These crispy oven-baked potatoes are perfectly seasoned, tender on the inside, and topped with a melt-in-your-mouth pat of butter and a sprinkle of fresh chives. A classic, comforting dish that’s simple to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you serve them as a side dish or enjoy them as a snack, these crispy potatoes will quickly become a family favorite.
Servings:
4 servings
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
40-45 minutes
Total Time:
45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Scrub the potatoes clean under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a towel.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape while they bake and helps prevent them from bursting.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
- Coat the potatoes with olive oil: Rub each potato with the olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated. This will help them crisp up nicely during baking.
- Season: Sprinkle the potatoes with kosher salt and black pepper. Make sure to season them generously for a flavorful, crispy skin.
Step 4: Bake the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. You can flip them halfway through the baking process for an even crispier finish.
Step 5: Add the Butter and Chives
- Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and cut a slit down the center of each potato.
- Add a pat of butter to each potato, letting it melt into the flesh.
- Top with fresh chives: Sprinkle the chopped chives generously over the melted butter for a burst of fresh flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the potatoes hot, straight from the oven. They make an excellent side dish to complement any meal or enjoy them as a tasty snack on their own.
Tips & Variations:
- Toppings Galore: Top the baked potatoes with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Smaller Potatoes: You can use baby potatoes instead of large russets for bite-sized portions. Just reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Garlic Butter: For a richer flavor, mix some garlic powder or minced fresh garlic into the butter before adding it to the potatoes.
- Crispier Skin: If you prefer extra crispy potatoes, you can brush them with olive oil again halfway through baking.
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 41g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
