Being a home baker doesn’t limit you to cakes, muffins, cookies, and other sweet delicacies.
You can bake a range of savory foods from chicken to steak and even potatoes.
Baked potatoes are easy to prepare, and they allow a lot of creativity in terms of fillings and toppings.
You’ll need the right kind of baking tray to get the best-baked potatoes.
Let’s look at how to make simple baked potatoes and the best trays to do it in.
Steps for Making Baked Potatoes
The best-baked potatoes start with large russet potatoes.
These large brown potatoes are the perfect size for baking and they’re starchy, so they hold their shape well.
Make sure your potatoes are washed before you start because you’ll need to leave the skin on.
- Arrange your potatoes in a baking tray with at least an inch of space between each one.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and use a pastry brush to cover each potato in extra-virgin olive oil.
- Season with a little salt and pepper and bake the potatoes for up to 45 minutes.
- Remove the entire tray from the oven and allow it to cool on a kitchen towel on your countertop (you can also place the tray on a cooling rack).
- When the potatoes are cool enough to be handled, cut them down in the center, leaving a little space on each end.
- Holding the potatoes on the long ends, squeeze towards the center until they burst and fluff up.
- Top them with a knob of salted butter, pepper, and chives.
This is the simplest type of baked potato you can make, but you can perform a few extra steps for loaded baked potatoes.
Adding Fillings to Your Baked Potatoes
If you want to get fancy, you can load your potatoes with bacon, cheese, chives, herbs, and spices.
The ingredients are up to you.
Baked potatoes allow you to get creative with the flavors and presentation.
- Instead of topping with butter, you can hollow out the inside of your baked potatoes. Take most of the interior but leave the sides and bottom so that the potato retains its shape.
- Place all the removed cooked potato flesh in a bowl, and mix with bacon or ham pieces, chives, and grated cheddar or American cheese. You can substitute the cheese for anything you prefer, including cream cheese.
- When mixed, fill your baked potatoes again, and bake them for another 5 – 10 minutes.
Loaded baked potatoes can be topped after cooking with ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, or anything that you prefer.
They’re quick and easy to make and kids love them.
The Best Baking Tray for Baked Potatoes
You can use a tray or pan for your baked potatoes.
A pan is best if you like to heavily load your potatoes because it will stop melted ingredients from spilling over the edges into your oven.
It’s made from ceramic and is free of harmful chemicals.
It also has a shallow edge so it will prevent spills.
It’s safe at temperatures of up to 450°F, so it’s the perfect option for baked potatoes, cookies, brownies, or even baked chicken and fish.
Try Making Baked Potatoes at Home
Baked potatoes are a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire.
Bake a potato as a snack, or fully load and twice-bake your potatoes for quick, easy weekday meals.
With the best baking tray for baked potatoes, you’ll be ready to go whenever inspiration strikes.
