Baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and endlessly customizable. This simple recipe delivers perfect baked potatoes every time with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty side dish or loading them up as a main course, these oven-baked potatoes will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked potato recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Simple ingredients: You only need potatoes, olive oil, and salt
- Hands-off cooking: Once they’re in the oven, you can focus on other things
- Crispy skin: The olive oil and salt create the perfect crispy exterior
- Versatile: A blank canvas for countless toppings and flavor combinations
- Budget-friendly: Potatoes are one of the most economical and filling foods available
Ingredients
Russet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized potatoes with firm skin and no green spots. Russets are ideal for baking due to their starchy content and thick skins.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This helps create that deliciously crispy skin and adds a subtle flavor. You can substitute with regular olive oil or even butter.
Sea Salt: Coarse sea salt adds great texture and flavor to the skin. Kosher salt works well too.
Variations
- Seasoned Skins: Add garlic powder, black pepper, or herbs like rosemary to the skin before baking
- Twice-Baked Potatoes: Scoop out the insides after baking, mix with cheese and other fillings, then return to the skins and bake again
- Potato Bar: Set up different toppings for a DIY potato bar – perfect for family dinners
- Sweet Potatoes: Use the same method with sweet potatoes for a nutritious alternative
How to Make the Recipe
- First, preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take your potatoes and poke several holes in them using a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking.
- Place the prepared potatoes on your baking sheet.
- Rub each potato generously with olive oil, making sure to coat the entire surface.
- Sprinkle sea salt liberally over the oiled potatoes. Don’t be shy with the salt!
- Bake for 45-60 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your potatoes.
- Test for doneness by inserting a fork – it should slide in easily when the potato is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven when the skin is crisp and the inside is tender.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Choose the right potatoes: Russets are ideal for baking due to their starchy content and thick skins
- Don’t skip the fork holes: Failing to pierce the potatoes could result in a potato explosion in your oven
- Oil and salt the skin well: This is what creates that deliciously crispy, flavorful exterior
- Bake directly on the oven rack: For even crispier skins, place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack with a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips
- Test for doneness: A fork should easily pierce the potato when it’s done
How to Serve
Slice each potato open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork before adding your toppings. Classic toppings include:
- Butter, sour cream, chives, and bacon bits
- Cheddar cheese, broccoli, and grilled chicken
- Chili and shredded cheese
- Greek yogurt and fresh herbs
- Salsa, guacamole, and black beans
Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Make Ahead
While baked potatoes are best fresh from the oven, you can:
- Prepare potatoes (clean, poke holes, oil, and salt) up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake
- Fully bake potatoes and keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes
- Reheat leftover baked potatoes in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes
FAQs
How do I know when my baked potato is done?
A perfectly baked potato will be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Insert a fork into the center – if it goes in easily with little resistance, your potato is done.
Can I microwave my potato instead of baking it?
While you can microwave potatoes to save time, you won’t get the same crispy skin. If short on time, microwave for 5-6 minutes first, then finish in a 425°F oven for 10-15 minutes for crispy skin.
What’s the best way to store leftover baked potatoes?
Store cooled baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Never leave baked potatoes at room temperature for more than 2 hours as they can develop harmful bacteria.
Are baked potatoes healthy?
Potatoes themselves are nutritious, containing vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The toppings you choose can make them more or less nutritious. For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and load up with vegetables.
Conclusion
The perfect baked potato doesn’t require fancy ingredients or techniques – just a little patience and the right method. With this simple recipe, you’ll achieve that delightful contrast between crispy, salty skin and fluffy, tender interior every time. Whether served as a simple side or loaded with toppings as a main dish, these baked potatoes are sure to satisfy. Try this foolproof method today and discover why this humble dish remains a timeless favorite.
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The Perfect Baked Potato: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – these perfectly baked russet potatoes are simple to prepare and make a versatile side dish or meal base for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature ensures a crispy exterior while allowing the interior to become soft and fluffy.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Use a fork to poke several holes into each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting. Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, generously rub each one with olive oil, and sprinkle liberally with sea salt all over. The oil helps the skin become crisp while the salt enhances flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes. They’re done when the skin is crisp and the interior is fork-tender when pierced.
- Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Cut a slit along the top of each potato, gently press the ends to open it up, and fluff the insides with a fork. Serve immediately with your choice of toppings.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, you can rub the potatoes with oil and salt, then bake directly on the oven rack with a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. For softer skin, wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil before baking. Classic toppings include butter, sour cream, chives, bacon, and cheese, but you can get creative with broccoli, chili, or even pulled pork.
