Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our mouthwatering Baked Potato with Cheese recipe! This classic British dish transforms simple ingredients into a delightful culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing. Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly baked potato, its crispy skin giving way to a fluffy, buttery interior, all topped with gooey melted cheese and a dollop of creamy sour cream. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to elevate your potato game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water, scrubbing gently with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Pat the potatoes completely dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Using a fork, pierce each potato multiple times around its surface. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the potatoes from potentially bursting.
- Rub each potato with a light coating of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. The oil will help create a crispy skin during baking.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife - it should slide in smoothly with little resistance.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow internal temperature to stabilize.
- Carefully slice each potato lengthwise down the middle, using a sharp knife. Gently squeeze the sides to create an opening.
- Add a pat of butter inside each potato, allowing it to melt from the potato's residual heat.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot potato, allowing it to slightly melt.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream and season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if desired.
- Serve immediately while the potato is hot and the cheese is melted, enjoying the perfect combination of crispy skin and fluffy interior.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for large baking potatoes, such as Russets, which have the perfect texture for baking and will yield a light and fluffy interior.
- Don’t Skip the Piercing: Remember to pierce the potatoes with a fork to prevent them from bursting in the oven. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
- Crispy Skin Secret: For an extra crispy skin, rub the potatoes with olive oil before baking. This not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that delightful crunch.
- Check for Doneness: Use a fork or knife to check if the potatoes are done. They should feel soft and the utensil should slide in easily without resistance.
- Customize Your Toppings: While cheese and sour cream are classics, feel free to get creative! Add toppings like crispy bacon bits, chives, or even chili for a unique twist.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your baked potatoes immediately after preparing them to experience the perfect combination of flavors and textures while they’re still warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
