Russet potatoes are a kitchen staple beloved for their fluffy interior and crispy skin when cooked right. Whether you want a comforting baked potato, crispy roasted cubes, or a creative twist like Hasselback potatoes, learning how to cook russet potatoes perfectly will elevate your meals. Here’s your friendly, step-by-step guide to mastering this versatile spud.
What Makes Russet Potatoes Special?
Russet potatoes have a thick skin and a starchy, dry flesh that makes them ideal for baking, roasting, and frying. Their texture absorbs flavors well and crisps beautifully, making them a favorite for everything from classic baked potatoes to crispy roasties.
How to Cook Russet Potatoes: Popular Methods
1. Classic Oven-Baked Russet Potatoes
Baking russet potatoes is simple and yields a fluffy inside with a crispy, salty skin.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-to-large russet potato, scrubbed clean
– 1–2 teaspoons melted butter or olive oil
– Pinch of coarse kosher salt
– Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
– Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
– Poke the potato all over with a fork (about 10 times) to let steam escape.
– Place the potato on a foil-lined baking sheet or a wire rack on a baking sheet.
– Bake for 25 minutes, then remove and brush the potato with melted butter or olive oil.
– Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
– Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes or until the potato feels soft when squeezed with an oven mitt.
– Slice halfway through lengthwise and gently squeeze to open.
– Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
2. Roasted Russet Potatoes
Roasting cubed potatoes gives you crispy edges and tender centers, perfect as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, cut into ¾-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons dried rosemary (crushed)
– 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
– 1 ½ teaspoons salt
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
– Optional: Soak the cubed potatoes in cold water for 1 hour to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.
– Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Toss potatoes with olive oil and herbs until well coated.
– Spread on a rimmed baking sheet with space between pieces.
– Bake for 10 minutes, stir, then bake another 10-15 minutes until golden and tender.
– Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
3. Hasselback Russet Potatoes
For a fancy yet easy twist, try Hasselback potatoes-thinly sliced almost to the bottom, then baked until crispy on the outside and soft inside.
– Slice the potato thinly but not all the way through.
– Brush with oil or butter and season.
– Bake at 425°F for about an hour, basting occasionally.
– Add cheese or herbs between slices for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Russet Potatoes
– Poke holes before baking: This prevents the potato from bursting by allowing steam to escape.
– Use high heat: Baking at 425-450°F helps develop a crispy skin.
– Brush with fat: Olive oil or melted butter on the skin makes it deliciously crispy and flavorful.
– Don’t overcrowd when roasting: Give the potatoes space to crisp up rather than steam.
– Optional soaking: Soaking cubed potatoes before roasting helps achieve extra crispiness.
– Season generously: Kosher salt and herbs enhance the natural flavor of russets.
Why Russet Potatoes Are a Healthy Choice
Russets are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese. When cooked with heart-healthy olive oil and herbs, they make a nutritious and satisfying side dish suitable for many diets including vegan, gluten-free, and paleo.
Serving Suggestions
Russet potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with many dishes:
– Serve baked potatoes with sour cream, chives, cheese, and bacon for a classic comfort meal.
– Roasted cubes are perfect alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or salads.
– Hasselback potatoes make an elegant side for holiday dinners or special occasions.
Russet potatoes are easy to cook and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re baking, roasting, or trying a new recipe, these tips will help you get perfectly cooked potatoes every time. Enjoy the comforting taste and crispy texture that only a well-cooked russet potato can deliver!