We don’t go out often but when we do, we love Red Lobster and especially their baked potatoes. I asked our waitress, jokingly, that I’d love their recipe. Without hesitation, she told me she was the one that baked them and wrote it down so…here it is. Baked Potatoes a la Red Lobster Style.
Wash and dry potatoes
Coat in melted butter or extra virgin olive oil
Cover in kosher salt (and I mean COVER; not sprinkle)
Preheat oven to 450F and bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until done. Covering steams them and doesn’t bake them so do not cover.
Remove excess salt before serving.
They come out delicious
Red Lobster-Style Baked Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1/2 cup melted butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup kosher salt (for coating)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
- Sour cream, chives, and bacon bits for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: a. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. b. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Coat in Butter or Olive Oil: a. Place the melted butter or extra virgin olive oil in a shallow bowl. b. Roll each potato in the melted butter or olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Generously Coat in Kosher Salt: a. Pour the kosher salt onto a plate or another shallow dish. b. Roll each butter-coated potato in the salt until they are completely covered. Don’t be shy with the salt!
- Season (Optional): Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the salt-coated potatoes if desired, for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bake Uncovered: Place the salt-coated potatoes directly on the oven rack. Avoid covering them, as this helps to bake them instead of steaming. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure they are done, check the potatoes by inserting a fork or knife into the center. If it goes in easily, they are ready.
- Remove Excess Salt: Before serving, gently brush off any excess salt from the potatoes. This step ensures a well-seasoned dish without overwhelming saltiness.
- Serve Warm: Place the baked potatoes on a serving platter. Optionally, serve with sour cream, chopped chives, and bacon bits for a Red Lobster-inspired loaded baked potato experience.
- Enjoy: Dive into the deliciousness of your Red Lobster-style baked potatoes! The crispy salt crust and fluffy interior make for a perfect side dish or even a standalone meal.
