Start with a Solid Potato
First things first: You need to select the perfect potato. Russet potatoes are ideal here, partially due to their starchy texture but also because of their size; they tend to be larger than many other potato varieties. You’ll want to choose a relatively substantial potato to ensure you have enough food on your plate. If you can only find potatoes that are on the smaller side, consider preparing more than one per person. Throw your potato in the oven if you prefer crispy skin, or opt for the microwave if you’re short on time. Then, put a slit in your potatoes and open them up to create the perfect palette for your meal.
Pile on the Protein
The first step in transforming your plain baked potato into a full meal is to add some sort of protein. If you want to keep things super simple, just open up a can of beans, heat them up and pour them onto your opened potato. You don’t have to feel limited to beans, though. Basically any kind of protein can make your baked potato heartier. Use slow-cooked beef for a rich flavor and some extra moisture, or opt for pan-fried tofu for a bit of a crunchy texture. Shredded rotisserie chicken makes for a quick weeknight meal, while chunks of pork belly can create an indulgent dinner.
Don’t Forget the Veggies
If you’re trying to create a complete meal, vegetables are also an important part of the equation. On nights when you really don’t feel like cooking, just heat up some frozen veggies to add some quick color and fiber to your dish. Canned vegetables can also come in handy here when you’re feeling lazy. For a filling and budget-friendly option, fry up some cabbage and/or onions and pile them on. And you can never go wrong with some leafy greens, like lettuce or arugula, when you want to add some color and nutrition to your baked potato-based meal.
Finish It Off with Sauces and Garnishes
Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Unless you’ve chosen to add some type of meat that lends a lot of moisture to the dish, you may want to consider incorporating a sauce into your baked potato recipe. Simple condiments like hot sauce, ketchup and mustard can transform the flavor of your baked potato and keep things from getting too dry. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can add gravy (either jarred or homemade). Even a drizzle of olive oil can be a nice touch. Then, choose some garnishes to finish things off and add an extra layer of flavor. Chopped chives, scallions, parsley and cilantro are all flavorful additions.
Ultimately, you don’t have to follow a recipe to turn a standard baked potato into a meal—just see what you have in the fridge, get creative and use your cooking instincts. Dinner has never been so easy.
Samantha Maxwell is a food writer and editor based in Boston. Follow her on Twitter at @samseating.
