There's something about a baked potato that takes me straight back to that funny little strip mall steakhouse my parents used to drag me to on weekends. The potatoes arrived wrapped up in foil, accompanied by a couple of pats of butter and a little container of sour cream.
It was meant to be a side, of course, but to me it always felt like the main attraction. I made a ceremony of unwrapping the foil, making a slit along the top, and carefully adding as much butter and sour cream as the potato could take.
And why not? Be it good old russets or orange-hued sweet potatoes, a baked potato can be a perfectly satisfying main course. Rub your potato with olive oil and salt, prick it a few times with a fork, and bake it at 425°F for 45 to 60 minutes, until the skin is crisp and a fork pierces the flesh effortlessly. Then let the fun begin.
Pile on the shredded meat
The remainder from last night's roast chicken? That pulled pork from the weekend? This is the fastest way to bulk up that baked potato.
Or beans!
Beans are an equally hearty option—just toss them with olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Lentils are also an easy win.
Go for roasted vegetables
Any and all roasted vegetables do the job, so roast whatever you have at the same time you're baking your potatoes.
add hearty greens
Sautéed greens like broccoli rabe or kale add color—not to mention making the baked potato seem virtuous.
caramelized onions
The next time a recipe calls for sweet, softened onions, make a double batch so you have them at the ready—your baked potato will thank you.
Leftover chili
It's a known fact that chili is better the next day. Lesser known fact: It's even better spooned over a baked potato.
Put an egg on it
It works for nearly everything, and a baked potato is no exception. Topped with a fried egg, that potato is instantly dinner.
Savory yogurt
Yogurt provides tang, creaminess, and protein—a few spoonfuls plus some savory additions like pesto, toasted seeds, or chili flakes make a meal.
When all else fails, just add cheese
Feta, blue, cheddar, Parmesan, ricotta—it all works. Add it along with one of the toppings above or let it be the star of the show.
