Baked potatoes with garlic and butter

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes (about 8 oz each)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for seasoning)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Potatoes

• Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.

• Pat them dry with a paper towel.

• Poke each potato 4-5 times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.

3. Season the Potatoes

• Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.

• Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil.

4. Bake the Potatoes

• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the inside is tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Make the Garlic Butter

• While the potatoes bake, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme (if using) in a small bowl.

6. Serve

• Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

• Cut a slit in the top of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open.

• Spoon the garlic butter mixture generously over each potato.

• Garnish with chopped parsley (optional).

7. Enjoy!

• Serve immediately while hot.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Tips & Variations:

• Cheesy Option: Add shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.

• Crispy Skin: For extra crispiness, rub potatoes with coarse salt before baking.

• Herb Variations: Use rosemary or chives instead of parsley for a different flavor.

This Garlic Butter Baked Potatoes recipe is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad. The creamy, buttery interior and crispy skin make it a crowd-pleaser!