Savory Salt-Crusted Baked Russets
Elevate your dining experience with these Savory Salt-Crusted Baked Russets, a delightful twist on a classic side dish. These russet potatoes are meticulously prepared to achieve a perfect balance of crispy, flavorful skin and fluffy, tender flesh within. Enjoy the versatility of this recipe, which can be adapted for use in a conventional oven, convection oven, or even the microwave! Serve them simply dressed with butter, or get creative with toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon bits. Not only are these potatoes a delicious addition to any meal, but they are also hearty enough to take center stage as a vegetarian main dish. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe has garnered glowing reviews that rival those found at your favorite seafood restaurant. You'll find that the robust flavor profile and delightful texture of these baked potatoes will make them a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
4 (scrubbed, whole, unpeeled)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for coating)
sea salt
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
cheddar cheese
to taste (optional, for topping)
sour cream
to taste (optional, for topping)
black pepper
to taste (optional, for seasoning)
unsalted butter
to taste (optional, for topping)
margarine
to taste (optional, for topping)
fresh chives, minced
to taste (optional, for garnish)
bacon bits or chopped bacon
to taste (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly scrubbing the russet potatoes under running water. Rinse well and set aside to drip dry. Do not peel the skin to preserve flavor and texture.
2
Preheat your oven to 325°F for convection baking or 350°F for traditional baking.
3
On two separate small plates, pour the olive oil on one and sprinkle the sea salt on the other. Place an ungreased cookie sheet nearby for easy access.
4
One by one, roll each potato in the olive oil, allowing any excess to drip off before rolling it lightly in the sea salt. Use your hands to rub the salt evenly across each potato; avoid over-salting.
5
Arrange the coated potatoes on the cookie sheet and drizzle any remaining olive oil over the top. Using a fork, poke several holes into the potatoes; this will allow steam to escape while cooking.
6
Transfer the cookie sheet to the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for one hour. After one hour, test the potatoes with a fork; they should be tender and the fork should easily slide in.
7
Once the potatoes are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and serve immediately, accompanied by your choice of toppings.
8
Alternate Baking Method: If you prefer, you can wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil before baking. Just take care when unwrapping them post-bake to avoid steam burns.
9
Microwave Option: For a quicker method, wrap each potato tightly in a damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on full power for 12 minutes for four potatoes, checking for doneness and cooking in additional 2-minute intervals if needed until tender.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
32.5
Carbs
3.75
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Salt-Crusted Baked Russets?
They are russet potatoes prepared with a salt-crust technique to achieve crispy skin and fluffy flesh.
What type of potatoes is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for four russet potatoes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, you should keep the skin on to preserve the flavor and texture.
How should I clean the potatoes?
Thoroughly scrub them under running water and rinse well.
What is the traditional oven baking temperature?
Preheat your traditional oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature is used for a convection oven?
For convection baking, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do the potatoes take to bake in the oven?
They should bake on the middle rack for approximately one hour.
What is the first step in the coating process?
Roll each potato in olive oil, allowing any excess to drip off.
How do I apply the sea salt?
After the oil, roll the potato in sea salt and rub it evenly across the skin with your hands.
Why do I need to poke holes in the potatoes?
Poking holes with a fork allows steam to escape while the potatoes cook.
Can I use aluminum foil for baking?
Yes, you can wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil as an alternate baking method.
Is there a microwave option for this recipe?
Yes, wrap potatoes in damp paper towels and microwave on full power for 12 minutes.
What should I do if the potatoes aren't tender after 12 minutes in the microwave?
Continue cooking in 2-minute intervals until they are tender.
How can I tell when the potatoes are done?
Test them with a fork; it should easily slide into the potato when they are fully cooked.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it can serve as a hearty vegetarian main dish or side.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 200 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The recipe contains 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these potatoes?
Each serving contains 32.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 3.75 grams of protein per serving.
What oil is recommended for this recipe?
Olive oil is used to coat the potatoes before seasoning.
What type of salt is best for the crust?
The recipe specifies using sea salt for the seasoning layer.
What cheese is recommended as a topping?
Cheddar cheese is a suggested optional topping.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, crispy bacon bits or chopped bacon are recommended toppings.
What garnish can I use?
Minced fresh chives are suggested for a perfect garnish.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine is listed as an optional topping substitute for butter.
Should the cookie sheet be greased?
No, the recipe specifies using an ungreased cookie sheet.
Is black pepper included in the seasoning?
Black pepper is listed as an optional seasoning to be added to taste.
Is this recipe good for entertaining?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes four potatoes, generally serving four people.
How should I serve the potatoes?
Serve them immediately after baking with your choice of toppings like sour cream or butter.