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📋 Ingredients (Detailed)

• 4–6 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for brushing)
• 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little smoky flavor)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional but heavenly!)

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🥄 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

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Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Scrub the potatoes well under cold water to remove any dirt.
  (You can peel them if you like, but the skin gets so beautifully crispy that it’s worth keeping!)
• Pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel.

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Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil.
• Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly — just until fragrant but not browned.
  (Burnt garlic = bitter garlic!)
• Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 3: Slice and Season

• Using a sharp knife, make several slits across each potato — about ¾ of the way down, but don’t cut all the way through.
  (Think: little garlic butter pockets!)
• Brush the garlic butter generously over and inside the slits of each potato.
• Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika evenly all over the potatoes.

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Step 4: Bake Until Golden

• Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly greased baking dish.
• Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
• Halfway through baking (around 25 minutes), brush more garlic butter over the tops to keep them moist and flavorful.
• The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender inside and crispy and golden brown outside.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle with a little more salt if needed.
• Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top.
• Optional: sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese while they’re hot so it melts into the garlic butter.
  (Highly recommend — it’s divine!)

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✨ Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a side dish with grilled steak, roast chicken, or seared fish.
• Pair with a big green salad for a simple but satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Top with sour cream, shredded cheddar, or crumbled bacon for a loaded baked potato twist!

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🌟 Why You’ll Fall In Love:

• Crispy outside, buttery soft inside
• Infused with real garlic flavor — no garlic powder shortcuts here!
• Smells like heaven while baking
• Simple ingredients you probably already have at home
• Comforting enough for cozy dinners, fancy enough for guests

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🧡 Little Extra Tip:

If you want EXTRA crispy skin, after brushing the garlic butter on, you can sprinkle a little coarse sea salt directly onto the potato skins before baking.
It makes them ultra-crunchy and crave-worthy!

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Would you also like me to give you a bonus variation — like “Cheesy Garlic Butter Potatoes” or “Herb-Garlic Roasted Baby Potatoes”? 🎀
I can include it if you want even more ideas! 🍴🌿