Red potatoes are a versatile, delicious, and nutrient-packed food that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Baking red potatoes is an excellent method to let their flavorful, earthy taste shine through as it preserves their natural moisture content. In this article, we will explore three different ways to bake red potatoes: the classic method, a garlic-herb variation, and a fun twist by incorporating cheese.

1. Classic Baked Red Potatoes

Ingredients:

– Red potatoes (washed and scrubbed)

– Olive oil or melted butter

– Salt

– Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Cut the red potatoes into halves or quarters depending on their size.

3. Coat the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter.

4. Season generously with salt and pepper.

5. Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

7. Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.

8. Garlic-Herb Baked Red Potatoes

Ingredients:

– Red Potatoes (washed and scrubbed)

– Olive oil or melted butter

– Salt

– Black pepper

– Garlic cloves (minced)

– Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Into small pieces cut the red potatoes.

3. Coat the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter.

4. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and fresh herbs of your choice.

5. Arrange the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.

6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and tender.

7. Serve as a side dish with your favorite entree.

8. Cheesy Baked Red Potatoes

Ingredients:

– Red potatoes (washed and scrubbed)

– Olive oil or melted butter

– Salt

– Black pepper

– Shredded cheese (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Cut the red potatoes into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick.

3. Coat the potato slices with olive oil or melted butter.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Arrange half of the potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.

6. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

7. Layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top and add more cheese on top.

8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

9. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley or chives if desired, and serve hot.

In conclusion, red potatoes are delicious when baked and offer endless possibilities for customized flavors. Whether you prefer classic, garlic-herb, or the cheesy version, these baked red potato dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and make for great accompaniments to any meal. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen with these tasty recipes!