Looking for a frugal meal option? Once a week, institute a baked potato night! Potatoes are cheap! You can buy a 10 pound bag for under $4.00 and have about 25 to 30 medium sized potatoes. You can also buy larger "baking potatoes" as well, just stay away from the ones individually wrapped in plastic to the "baked" in the microwave as they are super pricey. They are really easy to make and can be topped with just about anything!
Preheat your oven to 350'F.
Scrub your potatoes well using a nail brush or veggie brush.
Jab a fork about 1/2 inch into each potato about 2 places on each side and once on each end of every potato.
Rub each potato down with oil (olive, veggie, canola, bacon grease, lard, ect.)
Place into a shallow baking dish or on a cookie sheet, not touching each other.
Bake at 350'F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. They are done when the skin is slightly wrinkly and a fork goes in smoothly (should feel like when you boil potatoes for mashing.)
Serve with any of the following:
- bacon bits (homemade or store bought)
- shredded cheese
- sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- salt
- butter
- broccoli
- chives
- salsa
- Be creative!
You can also pair the potato with a side salad, a bowl of soup, or a cup of fruit. Bake a few extra while you are at it. They warm up great in the microwave for a light lunch the next day at work! Try a baked sweet potato. I usually bake some of each as my hubby likes the sweet potato and I can give some to my little "L" as she is starting solids and really enjoys making a mess on her tray with chunks of sweet potato!
This is frugal as potatoes are filling, inexpensive and yet still very yummy. You can add what ever toppings taste good for each family member and they are usually things you have on hand.
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