Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Since the skins remain on during baking, scrub away any dirt and dry the potatoes completely with a towel.

Place one potato on a cutting board. To create the blooming effect, carefully slice thin sections across the potato without cutting all the way through. Leave about ½ inch at the bottom intact so the potato stays connected.

A helpful trick is to place wooden spoons or chopsticks on each side of the potato while cutting. This prevents the knife from slicing completely through.

Repeat the process with all four potatoes.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine:

• Melted butter
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley
• Chili flakes if desired

Mix well until fully combined.

This flavorful mixture helps the potato slices crisp beautifully while adding rich buttery flavor.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Place the potatoes on a lined baking tray. Gently fan out the slices slightly using your fingers.

Using a pastry brush, coat each potato generously with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure some seasoning gets between the slices for maximum flavor.

Reserve a little seasoning mixture for later brushing during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and brush the potatoes again with the remaining butter mixture. At this point, the slices will begin separating and developing crispy edges.

Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 25–35 minutes until:

• The centers are soft
• The edges are crispy and golden brown
• The potatoes bloom open beautifully

Cooking time may vary depending on the potato size.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Toppings

If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the potatoes during the final 5 minutes of baking. Allow the cheese to melt completely.

Remove the potatoes from the oven and top with:

• Sour cream
• Chopped chives
• Crumbled bacon
• Extra parsley

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for the Best Blooming Baked Potato

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