Love Potatoes? Make These Savory Spuds!

Nutritionally, French fries often give potatoes a bad rap, especially if they’re deep-fried and smothered in cheese. Delicious, yes! Healthy, not so much. Not all prepared potatoes are created equal though.

A less commonly known fact is that a medium baking potato has about the same amount of vitamin C as an orange and more potassium than a banana. However, some of those nutrients are found in the skin so join me in cooking some tasty ways to learn to love the whole potato!

If you want to keep it simple, there are multiple ways to make a traditional baked potato. Regardless of the method you choose, always wash the spud and carefully prick the skin with a fork first. Try topping yours with chives, turkey bacon, broccoli, a favorite seasoning, chili, or sour cream.

• Oven: 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour
• Air Fryer: 375 degrees for 35 minutes
• Microwave: 4 minutes on each side (8 minutes total)*

*Add one minute per side for each additional potato you add to the microwave. For example, two potatoes will take 10 minutes, and three potatoes will take 12 minutes, etc.

You may be familiar with russets, redskins, and golden varieties. Even more fun colors exist in the potato family! Have you ever tried purple potatoes?! These small gems are packed with nutrients like vitamin B6, potassium, and copper. Like other potatoes, they’re also a great source of antioxidants and fiber.

Elevate your love of potatoes by making our Grow Fit^®-inspired Herb Roasted Purple Potato recipe or ramp up the savory flavors with Cheeseburger Potato Skins or Roasted Parmesan Potatoes.

Herb Roasted Purple Potatoes, Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs. purple potatoes
• 1 ½ Tbsp. olive or avocado oil
• 1 ½ tsp. dried rosemary
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. dried thyme

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. For young assistants: Rinse and pat the potatoes dry.
3. Chop the potatoes in half and then in half again to make quarter pieces.
4. For young assistants: Place the potatoes in a bowl and add the olive oil, rosemary, salt, garlic, and thyme. Toss well to equally coat with oil and seasonings.
5. Spread the potatoes onto a baking sheet and place in the oven. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Cheeseburger Potato Skins, Makes 16

Ingredients:

• 8 medium russet potatoes
• 2 to 3 Tbsp. olive or avocado oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• ½ small onion, diced
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tsp. yellow mustard
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp. pepper
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. For young assistants: Rinse the potatoes and pat them dry.
3. Poke several holes in each potato with a fork.
4. Bake the potatoes on a cookie sheet for approximately 50 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. Turn oven up to 425 degrees.
6. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center leaving a ¼-inch edge.**
7. For young assistants: Brush each potato skin with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange the potato skins on a lined baking sheet face down.
8. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Then flip over and bake another 10 to 15 minutes.
9. While potatoes are baking, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
10. Add the ground beef and brown, breaking it into chunks. Once cooked through, drain and return the meat to the pan.
11. For young assistants: Measure and add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper to the meat. Mix well to combine. Add one cup of cheese. Stir until melted.
12. Scoop some of the cheeseburger mixture into each potato skin.
13. For young assistants: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each.
14. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese topper is melted.

**Pro Tip: Save the scooped potato to make mashed potatoes as a side dish for another meal. You could also add it to the base of a soup to make it thick and creamy.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

• 8 russet potatoes
• 2 cups ice
• 1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• ½ cup olive or avocado oil
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. fresh chives, chopped

Directions:

1. For young assistants: Rinse the potatoes well.
2. Slice the potatoes and put them in a bowl. Add water and ice until covered. Let them soak for 30 minutes (this helps them crisp up in the oven).
3. For young assistants: Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry.
4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. For young assistants: Place sliced potatoes in a large Ziploc bag. Measure the olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, adding each to the bag. Seal and shake to coat!
6. Spread the potatoes on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until potatoes have a crisp edge, tossing halfway through.
7. Add the potatoes to a bowl.
8. For young assistants: Measure and add the Parmesan cheeses and fresh herbs. Toss gently to coat before serving.