Paula Deen is known for her delicious, decadent Southern cooking, and her baked potatoes are no exception. Baked potatoes make a satisfying side dish or meal on their own. Paula’s recipe results in baked potatoes with a crisp, golden skin and a soft, fluffy interior.
What You Need to Make Paula Deen’s Baked Potatoes
Making Paula Deen’s baked potatoes is simple with just a few basic ingredients:
- Potatoes – Russet potatoes work best. Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil – For brushing on the potato skin.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning the potatoes.
- Optional toppings:
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Chives or green onions
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Broccoli
- Chili
That’s all you need for the basic recipe. The additional toppings are optional for customizing your baked potatoes.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for baking perfect potatoes just like Paula Deen’s recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Use a vegetable brush if needed to scrub away any dirt.
- Use a fork to pierce the potatoes 4-5 times all over. This allows steam to escape while baking.
- Brush or rub the potato skins with olive oil. This helps the skins become crispy.
- Season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Be generous with the salt for well-seasoned skins.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack. You can also use a baking sheet.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a knife can be easily inserted through the middle of the potatoes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before adding any toppings.
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Use caution as the steam inside will be very hot.
- Top with butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits or any other desired toppings.
- Enjoy the soft, fluffy interiors and crispy skins of these heavenly baked potatoes!
Tips for the Best Baked Potatoes
Here are some helpful tips for getting the best results when making Paula Deen’s recipe for baked potatoes:
- Choose potatoes of uniform size so they bake evenly. Medium potatoes approximately 6-8 ounces work well.
- Give the potatoes a quick rinse and use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt. The cleaner, the better.
- Completely dry potatoes before brushing with oil. Any moisture will prevent the skins from getting crispy.
- Fluff up the inside of the potatoes with a fork once removed from the oven. This makes them extra light and fluffy.
- Be careful when handling just out of the oven. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting to avoid steam burns.
- Serve hot baked potatoes immediately for the best texture. Reheating tends to dry them out.
- Refrigerate any uneaten portion quickly to prevent bacteria growth.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making baked potatoes:
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal for baking. They have a thick skin that gets crispy and a dry, starchy interior that bakes up fluffy.
How long does it take to bake potatoes?
60-70 minutes in a 425°F oven. Larger potatoes may take slightly longer.
What if my potatoes aren’t done in time?
If a fork doesn’t slide through easily after 70 minutes, continue baking until tender – usually 10-15 minutes longer.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can rub the potatoes with oil and seasonings up to 8 hours before baking. Store at room temperature until ready to bake.
Should I wrap the potatoes in foil?
No, wrapping will steam the potatoes and make the skins soggy. Leaving them unwrapped gives you crispier skins.
| Baked Potato Toppings | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Butter | Slice pats of butter on top to melt. |
| Sour Cream | Spoon or dollop on top. |
| Chives | Chop fresh chives and sprinkle over potatoes. |
| Crumbled Bacon | Cook bacon until crispy then crumble over potatoes. |
| Shredded Cheese | Top potatoes with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack or other cheese. |
| Chili | Top baked potatoes with warm chili. |
| Broccoli | Steam or microwave broccoli until tender, then top potatoes. |
Serving Suggestions
Paula Deen’s baked potatoes are delicious on their own, but you can also make them a meal by pairing them with:
- Hearty soups like chicken noodle soup or broccoli cheddar soup
- Fresh garden salad
- Vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach or green beans
- Pan-seared fish fillets or chicken breast
- Homemade chili or beef stew
For a special treat, make these potatoes for a weekend brunch paired with eggs any style, breakfast meats like bacon or sausage, and fresh fruit.
You really can’t go wrong with these versatile baked potatoes!
Storage
Here are some tips for storing leftover baked potatoes:
- Let potatoes cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.
- Sliced, cooked potatoes can also be frozen for 1-2 months.
- Top and freeze baked potatoes to reheat as a meal later on.
Avoid leaving cooked potatoes out at room temperature too long, as this allows bacteria to grow. Refrigerate within 2 hours.
More Recipe Ideas
Once you master basic baked potatoes, try mixing up the flavors with one of these tasty recipes:
- Greek Baked Potatoes – Top with lemon yogurt, feta, red onion, spinach and dill.
- Taco Baked Potatoes – With seasoned ground beef or turkey, shredded lettuce, tomato, cheese and salsa.
- Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes – Loaded with steamed broccoli and gooey cheddar cheese sauce.
- BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes – Shredded barbecue chicken, red onion and cheddar cheese.
- Potato Skins – Scoop out the insides and turn into crispy, savory skins.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with mix-ins and toppings! Baked potatoes are a great canvas for creativity.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition profile for 1 medium plain baked potato (6 ounces):
- 162 calories
- 0 grams fat
- 37 grams carbohydrates
- 4 grams protein
- 3 grams fiber
- 24% Vitamin C
- 16% Vitamin B6
- 12% Potassium
Baked potatoes are high in vitamin C, vitamin B6 and potassium. Leave the skins on for more fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s simple baked potato recipe yields perfect spuds every time. Crisp, golden skins encase a fluffy, tender interior just waiting to be loaded up with your favorite toppings. Follow the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips above for baked potato success. These versatile potatoes make a hearty, comforting side or a meal in themselves any day of the week. Now grab some potatoes and get baking!