The ultimate baked potato recipe: A delight in every bite

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They complement meat, fish, and vegetables well, though they are most often enjoyed as a snack on their own. Since I first made them, my family has continuously asked for more.

The potato is the undisputed king of vegetables in many households. The average UK citizen consumes roughly 91 kilograms of potatoes each year. Potatoes can be boiled, fried, stewed, or baked—baked potatoes are a treat that can serve as both a delightful addition to a meal and a filling snack on its own.

If you're looking for a tried-and-true recipe for baked potatoes, look no further. My family has been asking for them since the first time I prepared them.

Baked potatoes are a versatile addition to any meal. They pair beautifully with meat, fish, and vegetables but are equally delicious. Plus, they’re low in calories. Baking them requires minimal fat, just enough to create a crispy, golden crust.

Have a few leftover potatoes at home and unsure what to do with them? Try the following recipe. The type or variety of potato doesn’t matter—it’s foolproof. They’ll taste like the renowned Belgian fries.

Preparation takes mere moments. Peel the potatoes and slice them into half moons. Before baking, soak them in cold water with a pinch of sugar to reduce their starch content, rendering them wonderfully crispy.

To enhance their taste, serve them with a thick, creamy cheese-based sauce. Adding a bit of grated cheddar, smoked paprika, and green onions makes a combination reminiscent of popular cheese crisps.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram of potatoes,
• 4 tablespoons of sunflower or canola oil,
• 1 teaspoon of salt,
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika,
• 1 teaspoon of Provence herbs,
• 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic,
• Optionally: powdered cheddar, powdered onion.

Preparation:

1. Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into half-moons.
2. Soak them in a mixture of cold water and a touch of sugar for 5 minutes. After that, pat them dry with kitchen paper.
3. In a large bowl, combine the oil with all the spices. Add the potatoes, mixing them well with the marinade.
4. Spread the potatoes on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (about 392°F) using top and bottom heating elements for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.