Hands down, this is the best ever baked potato recipe!

The humble baked potato is a classic dish that has graced dinner tables around the world for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the indigenous peoples of the Andes Mountains, who cultivated potatoes and baked them in primitive ovens. When the Spanish brought potatoes to Europe in the 16th century, the method of baking them whole in an oven took hold. The perfect baked potato is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, serving as a delicious and satisfying vessel for an array of toppings. This versatile dish can easily be elevated to the centerpiece of a meal or offered as a comforting side.

Baked potatoes are exceptionally adaptable when it comes to serving. They can be dressed up with classic fixings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives, or they can take on more elaborate pairings such as chili, steamed broccoli, and bacon. They often appear alongside grilled or roasted meats, making them perfect for steakhouse menus or a hearty home-cooked meal. A fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables make for a lighter, balanced accompaniment, ensuring the baked potato’s place as a beloved and endlessly customizable food.

Ingredients:

- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon, chili, broccoli

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking.

2. With a fork, pierce the potatoes multiple times on all sides. This allows steam to escape during the cooking process.

3. Rub each potato all over with olive oil. This will help the skin to crisp up.

4. Sprinkle the potatoes with a generous amount of sea salt, coating them evenly. The salt not only seasons the potatoes but also contributes to the crisping of the skin.

5. Place the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the preheated oven. You may place a baking sheet or foil on the lower rack to catch any drippings.

6. Bake the potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the skin looks crisp and the insides are tender when tested with a fork.

7. Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. This allows the interior to settle and makes them easier to handle.

8. Cut a seam along the top of each potato, gently squeeze the ends to open it up, and then fluff the inside with a fork.

9. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors that a perfectly baked potato offers.