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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/weeknight-baked-potatoes-recipe/