Baked potatoes are one of the favorite dishes that are easy to prepare and can be adjusted to different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re preparing them as a side dish with meat or as a standalone meal, these potatoes are full of flavor, juicy, and have a wonderful crispy crust that melts in your mouth. Below is a detailed recipe with all the necessary steps for preparation.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg (about 3.3 lbs) potatoes (medium-sized potatoes are best)
- 3-4 teaspoons ground seasoning (pepper, oregano, thyme)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 50 ml (about 3 tablespoons) olive oil (or any other oil of choice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh, if available)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder (optional, for a nicer look and extra flavor)
- 50 g (about ½ cup) grated Parmesan or cheese of choice (optional)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional)
- 1 bunch of green onions or 1 regular onion (optional, for extra flavor)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the Potatoes: First, wash the potatoes thoroughly, but do not peel them. Potatoes with the skin have added texture and flavor, and the skin will become wonderfully crispy during baking. Cut the potatoes into thicker slices, about 1-2 cm (about ½ inch) thick. If the potatoes are very large, you can cut them into quarters or sixths. Try to make the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
2. Marinade: In a large bowl, prepare the marinade. Mix the olive oil, dried oregano, paprika powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Crush the garlic and add it to the marinade, along with the finely chopped fresh parsley. If you want a richer flavor, you can also add chopped regular onion or green onions. Stir all the ingredients together, and then place the potato slices into the marinade.
3. Marinating the Potatoes: Toss the potatoes in the marinade, making sure all the pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings. It’s recommended to let the potatoes sit in the marinade for at least 15-30 minutes so they can absorb all the flavors. If you have time, you can let them marinate for a longer period, even a few hours in the refrigerator. This step is important as it allows the potatoes to soak in all the aromas and results in juicier potatoes after baking.
4. Preparing for Baking: While the potatoes are marinating, prepare the baking tray. It is recommended to use a tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure the potatoes bake evenly. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can brush the tray with a little olive oil. The tray should be large enough to allow the potatoes to spread in a single layer. This is important as it ensures the potatoes bake better and form a crispy crust.
5. Baking the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Once the oven is hot, place the tray with the potatoes in the oven and bake them for 35-40 minutes. During baking, you should turn the potatoes occasionally, usually halfway through the baking time, so they bake evenly on all sides. The potatoes will be done when they become golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and juicy on the inside.
6. Extra Layers of Flavor: If you want the potatoes to be even richer and have an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan or any other cheese on top toward the end of baking. The cheese will melt and form a beautiful golden-brown crust. Also, if you like spicy food, you can add some chili powder or hot paprika for an extra kick.
7. Serving: Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with some more fresh parsley for extra freshness. Baked potatoes are great as a side dish with meat, roasted chicken, pork chops, or even as a main dish if served with a salad or sauce like sour cream or yogurt.
Tips:
- For extra crispiness: If you want your potatoes to be even crispier, you can bake them at a higher temperature (about 220°C or 430°F), but be careful not to burn them.
- Variations: You can prepare the potatoes with different seasonings. For example, you can use thyme, rosemary, or even curry. You can also add vegetables like peppers or tomatoes for a richer meal.
- Vegan or dairy-free: This recipe is easily adaptable for a vegan diet if you omit the Parmesan and use olive oil or any other vegan alternative.
Conclusion:
Baked potatoes are a simple yet incredibly tasty dish that will satisfy all your cravings. While the base is simple, there are many possibilities for adjusting the seasonings and ingredients according to your own preferences. Whether you’re making them as a side dish or a main meal, they’ll definitely be a hit at the table. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or any other occasion when you want something delicious and quick.
