Baked potatoes are one of the classic side dishes that can be prepared in a variety of ways. For example, one classic baked potato recipe that uses cream as a base is known as Potato Dauphinoise. In contrast to Potato Dauphinoise, classic baked potatoes do not use cream so that the processed product is more like a casserole with a crisper surface texture. Once you've mastered the classic baked potato recipe, making a variety of baked potatoes will be as easy as snapping your fingers!
Ingredients
Classic Baked Potato
- 55 grams butter, diced
- 25 grams of all-purpose flour
- 500 ml milk
- 200 grams Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1, 2 kg potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
For: 4 servings
Savory Baked Potato
- 4 large potatoes
- 55 grams butter, diced
- 1 tbsp. onion, grated or diced
- 1 tsp. salt
- tsp. dried thyme leaves
- tsp. pepper
- 100 grams Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
For: 6-8 servings
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making Classic Baked Potatoes
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C
While waiting for the oven to heat up, apply oil or butter to the inside of a 2.5-quart baking dish.
Step 2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat
Dice the butter and put it in a small saucepan. Place the pot on the stove and heat it over medium heat. Keep stirring until the butter is completely melted.
Step 3. Add flour, cook for 2 minutes or until surface is bubbly
Keep stirring the dough so that the flour and butter don't burn.
Step 4. Remove the pan from the stove, put the milk in it
Make sure you continue to stir the mixture as you add the milk to make it easier for all of the ingredients to mix.
Step 5. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it boils
After adding the milk, place the pot back on the stove and heat it over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a boil while continuing to stir.
Step 6. Add 150 grams of cheese
Remove the pan from the heat, add the cheese, and stir until smooth. Make sure you also stir the bottom of the pan to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Save the remaining cheese (50 grams) for later use.
Step 7. Arrange 1/3 of the potatoes on the bottom of the pan
If you haven't already, peel and wash the potatoes first, then slice them as thinly as possible before placing them on the bottom of the pan. Don't stack the potato wedges but let each side touch slightly.
Step 8. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper
After that, pour 1/3 of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat the process of placing the potatoes, salt, pepper, and cheese sauce layer twice.
Step 9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the surface of the potatoes
When the potatoes are cooked, the cheese should melt and form a thin, crisp layer on the surface of the potatoes.
Step 10. Bake the potatoes uncovered for 1 hour
Potatoes are ripe when they are soft in texture and golden in color. If the surface of the potatoes looks charred, immediately cover the pan with a sheet of aluminum foil and continue the baking process.
Step 11. Cool the potatoes before serving
Baked potatoes can be used as a very delicious side dish for various processed meats. In addition, baked potatoes are also easy to carry anywhere so they are suitable for serving as a picnic or party menu.
Method 2 of 2: Making Savory Baked Potatoes
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C
While waiting for the oven to heat up, apply oil or butter to the inside of a 2-quart baking dish.
Step 2. Wash, peel and slice the potatoes; transfer to pan
Slice the potatoes as thinly as possible so they cook faster. Arrange the potatoes evenly on the bottom of the pan, set aside.
Step 3. Melt the butter in a flat skillet over medium heat
Dice the butter and put it in the pan. Put the pan on the stove, heat it over medium heat; Stir the butter periodically to make it melt faster.
Step 4. Add the onions, salt, thyme leaves, and pepper
Chop the onions and add to the skillet. Add salt, thyme, and pepper (don't add cheese and parsley at this point!); Stir until all parts of the onion are coated with butter. Remember, you don't need to sauté the onions until they turn brown or are soft in texture.
Step 5. Pour the butter mixture evenly on the surface of the potatoes
As much as possible, make sure all the potatoes are covered in butter! At this point, you don't need to add cheese or parsley. For the best taste, add the two ingredients before the end of the baking process.
Step 6. Bake the potatoes covered for 45 minutes
Move on to the next step when the potato is soft. If at this stage the potatoes are not fully cooked, don't worry because your cooking process is not finished yet.
Step 7. Sprinkle cheese and parsley over the surface of the potatoes
Again, make sure you sprinkle it evenly. If you want, you can mix the cheese and parsley first or sprinkle them in two separate layers. If you want to use the second method, make sure you sprinkle the parsley before the cheese.
Step 8. Re-bake the potatoes uncovered for 15 minutes or more
Baked potatoes are perfectly cooked when the cheese on the surface is completely melted.
Step 9. Cool the potatoes before serving
Delicious baked potatoes are served as a side dish to grilled meat or ham.
Tips
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Trust me, almost all herbs and spices taste delicious when paired with potatoes. Try adding garlic or bacon, and be prepared to be surprised by its special taste!
- Don't have or don't like Cheddar cheese? Try using another tangy cheese like Parmesan or Monterey Jack.
- A plate of baked potatoes is also delicious served as a lunch or breakfast menu.
