This super easy, fun-to-eat elegant side dish will impress your family and friends.  The “slicing and basting with butter” technique makes the potato crispier.  Pass around the optional toppings and let your guests top their own potato.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 

• 4 medium baking potatoes like Russets
• 3-4 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter, divided
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• Optional Toppings: fresh chopped herbs, chives, parsley, dill or basil; grated Parmesan or Cheddar cheese; sour cream, chopped crispy bacon or pesto

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Wash and peel potatoes.  Pat dry with a paper towel.  Slice 1 potato crosswise in about 1/4-inch slices, leaving about 1/3 of the potato at the bottom still attached.
3. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
4. Place potatoes on a baking sheet.  Brush potatoes with half the melted butter.   Bake for 30 minutes. 
5. After 30 minutes, remove pan from the oven.  Brush with remaining melted butter.  Return to the oven and continue baking for 30 more minutes or until golden brown and tender.   
6. Season with salt and pepper.  Serve plain or with optional toppings.

Tip:

• Recipe can be doubled.
• Topping options can be served on a platter in small bowls for guests to top off their own potato.