Baked Potato

Baked potatoes, long a side dish for big meat dishes, have transformed into a gourmet one dish meal. Wildly popular as an accompaniment to grilled ribs and steaks, they found new life when professional chefs started topping and filling freshly roasted baking potatoes with savory meat, dairy, and vegetable combinations. These new creations can now be found on menus in restaurants around the country. Home cooks can offer visually stunning and delicious loaded baked potatoes at home.

Roasting potatoes for stuffing or topping is easy. Baking potatoes are the best choice. Larger in size, they hold up well in the high heat and can be prepared in a conventional oven in about an hour. For potatoes that are in affect steamed, wrap them tightly in foil and bake in a 450 F. oven until the potatoes give under the pressure of a good squeeze. For potatoes that are slightly drier in texture with a crustier skin, poke a few holes in each potato with a fork and roast for 60 minutes in a 450 F. oven. Again, potatoes are done when they can easily be poked with a sharp knife, or the potato gives when squeezed.

BakedPotato.net has recipes for taking ordinary baking potatoes to a whole new level. We are adding our favorite new recipes all the time. Try a classic baked potato loaded with bacon, cheddar and chives, or try one with crab meat and a savory white sauce. Learn how to select, handle, store and bake potatoes. Prepare your on the grill, in the oven, even using the microwave. Find the perfect recipe for your next potato party!

Featured Recipe

Baked Potato Salad

Ingredients -

8 Medium Idaho Potatoes
1/2 pound Bacon
1/4 cup Yellow Onion, chopped
1 cup Mayonnaise
1 pound Processed American Cheese, cubed
Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste
1/2 cup Green Olives, pitted and sliced

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Add the potatoes to a large pot of rapidly boiling, salted water.

3. Boil for approximately 20 minutes or until fork tender.

4. Remove the potatoes from the water and set aside to cool.

5. Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet.

6. Cook over medium high heat until crisp.

7. Drain, crumble and set aside.

8. Peel and cube the cooled potatoes.

9. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.

10. Add the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, cheese and onion to the potatoes and mix well.

11. Spray a 9x11 inch baking dish with non stick cooking spray.

12. Place the potato mixture in the baking dish.

13. Top with the crumbled bacon and the olives.

14. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

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