1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Scrub and quarter potatoes. Melt butter in a 9- by 12-inch ovenproof baking dish in oven.

2. Place potato quarters in dish and turn to coat with melted butter; arrange potatoes cut side down and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until tender when pierced with a sharp knife (30 to 35 minutes).