Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a classic side dish, but when paired with garlic and herbs, they transform into a delightful culinary experience. The combination of creamy, tender potatoes and the robust flavor of garlic, butter, and oregano makes this recipe a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking to complement a protein-heavy main course or need a stand-alone vegetarian dish, garlic and herb baked potatoes offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

Ingredients for Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes

Before diving into the preparation, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:

Step-by-Step Preparation for Perfect Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes

1. Preparing the Potatoes

Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). This will ensure that the oven is at the right temperature by the time your potatoes are ready for baking.

Wash and Slice the Potatoes:
Rinse the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Slice each potato lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through. The potatoes should remain intact at the bottom, forming a fan-like shape. This cut allows the garlic and herb mixture to seep deep into the potato for maximum flavor.

2. Preparing the Garlic Mixture

Chop the Garlic:
Finely chop the garlic cloves. You want the garlic to be small enough to easily infuse the potatoes with flavor.

Stuff the Potatoes:
Carefully insert the minced garlic into the slits you’ve made in the potatoes. Make sure each slice has a bit of garlic so that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout.

3. Wrapping in Foil

Create Foil Boats:
Cut several pieces of aluminum foil and shape them into small cups or boats. This will keep the butter and oil mixture from leaking out and help the potatoes to cook evenly.

Place the Potatoes:
Position each potato in its foil boat, ensuring the potatoes sit snugly within the foil.

4. Mixing the Butter and Oil

Melt the Butter:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish, melt the butter until fully liquid.

Combine with Vegetable Oil:
In a bowl, mix the melted butter with the vegetable oil. This combination helps in crisping the potato skin while keeping the insides soft and creamy.

Add Salt and Oregano:
Add salt and oregano to the butter-oil mixture, stirring until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste; oregano gives the dish a Mediterranean flair, while salt enhances all the flavors.

5. Coating and Baking the Potatoes

Drizzle the Mixture:
Use a spoon or brush to drizzle the butter-oil mixture over each potato, ensuring that the mixture coats both the outside and the inside of the slices. This will ensure the potatoes crisp up nicely while absorbing the flavors of the garlic and oregano.

Season Generously:
Add a little extra salt if desired before placing the potatoes in the oven. This is your last chance to adjust the seasoning before baking.

6. Baking the Potatoes

Bake for 50 Minutes:
Place the potatoes, in their foil boats, onto a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. You can test doneness by inserting a fork; it should glide through easily.

7. Cooling and Serving

Remove from Oven:
Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.

Serve Immediately:
You can either serve the potatoes directly from the foil or transfer them to a serving platter. Serve them hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.