Perfect baked potatoes with crispy skin and a fluffy buttery interior are a kitchen staple you need to know how to make. Far from your average spud, these baked potatoes can be covered in toppings to make a hearty meal or stuffed with butter and cheese for an extraordinary side dish.

Here’s the thing about this perfect baked potato recipe. It’s really not rocket science, learning how to make baked potatoes in the oven. But, this method does create spuds that are deserving of the label perfect. And, that’s not a word I throw around lightly.

This recipe for perfect baked potatoes has been my go-to for years now.

Whether I’m using them to make BBQ chicken stuffed baked potatoes for the boys or making a big, cozy pot of baked potato soup, it always starts right here. And, I never get tired of it.

The Perfect Baked Potato!

If you’ve tended to shrug off baked potatoes as a boring side dish, now’s the time to reconsider your stance. I guarantee you these potatoes can change your mind. Too often baked potatoes turn out waxy with tough skin, or else overcooked and mushy. When done right though? Oh boy. Buckle up, because these are heavenly.

My youngest son was my helper when I first shot a video prepping these potatoes. I still grin at the memory of his little hands drizzling the oil and sprinkling the salt. Trust me, if a 5 year old can do this, you can too!

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Every single year I tell myself I’m going to keep Cinco de Mayo simple. And every single year I end up with a full spread because honestly? That’s the whole point! This collection of the best Cinco de Mayo recipes has you covered. From juicy tacos and saucy enchiladas to creamy dips, zesty sides, and irresistible desserts, there’s something about this holiday that makes you want it all! And I’m not sorry about it!

I’ve pulled together all of our tried and true Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo…and don’t miss #23 because it’s my FAVORITE!!

🌶️ Tacos, Burritos & Main Dishes

These hearty, flavor-packed mains are the star of any Cinco de Mayo spread. From slow-cooked meats to quick skillet favorites, these recipes are guaranteed to satisfy.

This Easy Pesto Asparagus Quinoa Recipe is a fresh, vibrant dish packed with creamy pesto, tender asparagus, fluffy quinoa, and melty cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a wholesome, one-pan wonder that’s bursting with flavor and ready in no time!

This one skillet pesto asparagus quinoa recipe is one of our favorite healthy dinners that takes hardly any work on your part. Vibrant basil pesto is the perfect addition to take simple quinoa to spectacularly delicious! We are using vegetable broth to cook the quinoa too which makes this a scrumptious vegetarian recipe!

Casseroles have always done well here at Oh Sweet Basil! They are family friendly and usually easy on the budget. We will forever loooove our teriyaki chicken casserole and of course, my mom’s busy day casserole. But this asparagus pesto quinoa casserole is probably our most healthy casserole, so everyone needs to try it!

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is a flowering plant with edible seeds. Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids.

It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants.

Quinoa is often used as an alternative for grains such as rice. In fact, we transformed our popular cilantro lime rice into cilantro lime quinoa. It’s fabulous!

What is Needed to Make Pesto Quinoa with Asparagus?

You only need one skillet and a few simple ingredients to make this easy weeknight dinner recipe! Here is everything you’ll need:

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the asparagus and tomatoes.
• Asparagus: Trim the spears and chop them into 1-2″ pieces.
• Sea Salt: Amplifies the flavor of the dish.
• Grape Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes also work great.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds extra flavor to the dish.
• Quinoa: Any type of quinoa works great in this recipe. We used white quinoa this time.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds more flavor than just using water. It can be substituted with chicken broth if desired.
• Pesto: You can make your own from scratch or buy a bottle at the grocery store.
• Mozzarella Cheese: I prefer to buy a block and grate it myself so the best gooey meltiness.
• Basil Leaves<