inexpensive side dish that always pleases a crowd. Crispy and salty exterior with a fluffy and soft interior.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword baked potato, baked potato oven, baked potato recipe, how to bake a potato, microwave baked potato
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Scrub medium-sized potatoes under cold water and dry with kitchen towels.
Prick with a fork or sharp knife 3-4 times. (Prick down far enough into the center of the potato for even cooking times.) Rub with olive oil and salt. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake 45-55 minutes or until soft. (Test with a fork or knife; it should slide in easily.) Cool slightly before serving with any desired toppings: butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, salt, pepper, chives, etc..
Microwave Directions:
Scrub one medium-sized potato under cold water and dry with a kitchen towel. Prick with a fork or sharp knife 3-4 times, down to the center of the potato.
Microwave on high power for 10 minutes, pausing to flip potato every few minutes for an even 'bake'. Potato is done when it can be pricked with a knife or fork easily.
Cool slightly before serving with any desired toppings: butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, salt, pepper, chives, etc..