Tips For Prepping the Perfect Baked Potato

When you aren’t quite sure what side dish to make for your next meal, keep this option in mind: the humble baked potato. While it isn’t the fanciest dinner side dish or the most elaborately prepared kitchen staple, there’s no denying that a well-made baked potato sure is good.

Though its preparation is simple, it’s important to follow a few tips if you want to make a great baked spud. Do these things, and you will be well on your way.

Choose a Starchy Potato

The first step to making a delicious baked potato is, well, picking the right potato! You’ll want to make a starchy choice, which allows for the potato’s structure to hold up after being baked. Russett potatoes are a great choice here.

Wash Well

Part of the experience of eating a baked potato is enjoying its vitamin and nutrient-rich skin after it has been prepared in the oven. However, be careful and wash the skin well before making it, as these underground-growing tubers might be quite dirty when you buy them.

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Deliciously Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes by @ItsAllGoodVegan 😋🥦🧀🥔 ⁣ .⁣ INGREDIENTS:⁣ Baked Potatoes🥔 ⁣ 8 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and washed⁣ 1 tbsp avocado oil (or oil choice)⁣ 2 tsp sea salt⁣ .⁣ Broccoli🥦⁣ 2 cups broccoli, chopped into bite sized pieces⁣ 2 Tbsp filtered water⁣ .⁣ Cheese Sauce🧀⁣ 1/4 cup vegan butter⁣ ¼ cup all-purpose flour⁣ 1 cup plant milk⁣ 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese⁣ ½ tsp garlic powder⁣ 1/4 tsp black pepper⁣ ½ tsp apple cider vinegar⁣ .⁣ INSTRUCTIONS:⁣ 1. Preheat the oven to 400F / 204C. Pierce each potato 3 to 4 times with a fork. Using a brush cover your potatoes with a layer of oil and place them on a large baking pan with raised edges. If you don’t have a raised baking pan line your pan with foil so it can catch the oil drippings. Sprinkle the outsides of the potatoes with sea salt and bake for 20 minutes. Take out and flip, and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Bake for longer if you are using large potatoes.⁣ 2. Heat a pan on medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped broccoli and water. Cover pan with a lid and steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. ⁣ 3. Heat a saucepan on medium heat. Once hot, add the butter and flour and whisk until a thick paste has been formed. Add the plant milk, vegan cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper to the saucepan. Constantly whisk for 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts. Once the cheese melts turn the stove top on low.⁣ 4. Make a medium slit on the top of the potato. Stuff it with the steamed broccoli and drizzle with the cheese sauce. Enjoy!

A post shared by Rachel Steenland | Vegan (@theplantriot) on

Poke Holes Before Baking

Finally, don’t make a tragic mistake and forget to poke holes in your potato before sticking it in the oven! Why? Well, it’s possible for the heat and moisture inside of the potato to build up and explode without poking escape holes in the spud. That’s definitely a kitchen faux pas!