Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt Recipe

Sink your teeth into these crunchy baked potatoes seasoned with Maldon sea salt, a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. These baked potatoes aren't your everyday side item. With their hard and crisp exterior, split open to reveal a fluffy and soft inside, they are a treat in themselves.

Photos of Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt Recipe

The key ingredient to note in this recipe is Maldon sea salt. This is a high-quality, flaky sea salt sourced from the town of Maldon in Essex, England. It has a unique texture and a clean, light flavor that sets it apart from regular table salt. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, it's readily available online.

Ingredients for Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt

Small red or yukon gold potatoes: These types of potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and a firm texture that holds up well to baking.

Extra virgin olive oil: This oil adds a rich, fruity flavor that complements the potatoes well.

Maldon sea salt: A flaky sea salt that provides a clean, light flavor and a delightful crunch.

One reader, Katie Post says:

These crunchy baked potatoes with Maldon salt are a game-changer! The crispy skin and fluffy interior make for a delightful contrast, and the Maldon salt adds the perfect touch of flavor. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's sure to impress your guests. Highly recommend giving it a try!

Katie Post

Techniques Required

Piercing the potatoes: Use a fork to pierce the potatoes all over to allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking the potatoes: Arrange the pierced potatoes on the oven rack and bake at 450°F for 1 3/4 to 2 hours until they are hard and crisp when tapped with a fork.

Splitting the potatoes: Using a serrated knife, carefully split the baked potatoes without cutting them all the way through.

Drizzling with olive oil and seasoning: After splitting the potatoes, drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle generously with Maldon sea salt before serving.

How To Make Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt

This three-ingredient baked potatoes recipe has a savory zing from maldon salt, and yields perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside sides!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbssmall red potatoes,or yukon gold, about 2 inches in diameter
extra virgin olive oil
maldon sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Pierce the potatoes all over with a fork. Arrange them on the oven rack.
Bake them for 1¾ to 2 hours, or until hard and crisp when tapped with a fork.
Using a serrated knife, split the potatoes without cutting them all the way through.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Maldon salt and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 186.02kcal
Fat: 3.40g
Saturated Fat: 0.51g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.26g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.46g
Carbohydrates: 36.06g
Fiber: 3.86g
Sugar: 2.93g
Protein: 4.29g
Sodium: 534.58mg
Calcium: 23.02mg
Potassium: 1032.06mg
Iron: 1.68mg
Vitamin C: 19.50mg

Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Crunch

To ensure your potatoes achieve the perfect level of crispiness, it's crucial to pierce them thoroughly with a fork before baking. This allows the heat to penetrate the potato more evenly, resulting in a uniformly cooked and crunchy texture. Additionally, using Maldon sea salt rather than regular table salt can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your dish. Its larger, flaky crystals provide a burst of salinity that beautifully complements the earthy taste of the potatoes.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare what you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.

Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of certain ingredients or dishes and freeze them for quick and convenient future meals.

Invest in tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, mandolines, and immersion blenders to speed up prep work and cooking tasks.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes or adjustments.

Substitute Ingredients For Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt Recipe

small red or yukon gold potatoes - Substitute with fingerling potatoes: Fingerling potatoes have a similar creamy texture and thin skin, making them a great substitute for small red or yukon gold potatoes in this recipe.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.

Presenting Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Style

Elevate the potatoes: Carefully select the best small red or yukon gold potatoes for uniformity and quality. Look for potatoes with a smooth, unblemished skin and a firm texture.
Enhance the olive oil drizzle: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to drizzle over the baked potatoes. Look for a robust and flavorful olive oil that will add depth to the dish.
Highlight the Maldon sea salt: Sprinkle the baked potatoes generously with Maldon sea salt to add a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch. The pyramid-shaped crystals of Maldon salt will provide a delightful texture and a hint of salinity to each bite.
Create a stunning presentation: Arrange the split potatoes on a serving platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing. Consider adding a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an extra touch of elegance.
Emphasize texture and flavor contrast: Showcase the contrast between the crispy exterior and the fluffy interior of the potatoes. Highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients and the simplicity of the dish to impress the discerning palates of Michelin-starred chefs.

Essential Tools for Making Crunchy Baked Potatoes

Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
Fork: A utensil with prongs used for lifting and eating food.
Serrated knife: A knife with a saw-like edge, perfect for cutting through the crispy potato skins without crushing the flesh.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking foods in the oven.
Oven rack: A metal frame within the oven used to hold the potatoes while they bake.

How To Store / Freeze Crunchy Baked Potatoes

Let the potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze the potatoes, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, reheat the frozen potatoes in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
To maintain the crispiness of the skin, it's best to reheat the potatoes in the oven rather than the microwave.
If you have leftover potatoes that have been cut open and drizzled with olive oil and salt, it's best to consume them within 2-3 days, as the cut surface may dry out and become less appealing over time.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for reheating the potatoes without burning them or drying them out.
Place the leftover crunchy baked potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
If the potatoes have been stored in the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before reheating. This will help them reheat more evenly and prevent the outside from burning while the inside remains cold.
Brush the potatoes with a little extra virgin olive oil to help crisp up the skin and add some moisture back into the potatoes. You can also sprinkle a little more Maldon sea salt on top for extra flavor and crunch.
Place the baking sheet with the potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and the skin is crispy again. The exact time will depend on the size of the potatoes and how cold they were to begin with.
Alternatively, you can reheat the potatoes in an air fryer if you have one. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the potatoes in the basket. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Once the potatoes are heated through, remove them from the oven or air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the inside to finish cooking and prevent burning your mouth on the hot steam.
Serve the reheated crunchy baked potatoes with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, or bacon bits. Enjoy your perfectly reheated, crispy, and delicious potatoes!

Random Fact about Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt

The Maldon salt used in this recipe is known for its pyramid-shaped crystals, which provide a delightful crunch and burst of flavor when sprinkled over the baked potatoes.

Is Making Crunchy Baked Potatoes at Home Cost-Effective?

This crunchy baked potatoes with Maldon salt recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, potatoes and olive oil, are affordable and readily available. The simplicity of the recipe makes it budget-friendly, and the use of minimal ingredients keeps the overall cost low. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $5-$7. Rating: 9/10.

Are Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt Healthy?

The crunchy baked potatoes with Maldon salt recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it primarily consists of potatoes, olive oil, and salt. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals like potassium. The skin of the potato also contains beneficial nutrients. Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy fat that provides monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

The high cooking temperature and long baking time may lead to the formation of acrylamide, a potentially harmful compound. Lowering the oven temperature to 400°F and baking for a slightly shorter time could help reduce acrylamide formation while still achieving a crispy texture.
Maldon sea salt, while a high-quality salt, is still a source of sodium. Using it sparingly or opting for a low-sodium alternative would be beneficial for those watching their salt intake.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:

Brush the potatoes with a mixture of olive oil and your favorite herbs or spices before baking to add flavor without relying solely on salt
Serve the potatoes with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
Top the baked potatoes with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-rich and lower-fat alternative
Experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or purple potatoes, to vary the nutrient profile and antioxidant content of the dish

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Potato Recipe

This recipe for crunchy baked potatoes with Maldon salt is a simple yet delightful dish. The use of small red or Yukon gold potatoes ensures a creamy texture inside, while the high oven temperature creates a crispy and flavorful exterior. The addition of extra virgin olive oil and Maldon sea salt enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes, making them a perfect side dish or snack. The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural flavors and textures of the potatoes to shine, making it a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Enhance Your Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in balsamic glaze and sprinkled with crispy pancetta crumbs

Grilled Asparagus: Drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil and topped with shaved parmesan and toasted pine nuts

Braised Carrots: Glazed with honey and thyme, finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds

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Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Crunchy Baked Potatoes

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty citrus and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful main course.

Mushroom Risotto: Create a creamy and indulgent mushroom risotto using a variety of mushrooms and arborio rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying main course.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Apple Pie: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, with a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why trust this Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a crispy and flavorful experience, using only the finest extra virgin olive oil and Maldon sea salt. The small red or Yukon gold potatoes are carefully selected for their quality, ensuring a delicious outcome. The baking process at 450°F ensures a perfect texture, and the use of Maldon salt adds a unique touch. With attention to detail and premium ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying dish.

Want to share your own twist on this Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Maldon Salt Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the discussion!

FAQ:

What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

You can use small red or Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe. Both types work well for creating crunchy baked potatoes with Maldon salt.

Can I use any other type of salt if I don't have Maldon salt?

While Maldon salt adds a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute it with other flaky sea salts if needed. Just be mindful of the salt's texture and adjust the quantity to taste.

How do I know when the potatoes are ready to be taken out of the oven?

The potatoes should be hard and crisp when tapped with a fork. This typically takes around 1 3/4 to 2 hours at 450°F, but the exact time may vary based on the size and type of potatoes.

Can I add any other seasonings or herbs to the potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with additional seasonings or herbs to customize the flavor. Rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder can be great options to enhance the taste.

What is the best way to serve these crunchy baked potatoes?

Once the potatoes are baked, split them without cutting them all the way through, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Maldon salt before serving. This simple preparation allows the natural flavors and textures to shine.