Baked potatoes with garlic and butter

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). The high heat is essential for getting that crispy, golden-brown skin on your potatoes.

2. **Prep the Potatoes:**
– Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
– Pierce each potato a few times with a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking, preventing the potatoes from bursting in the oven.
– Rub each potato with olive oil to ensure a crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3. **Bake the Potatoes:**
– Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack, or line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the potatoes on top. Bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. The potatoes are done when the skins are crispy, and a fork can easily slide into the flesh.

4. **Prepare the Garlic Butter:**
– While the potatoes are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. If you’re adding dried thyme or rosemary, stir them into the butter mixture for extra flavor.
– Remove from heat and set aside.

5. **Finish the Potatoes:**
– Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
– Slice the top of each potato lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork to create space for the garlic butter.
– Pour a generous amount of the garlic butter over the fluffed potato, making sure it soaks in. You can add extra butter on top if desired!

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– For an added touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of the potatoes. This gives the dish a pop of color and a hint of herby flavor.
– Serve the garlic butter baked potatoes immediately as a side dish or a satisfying main course with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.

#### Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Potatoes:

– **Choosing the Right Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are the best choice for baked potatoes because of their starchy texture and thick skin, which crisps up beautifully. However, you can use other potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer a slightly creamier interior.

– **Extra Garlic Flavor:** If you love garlic, you can roast a whole bulb of garlic and mash it into the butter for a milder, sweeter flavor. Roasted garlic adds a deep, caramelized taste that pairs wonderfully with the potatoes.

– **Crispy Skin:** The key to getting a crispy skin is to rub the potatoes with oil and season them well before baking. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt on the skin for extra crunch.

– **Toppings:** While garlic butter is a classic, you can easily customize your baked potatoes. Add sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, chives, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for different flavor combinations.

#### Conclusion:

Baked potatoes with garlic and butter are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. They’re simple to make yet bursting with flavor, and the addition of garlic and butter takes them to the next level. Whether you’re serving them alongside a steak, enjoying them as a vegetarian meal, or pairing them with your favorite protein, these potatoes will always be a crowd favorite. So next time you’re looking for a side dish that’s easy, satisfying, and delicious, reach for some russet potatoes and get baking!