Baked potatoes with garlic

Baked potatoes with garlic are a delicious and flavorful side dish that’s easy to prepare. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized baking potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Optional: fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for garnish
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the potatoes:

   • Scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
   • Prick the potatoes all over with a fork (about 6-8 times) to allow steam to escape while baking.

3. Season the potatoes:

   • In a small bowl, mix the olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
   • Rub this mixture all over each potato, making sure to coat them evenly.

4. Bake the potatoes:

   • Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The skin should be crispy.

5. Serve:

   • Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool slightly before slicing them open.
   • You can fluff the insides with a fork and add more olive oil, butter, or toppings like grated Parmesan cheese, herbs, or sour cream.

Tips:

• For an extra layer of flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic oil mixture before rubbing it on the potatoes.
• If you want to make them even more indulgent, consider adding toppings such as bacon bits, green onions, or shredded cheese.

Enjoy your delicious baked potatoes with garlic!