Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly baked potato, its crispy skin glistening with fragrant olive oil and adorned with aromatic rosemary, then crowned with creamy, tangy goat cheese. This isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary experience that transforms a humble potato into a Mediterranean-inspired delicacy that will elevate your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water, scrubbing gently with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Pat dry completely with clean paper towels.
- Using a fork, pierce the potatoes multiple times around their surface to allow steam to escape during baking and prevent potential bursting.
- Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then massage the oil and seasonings into the potato skin.
- Spread fresh chopped rosemary over the potatoes, pressing gently to help the herbs adhere to the oiled surface.
- Place the prepared potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and a knife can be easily inserted into the center.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow internal temperature to stabilize.
- Slice potatoes open lengthwise, gently fluffing the interior with a fork.
- Generously sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the hot potatoes, allowing the cheese to slightly melt from the potato's residual heat.
- Garnish with additional fresh rosemary if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best baking results.
- Don't skip piercing the potatoes – this prevents potential potato explosions in your oven!
- For extra crispiness, rub the olive oil and seasonings thoroughly into the potato skin.
- Use fresh rosemary if possible – dried herbs won't provide the same vibrant flavor.
- Let the potatoes rest after baking to allow even heat distribution and easier handling.
- For a more intense flavor, you can slightly crush the rosemary before adding to release more aromatic oils.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the goat cheese at its melty, creamy best.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 421kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
