These steakhouse baked potatoes are soft and fluffy, loaded with tasty toppings like butter, cheese, and chives. They’re the perfect side dish for a hearty meal!
Honestly, there’s something magical about a warm potato with crispy skin. I love making them on a cozy night in while enjoying a good movie. Who can resist that combo? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are the best choice for baked potatoes because of their starchy texture, which becomes fluffy when cooked. You may substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, but they won’t be as light.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness to the skin. If you want a different flavor, you could use melted butter or avocado oil instead.
Coarse Sea Salt: This salt gives a nice crunch to the skin. If you don’t have it, kosher salt or regular table salt will work, but the texture will be different. Remember to use less table salt, as it’s finer and saltier.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you’re looking for something different, try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some spice. Vegan cheese can also be a great substitute if you’re going dairy-free.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt is a fantastic, healthier alternative with similar texture and taste.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Potato Skins?
Getting crispy skins requires a few simple steps. First, wash and dry the Russet potatoes well. The oil and salt on the skin are crucial for crunch.
- Use a fork to pierce the potatoes multiple times—this helps steam escape while baking.
- Rub the oil evenly over each potato to coat them well. This is key to achieving crispy skins.
- Sprinkle the coarse salt generously to enhance the flavor.
- Place them directly on the oven rack for better air circulation, which also helps the skins crisp up nicely.
Just be sure to check them after about 45 minutes; they could take up to an hour, depending on their size. Enjoy your perfectly crispy baked potatoes!
Best Steakhouse Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh chives or green onions, chopped
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 45-60 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, so you can enjoy these delicious steakhouse-style baked potatoes with your meal soon!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the potatoes will bake properly and get that nice crispy skin we all love!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Take your Russet potatoes and scrub them thoroughly under cold water. This will remove any dirt. After washing, pat them dry with a towel to prepare for baking.
3. Pierce and Season:
Use a fork to pierce each potato several times. This step is important as it allows steam to escape while baking. Then, rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt to enhance the flavor and help the skins crisp up beautifully.
4. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray. Bake them for about 45-60 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the skins are crispy and a fork can easily pierce through the flesh.
5. Fluff and Top:
Once the potatoes are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully make a slit in the top of each potato, and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the insides. This creates the perfect base for your toppings!
6. Add Your Favorite Toppings:
Now for the fun part! Top each potato with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives or green onions. Feel free to be as creative as you like!
7. Optional Garnish:
If you want to make your potatoes look extra special, garnish them with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your delicious steakhouse-style baked potatoes immediately! Enjoy every bite as a perfect side to your meal or as a hearty snack on their own. Yum!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but Russets are the best choice for baking because of their fluffy texture. If you prefer, you can try Yukon Gold or Idaho potatoes, but the baking time may vary slightly.
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the potatoes ahead of time, let them cool, and then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding cheese and toppings as they warm up.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra cheese and toppings if desired to freshen them up!
Can I Substitute Olive Oil with Another Oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other oils like canola or avocado oil, which also work well for crispy skins. If you want a flavor twist, try using melted butter or even bacon grease for added richness!
