How do you cook 30 large potatoes in the oven?

Cooking a large quantity of potatoes in the oven requires careful preparation and attention. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking 30 large potatoes in the oven:

Ingredients:

- 30 large potatoes (russet or Idaho potatoes are suitable)

- Olive oil

- Salt

- Pepper

- Optional seasonings such as garlic powder, dried herbs (rosemary, thyme), paprika, or chili powder (depending on your preference)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.

- Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel.

- Lightly brush each potato with olive oil.

3. Season the Potatoes:

- Sprinkle salt and pepper over each potato.

- Add any additional seasonings of your choice.

- For example, you could add garlic powder, dried rosemary, thyme, paprika, or chili powder.

4. Arrange the Potatoes on Baking Sheets:

- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

- Place 15 potatoes on each baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between each other.

- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheets, as this can affect even cooking.

5. Bake the Potatoes:

- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

6. Flip the Potatoes:

- After 25 minutes, carefully flip each potato using a spatula or tongs to ensure even browning.

7. Monitor and Adjust Cooking:

- Depending on the specific type and size of your potatoes, the cooking time may vary slightly.

- Keep an eye on the potatoes to prevent overcooking.

8. Serve the Potatoes:

- Once the potatoes are cooked and tender, remove them from the oven.

- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

- You can serve the potatoes whole or cut them in half, drizzled with additional olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives if desired.

Tips:

- To save time, you can boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes before slicing them in half and roasting them in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until crispy.

- If you want crispy skin on your potatoes, make sure to use a high oven temperature (at least 400°F) and don't overcrowd the pan. You can also baste the potatoes with oil during cooking to help them crisp up.

- For extra flavor, try tossing the potatoes with some chopped garlic, herbs, or spices before roasting. You can also add some shredded cheese or crumbled bacon on top of the potatoes for a loaded baked potato effect.

Enjoy your delicious batch of roasted potatoes!