How to Make the Absolute Best Baked Potatoes

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthy fats while margarine is more economical.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt offers protein with fewer calories, while plain yogurt is often less expensive.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor.

bacon bits

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: cooked ham

Turkey bacon is leaner, while cooked ham can be more affordable.

Poke about six holes in each russet potato, two on every side.

Create a brine with half a cup of water and two tablespoons of salt.

Transfer the potatoes to a wire rack for even cooking.

Brine the potatoes for a few seconds to season the skin.

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).

Bake the brined potatoes in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 205°F (96°C), which should take 45 minutes to an hour.

Brush the potatoes with one tablespoon of vegetable oil after they reach the desired temperature.

Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to achieve crispy skin.

Prepare a topping by smashing four ounces of goat cheese and mixing it with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of parsley, one tablespoon of shallots, and half a teaspoon of lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove the potatoes from the oven and cut an X across the top to let steam escape immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary