Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes

Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that elevates the classic baked potato with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of butter. These potatoes come out crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal.

Here’s a recipe for Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes:

Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes (or any starchy potato of your choice)

• 3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

• Grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

   • Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

   • Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato to allow steam to escape while baking.

3. Season the Potatoes:

   • In a small bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix everything evenly.

   • Rub the olive oil mixture generously over the potatoes, making sure to coat them evenly. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the potatoes for extra flavor if desired.

4. Bake the Potatoes:

   • Place the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the preheated oven or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

   • Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy, and a fork or skewer easily pierces the center of the potatoes. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes.

5. Optional: Crispy Skin Finish:

   • For extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

   • Cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to fluff up the insides.

   • Top with fresh parsley or chives for garnish and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Tips:

• Different Potatoes: Russets are great for baking because they have a fluffy interior, but you can use other types like Yukon Golds for a creamier texture or red potatoes for a waxier, firm texture.

• Make It Creamy: For a creamy interior, you can add a dollop of sour cream, butter, or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese after baking.

• Herb Variations: Feel free to switch up the herbs based on your preference—oregano, basil, or sage would all work well. Fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs are fine if that’s all you have.

• Add Garlic Butter: If you want even more garlic flavor, melt a bit of butter with extra minced garlic and pour it over the potatoes after baking.

Serving Suggestions:

• Steak & Potatoes: These garlic and herb potatoes pair beautifully with grilled steaks, pork chops, or roasted chicken.

• Salads: Serve alongside a simple green salad, like Caesar salad or mixed greens, for a complete meal.

• Dips: You can also serve them with some creamy ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.

These Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes are easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile enough to go with almost any main dish. Enjoy!