Easy Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Rich Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes. Heat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Scrub and dry the potatoes, rub with olive oil and salt, then pierce each one several times with a fork.
2. Bake until tender. Place directly on a rack or lined tray and bake for 45–55 minutes, until the skins are crisp and a knife slides easily into the centers.
3. Start the sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Thicken. Add the warm milk gradually while whisking. Cook until smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon.
5. Add the cheese. Remove from direct heat and stir in the cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Fill and serve. Split the hot potatoes, fluff the centers with a fork, and spoon over the cheese sauce. Serve immediately.