Baked potatoes with herbs and garlic

Table of Contents

Components:

Four huge russet potatoes, or any type you choose
Two teaspoons of olive oil
Four minced or finely chopped garlic cloves
One tablespoon of chopped or dried fresh rosemary
One tablespoon of freshly chopped or dried thyme
One teaspoon of salt, or more if desired
Half a teaspoon of black pepper, or more if desired
Half a teaspoon of optional onion powder
Half a teaspoon of paprika (optional; adds flavor and color)
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Directions:

1. Get the oven ready:

Set the oven temperature to 400°F, or 200°C. A rack should be positioned in the center of the oven.

2. Get the potatoes ready:

To get rid of any dirt or debris, give the potatoes a good scrub in cold water.
Use a paper towel to pat the potatoes dry. To allow steam to escape during baking, puncture each potato a few times (about five to six times) with a fork.

3. Give the potatoes seasoning:

Combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, minced garlic, and optional seasonings (paprika and onion powder) in a small bowl.
Coat each potato evenly by rubbing it with the oil and herb mixture. This can be done with a brush or your hands.

4. Put potatoes in the oven:

If you don’t want any drips, place the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack.
Depending on their size, bake the potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes. When the inside is soft and tender when penetrated with a fork and the skin is crispy, they are done.
To determine whether a potato is done, stick a fork into the thickest portion of it; it should pierce easily.

5. Offer:

After the potatoes are cooked, take them out of the oven and let them to cool for a short while.
To puff up the inside of each potato, make a slit down the middle and lightly crush the ends.
If preferred, top with more fresh herbs or a dash of sea salt.

Advice:

Crispier Skin: Try putting the potatoes on a wire rack that is placed on top of the baking pan so that the heat circulates around them if you want extra crispy skin.
Toppers: These baked potatoes with garlic and herbs can be used in a variety of ways! For added richness, you can sprinkle sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon pieces, or even a dollop of butter on top.
Herb Variations: You can experiment with other herbs like oregano, basil, or sage, or use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh rosemary and thyme on hand.
Flavor Variations: In the final minutes of baking, consider sprinkling the potatoes with parmesan cheese or squeezing in little lemon juice for extra flavor.

These baked potatoes with garlic and herbs are flavorful and simple to prepare. They are a great accompaniment to roasted poultry, grilled meats, or a simple salad. Have fun!