Baked potatoes have become a popular comfort food all over the world. Because of their crisp exterior and fluffy interior, they are the perfect canvass for a wide variety of toppings. Although a baked potato topped with butter, sour cream, and salt is a favorite of many, you can take it to a whole new level. In this article, you’ll learn how to cook a baked potato and ways to upgrade a baked potato.
- Loaded Vegetables: A colorful array of sauteed vegetables can be added to your baked potato as a healthier option. Think bell peppers. Onions, mushrooms, zucchini and spinach. Garlic and your favorite herbs can be added to the veggies when sauteed in olive oils. Sprinkle-grated Parmesan over the meal to complete it.
- Tex-Mex Fiesta: Make your baked potato south-western by adding classic Tex-Mex toppers. Start with a generous helping of spicy beans, followed closely by salsa, diced tomatoes, and creamy avocado guacamole. For a fiesta, top it off with shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled over tangy crema and lime rind.
- Mediterranean Magic: Transport your taste buds to the shores of the Mediterranean with a Mediterranean-inspired baked potato. Top your baked potato with a generous helping of creamy hummus. Also, add some chopped tomatoes or cucumbers. Sprinkle on some crumbled feta. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh oregano.
- BBQ bliss: Satisfy that craving for smoky-savory flavors with a BBQ-inspired potato. Start by topping the potato with BBQ chicken or pulled pork. Add a spoonful to your potato coleslaw. Diced red onions and drizzle with your favorite BBQ. To make it even more delicious, add chopped cilantro.
- Classic Steakhouse Look: Bring the elegance of classic steakhouses to your baked potatoes. Top your potato generously with garlic herb butter. Then, add crispy bacon and chives. Finally, drizzle on a creamy horseradish. For a meal worthy of a king, pair it with a juicy piece of steak or grilled Salmon.
- Breakfast Bonanza: Baked potatoes are for more than just dinner. Enjoy them at breakfast with a hearty topping. Baked potatoes are the base. Then, add scrambled, shredded, or diced eggs, bacon, sausages, diced onion, and bell peppers. You can finish it with a dash of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives.
- Asian Fusion Feast: Add an Asian twist to baked potatoes by using a topping. Top your baked potato by adding teriyaki-glazed tofu or a chicken breast, as well as sauteed vegetables and sesame seeds. Drizzle on sriracha sauce for a spicy kick. Garnish the dish with green onions and sriracha.
- Seafood Snack: A seafood-inspired baked potato is sure to please seafood lovers. Top your baked potato with delicious shrimp, crab meat, or flaked Salmon. Add a spoonful of garlic aioli and fresh dill to your potato. Squeeze some lemon juice on top. Old Bay Seasoning can be sprinkled on top to add a hint of sea flavor that will have you wanting more.
- Gourmet Truffle-Temptation: Give yourself a taste of luxury with an indulgent truffle-inspired baked dish. Add a drizzle or two of truffle oil to your potato, then top with caramelized onions and blue cheese crumbles. Garnish this dish with fresh thyme or truffle salt, and you’ll be able to enjoy a flavor explosion.
Conclusion:
These creative ways to improve your baked potato will make you never look at it the same way. Whatever your preference, you can find the perfect baked potato topping combination for any taste. So why not experiment to find your unique baked potato masterpiece by experimenting with different flavors, ingredients, and combinations? You will be glad you did!