Perfect Baked Potatoes

By Jahel

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. potatoes (about 6 medium), scrubbed
• 1 T olive oil
• 1/2 t kosher salt
• Pepper
• 4 T unsalted butter
• 4 oz. grated sharp yellow cheddar
• For servings: sour cream, chives, bacon

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 and set a rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Working over rack, rub potatoes with oil and prick several times with the tip of a sharp knife. Season with salt and pepper and place on rack. Bake until tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Let cool slightly.
Split potatoes and gently fluff the insides with a fork. Divide butter and cheddar among potatoes and return to oven. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.