Baked Potato Night

Baked potatoes deserve to move to the center of the plate, while proteins play a supporting role as toppings-think bacon, leftover chili and cottage cheese (a good alternative to sour cream). This is one of those dinners that makes
everyone happy because everyone's in charge!

Ingredients

  • 8 large russet potatoes or sweet potatoes (or a combo of the two)
  • Suggested toppings: salted butter, cottage cheese or sour cream, shredded cheese, steamed broccoli florets, chopped cooked bacon, leftover Three-Bean Turkey Chili, chopped scallions.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
  2. Scrub the potatoes well and, using a fork, prick each potato several times. Place russet potatoes directly on the oven rack to bake. If using sweet potatoes, place them on a baking sheet. Bake until potatoes are tender 45 minutes-1 hour. Depending on their size, sweet potatoes should take less time to bake than russets. 
  3. While potatoes are baking, prepare the toppings: Shred the cheese, reheat the broccoli and chili, chop the bacon and scallions, etc. 
  4. Serve the potatoes with the toppings and let everyone top their own.