The baked potatoes are a timeless classic of home cooking, ideal as a side dish for roasts, barbecues, or fish dishes. Their golden and crispy surface combined with a soft and flavorful core makes them irresistible. These are potatoes first boiled with a pinch of baking soda and then seasoned with an aromatic oil before being baked. Once beautifully golden and crispy, we add the set aside herbs, which will make them extremely irresistible.
In short, the potatoes are first boiled for 5-10 minutes with a pinch of baking soda to ensure extra crispiness, then seasoned with an herb-infused oil, and finally baked at 430°F until perfectly golden.
In this recipe, you will discover how to achieve perfectly crispy potatoes using just a few simple ingredients. Additionally, we will guide you step by step, revealing the tricks to achieving impeccable results, from selecting the potatoes to perfect cooking.
You will also find tips on variations, storage, and answers to frequently asked questions. Ready to transform a simple dish into a real delicacy?
Also discover:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Oven, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients for Baked Potatoes
- 2.2 lbs potatoes
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 3 sprigs marjoram
- sage
- basil
- lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic
- salt
- pepper
Tools for Preparing Baked Potatoes
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Pan
- Colander
- Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
How to Prepare Baked Potatoes
Clean the potatoes, peel them and cut them into cubes or wedges, depending on your preference.
Bring approximately 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot, add the salt, baking soda, and potatoes.
Cook the potatoes until they are tender but not too soft (about 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces). Check the cooking by piercing a piece of potato with a fork: it should penetrate but encounter slight resistance. Drain the potatoes and let them rest for about 30 seconds to remove excess moisture.
Meanwhile, wash the herbs and chop them finely. Peel the garlic clove and chop it. Grate the lemon zest.
Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a pan, add the chopped herbs, garlic, and lemon zest. Sauté for a few minutes over medium heat to flavor the oil, then strain it with a sieve, setting aside the herbs.
Season the potatoes with the aromatic oil, mixing them gently so as not to break them.
Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 430°F for about 45-50 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through to achieve even browning.
Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a bowl and season with salt and the set aside herbs. Mix well and serve immediately.
Storage
Crispy baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, although it is best to consume them immediately to fully enjoy their crispiness.
Variations
Spicy: add a touch of smoked paprika, curry, or chili for a more intense flavor.
Citrusy: besides lemon zest, try orange or lime for a fresh aroma.
Herbal: experiment with different combinations of herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley.
Tips
For extra crispiness, let the drained potatoes rest for a few minutes to dry well.
Use yellow or red-fleshed potatoes for a crispier result.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet: the potatoes need space to brown well.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use new potatoes?
Yes, but remember they may require less cooking time.
Can I prepare them in advance?
It’s best to avoid it, but if necessary, heat them up in a hot oven to make them crispy again.
Is it necessary to boil them before baking?
Yes, this step is essential to achieving a perfectly crispy texture.
