Cheesy Potato Fans

Saw these fancy baked potatoes on Pinterest and had to try them. They look so pretty for presentation on a plate next to a serving of meat and a vegetable.  And what's more economical than potatoes served with a few tablespoons of your choice of toppings.

Years ago I saw Martha Stewart do something similar, brushing butter and spices in between the potato slices.

When wanting"fancy" baked type potatoes for a meal, I make these or twice baked potatoes. 


Cheesy Potato Fans

• 4  medium potatoes, scrubbed
  2 Tabs. olive oil
  
  salt and pepper
  Optional Toppings: 
  a mixture of bread crumbs, butter, and cheese 
  or a seasoned cheese or spice mixture 

• Preheat oven to 450.
  Cut 1/4 inch off bottom and ends of potatoes, so potato lays flat, then slice potatoes crosswise at 1/4-inch intervals, leaving 1/4 inch of potato intact.  
  
  To avoid slicing all the way though the potato and evenly cut down, lay a ruler, chop stick, or thin pencil behind the potato to stop the knife as you slice down. 
  
  Rinse potatoes under running water, drain, and put sliced-side down, onto a microwave safe plate. Microwave until slightly soft to the touch, 6 to 12 minutes. Flip potatoes halfway through cooking.
• Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange potatoes, sliced-side up. Brush potatoes all over and in between slices with oil and also season with salt and pepper. 
  
  Bake until skin is crisp and potatoes begin to brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and heat broiler.
• Using a teaspoon, top potatoes with mixture of choice, pressing gently in between sections and on top to adhere. Broil until topping is golden brown and melted, about 3 minutes. Serves 4.
  
  Estimated cost:  under $1.00 for 4 servings; .25 cents or less per serving.

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