Imagine a potato so perfectly crisp on the outside, so incredibly fluffy on the inside, that it transforms an ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece. Our Salt Baked Potato with Herbed Butter isn't just a recipe—it's a game-changing technique that will revolutionize how you think about potatoes forever. By using a unique salt-baking method, we'll show you how to create a restaurant-quality dish that's guaranteed to impress your family and guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes
- 2 cups coarse salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water, scrubbing gently to remove any dirt. Pat the potatoes completely dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Select a large baking dish or sheet pan. Spread a thick layer of coarse salt (about 1 inch deep) as a base for the potatoes to sit on.
- Place the whole potatoes directly on the salt bed, ensuring they are not touching each other. The salt will help conduct even heat and create a crispy skin.
- Sprinkle additional coarse salt over and around the potatoes, covering about half of each potato's surface.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on potato size, so check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center - it should slide in easily.
- While potatoes are baking, prepare the herbed butter. Soften the butter at room temperature and finely chop the fresh herbs.
- Mix the softened butter with chopped herbs, adding a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend thoroughly and set aside.
- Once potatoes are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the oven. Let them rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Brush off excess salt from the potato skins. Cut a slit lengthwise on top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to open.
- Place a generous dollop of herbed butter inside each potato, allowing it to melt and spread throughout the fluffy interior.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the rich, salt-crusted potatoes with their aromatic herbed butter.
Tips
- Choose the Right Salt: Use coarse kosher or sea salt for the best heat conduction and salt crust. Avoid fine table salt, which can make the potatoes too salty.
- Potato Selection Matters: Select medium-sized potatoes with similar shapes and sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Drying is Crucial: Thoroughly dry the potatoes after washing to help create a crispy skin and prevent steaming.
- Don't Skimp on Herb Quality: Use fresh herbs for the butter—the difference in flavor is remarkable. If possible, use herbs from your own garden or fresh from the market.
- Customize Your Herbs: While parsley, chives, and dill are fantastic, feel free to experiment with rosemary, thyme, or even a blend of herbs.
- Check Doneness Carefully: The fork test is your best friend. The potato should feel soft when pierced and offer no resistance.
- Let Them Rest: Allowing the potatoes to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps distribute heat and makes them easier to handle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
