
Few things beat the comfort of a classic baked potato — golden, crispy skin with a steamy, pillowy interior just waiting to be dressed up. This simple yet satisfying dish has deep roots, dating all the way back to the Andes Mountains, where it was first cultivated and roasted by Indigenous peoples. When Spanish explorers brought the potato to Europe in the 1500s, it didn’t take long for baking them whole to become a go-to preparation — and it’s been beloved ever since.
Done right, a baked potato is culinary magic. It’s rustic yet elegant, endlessly customizable, and equally at home as a hearty main or the perfect sidekick. Top it traditionally with butter and sour cream or go bold with chili, cheese, and crispy bacon — you really can’t go wrong.
🥔 Ingredients:
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4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Sea salt (a generous pinch per potato)
Optional Toppings:
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Butter
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Sour cream
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Shredded cheese
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Chopped chives
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Crumbled bacon
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Steamed broccoli
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Chili