**Baked Potato: A Culinary Canvas of Simplicity, Versatility, and Comfort**
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with earthy flavors, the baked potato is a culinary canvas waiting to be explored. Simple yet versatile, it transforms into a hearty meal or a delightful side dish, effortlessly complementing a variety of cuisines. Whether you prefer classic toppings like butter, sour cream, and chives, or crave more adventurous creations, the baked potato offers endless possibilities. From comforting classics to globally-inspired renditions, discover a world of flavors within this humble dish. This article presents a collection of baked potato recipes that showcase its versatility, from traditional favorites to unique and creative interpretations. Embark on a culinary journey and elevate the humble potato into an extraordinary culinary experience.
THE BAKED POTATO
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories side-dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 1 potato per person
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds. Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking. Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.
- Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft. Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack the spud open by squeezing the ends towards one another. It will pop right open. But watch out, there will be some steam. Add toppings if using.
CREAMY MASHED POTATOES
Steps:
- Peel the potatoes and cut into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. Place into a 4-quart saucepan and cover with cold water by at least 1-inch. Cover, set over high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid, decrease the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the potatoes can easily be crushed with a pair of tongs, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a colander.
- Put the cream, butter, salt and pepper into the now empty 4-quart saucepan and place back over the heat until the butter has melted. Remove from the heat and set a food mill fitted with the smallest die, on top of the pot. Add 1 cup of potatoes at a time to the mill. Once all of the potatoes have passed through the mill, stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve immediately.
LEFTOVER BAKED POTATO SOUP
Steps:
- In a large saucepot, over high heat melt the butter and add the leeks and garlic. Cook over medium heat until they are translucent. Add the hot stock and whisk to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the riced potatoes, buttermilk, sour cream, and grated Parmesan. Add this mixture to the soup stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and add the Sherry vinegar.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives.
ALTON BROWN'S BAKED POTATO
From the Good Eats episode: This Spud's for you. I was looking for information on how long to bake potatoes in the oven and came across this basic recipe from Alton Brown. Perfect potatoes every time! I wanted to include it here so I can add it to my Cookbook.
Provided by Moonshadow_Girl
Categories Potato
Time 1h5m
Yield 1-4 baked potatoes, 1-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Wash potatoes thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water.
- Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the potatoes.
- Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil.
- Sprinkle with salt
- Place potatoes directly on top rack in middle of oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.
- Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp and inside feels soft.
- NOTE: If you're cooking more than 4 potatoes, you'll need to extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes.
Tips:
- Choose the right potato. Russet potatoes are the best choice for baked potatoes because they have a high starch content, which makes them fluffy and light when baked.
- Scrub the potatoes thoroughly before baking. This will remove any dirt or debris from the skin.
- Pierce the potatoes all over with a fork. This will allow steam to escape and prevent the potatoes from bursting.
- Bake the potatoes at a high temperature for a short period of time. This will create a crispy skin and a fluffy interior.
- Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before cutting them open. This will prevent the steam from escaping and drying out the potatoes.
- Top the potatoes with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include butter, sour cream, cheese, chili, and bacon.
Conclusion:
Baked potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are a great way to use up leftover potatoes, and they can be easily customized to suit your taste. With a little planning, you can create a baked potato that is sure to please everyone at the table.
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