Baked Potato

Tanya Eisenwasser

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Whole baked potatoes with crispy skin.

Prep 5 min

Cook 60 min

Serves 4

Gluten-freeDairy-freeVegan

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Butter for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly.
3. Prick each potato several times with a fork.
4. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
5. Place directly on the oven rack with a baking sheet below to catch any drips.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the skin is crispy and a fork slides easily into the center.
7. Cut a slit in the top and squeeze the ends to open.
8. Add butter if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

• Russets work best. They have the fluffiest texture for baking. Yukon Golds work but will be denser and creamier.
• Don't wrap in foil. Foil steams the potato instead of baking it, and you lose the crispy skin. Prick the potatoes so steam can escape.
• Make it dairy-free. Top with olive oil or herb oil instead of butter. Fresh chives or sauteed greens also work well.
• Check for doneness. A fork should slide easily into the center with no resistance. Larger potatoes may need an extra 10-15 minutes.
• Make it a full meal. Top with sauteed kale or chard, freshly cooked ground meat, or a fried egg. Use very fresh meat and cook it promptly.

Why This Works

Potatoes. Potatoes are naturally low in histamine and generally well tolerated. They provide a filling, safe starch base that most people do well with.

Olive oil. Cold-pressed olive oil is commonly tolerated and a safe fat for cooking and drizzling.

Sea salt. Plain sea salt is safe for histamine intolerance and adds flavor without added ingredients. Check labels on flavored salts for potential additives.

Storage

Baked potatoes are best eaten fresh. Plain baked potatoes (without protein toppings) store reasonably well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes to restore some crispiness to the skin.

Not sure if an ingredient is safe? Histamine Tracker includes a database of 1,000+ foods with histamine ratings to help you cook with confidence.