Move over, hockey pucks at Golden Corral. The baked potato is back and ready to show you who's boss.

We usually downgrade the baked potato to a plain side dish, but when we do that, it hurts the potato's feelings. Imagine the frowny face on your old Mr. Potato Head; it's worse on the real thing. But the reality is that baked potatoes on their own are really good for you, ridiculously easy to make, and the food equivalent of playing dress-up.

First? The clothes.

Butter. Sour cream. Bacon bits. Thank you, Mr. Heart Attack. I'm not against adding stuff that's tasty to a blank canvas like a baked potato, BUT when there are other options that are fun to try and a little better for you, it's an option worth taking. So next time you bake potatoes, think extra virgin olive oil, roasted red peppers, and some leftover grilled chicken. Or maybe pesto, sundried tomatoes, and a little Parmesan cheese. Feeling festive? Salsa and fresh cilantro to supplement the sour cream and cheddar cheese. Have fun with the herbs and spices in your cabinet that never get much love. One of my favorites is the Broccoli and Cheese Baked Potato. Throw a handful of chopped cooked broccoli on the potato, sprinkle on some cheese, and pop the potato under the broiler to get a little melting action. Soooo tasty.

With all of the options (and the ability to get rid of the random leftovers in your fridge), this supporting cast member has just made his spudsy little way into the spotlight.

Second? How to Bake the Perfect Potato

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Get a Russet for each person.
3. Scrub it really well.
4. Then dry it.
5. Put the potato on a piece of foil.
6. Stab the potato all over with a paring knife. A lot of people like to use a fork, but I almost always bust a finger with that method. I'd rather look like a spud serial killer than get blisters.
7. Drizzle the potato with canola or olive oil all over.
8. Generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.
9. Roll the potato around on the foil that just acted as a little Spice Catcher.
10. Say thank you to the Spice Catcher.
11. Wrap up the potato.
12. Bake it for 60-75 minutes depending on the size.
13. Top it with all the good stuff mentioned before.

Congratulations. You just helped the baked potato get its sexy back.