Have you noticed that baked potato instructions always say to select potatoes that are similar in size? Well what happens when your bag of potatoes contains a wide variety of sizes?
Good news! The placement of the potatoes on the baking sheet is actually more important than potato size uniformity.
Simply place the smallest potatoes in the center of the sheet, the medium/large ones along the edges, and the largest ones in the corners of the sheet. This way we are using natural heat distribution patterns instead of trying to make potatoes be sizes they just aren’t.
Here’s the steps for perfect baked potatoes: (Or watch the video here)
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees
- Wash potatoes well
- Pat dry with paper towels or a kitchen towel
- Poke holes all around the potatoes using a fork or the sharp tip of a small kitchen knife
- Place potatoes on parchment lined baking sheet by size (Smallest in center, medium along edges, largest in corners)
- Spray potatoes on both sides with olive oil using this nifty sprayer
- Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt
- Bake at 425 degrees for 1 hour
Your potatoes will miraculously be cooked evenly all the way through, despite the size differences!
(Super jumbo potatoes may need 5-10 more minutes)
Now that you have all these beautiful baked potatoes, let’s talk about what to do with them! There’s so many great things that can be done with a large batch of baked potatoes besides yummy traditional baked potatoes. Baked potatoes are one of the most versatile, budget friendly, and nutrient dense (especially when refrigerated after baking) items for your meal prep toolbox.
Some of my favorite things to do with leftover baked potatoes:
- Easy on the go snack. Grab it from the fridge and eat it like an apple while out and about. Round it off with some baby carrots or an actual apple and some nuts or hard boiled egg for an easy lunch.
- Smash them, then brown them in a little bit of coconut oil (this butter flavored type is my favorite for these potatoes!) in a pan over medium-high heat or air fry them. Sprinkle with garlic salt, kosher salt, or any other seasonings you may want. Enjoy plain or dipped in ketchup, mustard, ranch, bbq sauce, or fry sauce.
- Slice into 1/4” coins and cook the same way as the smashed potatoes directly above.
- Cut up into wedges, lightly spray with olive oil using the nifty sprayer mentioned above, then bake or air fry until crisp. These are perfect to top with left over chili and cheese for baked chili cheese fries!
- Mash (without milk) and season with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well then spread on parchment lined baking sheet, spray with a little bit of olive oil using the nifty sprayer mentioned above, then bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.
- Twice baked potatoes – yum!
- Potato salad. This method works especially well for German style potato salad.
- Baked stuffed potato bar. This is extra great for parties or for taking a meal to a loved one.
- Using the smaller potatoes, make “deviled potatoes” just like you would with eggs.
- Potato skins.
Any of these are wonderful served with a nice salad, beans, and/or some fruit!
At Enriched Journey, we are here to provide support and tips that enrich your life’s journey in all ways – from nervous system regulation to energy support to organization to all things food.
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