Weeknight Baked Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

These weeknight baked potatoes are the perfect side for any busy evening. They cook in just 25 to 35 minutes, with a crispy, seasoned outside and a soft, buttery inside. Customize them easily with your favorite herbs and spices for a deliciously simple addition to your meal.

Ingredients

• 3 medium Russet potatoes, cut in half lengthwise
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2 inch slices (two pats per potato half)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 to 3 teaspoons coarse salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and dry them with paper towels. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
2. Step 2: Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange butter slices in groups of two to create “butter legs” that will support each potato half.
3. Step 3: Season each butter pat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and lemon pepper if using.
4. Step 4: Rub the cut sides of the potatoes with olive oil. Place each potato half cut side down onto the seasoned butter pats (two pats per potato half).
5. Step 5: Season the potato skins with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the potatoes on the top rack for 25 to 35 minutes. Halfway through baking, carefully remove the pan and brush the potatoes with the melted butter from the pan.
7. Step 7: When the potatoes are fork tender and caramelized on the cut side, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle with additional salt and dried parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use Russet potatoes for the best texture since they bake light and fluffy and hold up well during cooking.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking or add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
• If you prefer, try cooking these potatoes in an air fryer for a quicker method with similar crispy results.
• Serve topped with chili, cheese, or your favorite potato toppings for a complete meal.
• Keep an eye on your potatoes as oven times vary; remove them once they are tender and golden rather than strictly following the timer.

Storage

Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again, or microwave until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use potatoes other than Russet?

Yes, but Russet potatoes are recommended because they have less moisture and bake up fluffy without falling apart. Other potatoes may bake differently in texture.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes are done when the cut side is caramelized and crisp, and the insides are fork tender. Cooking times may vary, so check with a fork and adjust as needed.

Weeknight Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 147 reviews

These Weeknight Baked Potatoes are the perfect quick and delicious side dish that bake in about 25 to 35 minutes. Crispy and caramelized on the cut side, with soft, buttery, tender insides, they make a fantastic complement to any busy day dinner. Russet potatoes are used for their fluffy texture and excellent butter absorption. Seasoned butter pats create a flavorful base, and the potatoes are baked cut side down for a crispy finish. Customize with your favorite herbs and spices for a personalized touch.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 to 35 minutes
• Total Time: 35 to 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 potato halves (serves 4) 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 3 Medium sized Russet Potatoes, cut in half lengthwise

Butter Pats

• 4 tablespoons of butter, cut into about 1/2 inch slices (two pats for each potato half)

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 to 3 teaspoons coarse salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water, then dry them with paper towels. Slice each potato in half lengthwise to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet and Butter Pats: Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Cut the butter into 1/2 inch slices, forming pats. Group two pats together for each potato half so the potatoes can rest on these butter pats during baking.
3. Season the Butter Pats: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and optional lemon pepper evenly over each butter pat to infuse flavor into the potatoes as they bake.
4. Oil and Arrange Potatoes: Rub olive oil all over the cut sides of the potato halves. Place the potato halves cut side down onto the seasoned butter pats arranged on the baking sheet, ensuring each has two butter pats beneath it for maximum flavor and crispness.
5. Season the Potato Skins: Generously season the potato skins with coarse salt, black pepper, and, if desired, other seasonings used on the butter pats to add extra flavor and texture.
6. Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and bake the potatoes for 25 to 35 minutes. Halfway through cooking, remove the potatoes and brush them with the melted butter pooled in the pan to enhance flavor and moisture. Baking times may vary depending on your oven; potatoes should be fork-tender with a caramelized cut side when done.
7. Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the potatoes with a little extra coarse salt and dried parsley for freshness and garnish. Serve immediately as a perfect side dish or topped with your favorite chili or cheese sauce for a heartier meal.

Notes

• Russet potatoes are preferred due to their low moisture content and fluffy texture, ideal for baking and butter absorption.
• Cooking times may vary depending on oven differences — watch your potatoes carefully to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Feel free to customize seasoning to your taste preference or try different herbs and spices.
• Butter pats increase flavor and help caramelize the cut side; do not skip this step.
• If using an air fryer, cook times and temperature may differ — check doneness often.

Keywords: weeknight baked potatoes, quick baked potatoes, crispy baked potatoes, russet potatoes, easy side dish, buttered potatoes, seasoned potatoes, oven baked potatoes