Perfect Baked Potato with Butter and Melted Cheese

—

## **Instructions**

### **Step 1: Prep the Potatoes**
1. **Preheat oven** to **425°F (220°C)**.
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and **pat them dry** with a towel.
3. Use a fork to **poke holes** all over each potato (this prevents them from bursting).
4. Rub each potato with **olive oil** and sprinkle with **salt and black pepper** for extra flavor.

### **Step 2: Bake to Perfection**
5. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for **45-60 minutes**, or until the skin is crispy and the inside is fork-tender.

### **Step 3: Add Butter & Melted Cheese**
7. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for **a few minutes**.
8. Slice each potato open and **fluff the inside** with a fork.
9. Add **a tablespoon of butter** to each potato, letting it melt into the fluffy interior.
10. Sprinkle **shredded cheese** over the top, then return to the oven for **5 minutes** until the cheese is fully melted.

### **Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!**
11. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

—

## **Tips for the Best Baked Potato**
✔️ **Choose the right potatoes** – Russet potatoes work best because of their **starchy texture and thick skin**.
✔️ **Don’t wrap in foil** – Wrapping in foil traps moisture and makes the skin soft instead of crispy.
✔️ **Bake directly on the oven rack** – This allows air to circulate, creating that perfect crispy skin.
✔️ **Use freshly shredded cheese** – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts.

—

## **Serving Suggestions**
These **cheesy baked potatoes** pair well with:
🍖 **Grilled Steak or Chicken** – A hearty protein alongside a cheesy potato is a winning combo.
🥗 **Crisp Garden Salad** – A light, fresh salad balances the richness of the potato.
🥦 **Steamed Veggies** – Add roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for extra nutrition.

For a fun twist, turn these into **loaded baked potatoes** by adding **sour cream, green onions, crispy bacon, or jalapeños**!

—

## **Storage & Reheating**
– **Refrigerate** – Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container for **up to 4 days**.
– **Reheat** – Warm them in a **350°F oven for 15 minutes**, or microwave for **1-2 minutes**.

—

## **Final Thoughts**
A **Perfect Baked Potato with Butter and Melted Cheese** is **pure comfort food**, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy it as a **side dish or a full meal**, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Try it today and enjoy the **crispy, cheesy, buttery goodness** in every bite! 🥔🧀✨