The perfect baked potato is a staple dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying. With a crispy skin and a soft, fluffy interior, it’s a blank canvas for endless flavor combinations. Whether served as a comforting side dish or transformed into a hearty meal with savory toppings, this baked potato recipe is a reliable go-to. Best of all, it’s easy to master using just a few ingredients and techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baking potatoes at home is more than just tossing them in the oven. When done right, they become irresistibly crispy on the outside and wonderfully light inside—no soggy skin or dense centers. This method requires minimal prep and delivers consistently delicious results, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
Russet potatoes are the top choice here thanks to their starchy nature, which leads to a fluffy inside when baked. Olive oil adds flavor and helps the skin crisp beautifully, while coarse salt seasons the skin and adds that signature crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the skin crisps up while the inside becomes light and fluffy.
Clean and Prep the Potatoes
Thoroughly scrub the russet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Dry skin helps the oil and salt stick better and promotes crisping.
Using a fork, poke holes all over each potato—about 6 to 8 times total. These tiny vents allow steam to escape and prevent the potatoes from bursting in the oven.
Oil and Salt
Place the potatoes on a baking tray or plate. Rub each potato with a bit of olive oil until fully coated. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt, ensuring all sides are seasoned.
Bake
Position the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack. This allows air to circulate fully around each potato, leading to evenly crisped skins. For easy cleanup, place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. They’re done when you can insert a fork easily into the center, or when the internal temperature reaches 210°F (99°C).
Serve
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Using a knife, slice them open lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork. Top them with your favorite ingredients and serve immediately while hot.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are high in starch and low in moisture, making them ideal for baking.
- Don’t Skip the Fork Pokes: These vents are essential for even cooking and preventing the potato from bursting.
- Avoid Foil: Wrapping potatoes in foil traps steam and leads to a softer skin. If crispy skin is your goal, bake them unwrapped.
- Oil After Drying: Make sure the skin is completely dry before adding olive oil. Any residual moisture will prevent the skin from crisping properly.
- Check Doneness: A fork should slide in easily, or use a thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 210°F.
Delicious Variations
Garlic Herb Baked Potatoes
Mix minced garlic with olive oil and dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano before rubbing it onto the potatoes for an aromatic twist.
Cheesy Stuffed Potatoes
Once baked, cut the potatoes in half, scoop out the flesh, and mash it with sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and a pinch of salt. Refill the skins with the mixture and bake again for 10 minutes.
Classic Loaded Potatoes
Top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives for a restaurant-style loaded baked potato.
Serving Suggestions
With Butter and Sour Cream
This is the traditional choice. A simple pat of butter, a dollop of sour cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper elevate the natural potato flavor.
Chili Topped
Transform your baked potato into a full meal by topping it with hot chili, shredded cheese, and diced onions. This is hearty and incredibly satisfying.
Broccoli and Cheese
Add steamed broccoli florets and pour over melted cheddar cheese for a healthy and comforting option that even kids will love.
Ranch and Bacon
A ranch drizzle with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese makes for a tangy, savory treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use foil to wrap the potatoes?
Yes, but keep in mind that wrapping in foil results in a softer skin. For crispy skin, it’s best to bake them directly on the rack without foil.
How do I store leftover baked potatoes?
Let the potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or use a microwave for quicker results.
Can I bake potatoes in advance?
Absolutely. Baked potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven. They retain their fluffy texture and taste just as good as freshly baked.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A fully cooked potato will feel soft when squeezed gently (using an oven mitt!) and will be easy to pierce with a fork. For precision, use a food thermometer—you’re looking for 210°F (99°C) internally.
Tips for Even More Flavor
- Season the Inside: Once you slice open the potato, sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper inside before adding toppings.
- Try Compound Butters: Mix butter with garlic, herbs, or even hot sauce for an easy way to enhance flavor.
- Use Flavored Oils: Garlic-infused or chili oil adds a subtle punch of flavor to the crispy skin.
Final Thoughts
A perfectly baked potato is a timeless dish that never fails to satisfy. With a crispy skin and fluffy center, it serves as an excellent side or a base for a fully loaded main course. By following a few simple steps—choosing the right potatoes, seasoning them well, and baking them correctly—you can consistently achieve restaurant-quality results at home.