The best baked potato recipe – learn how to make a perfectly crispy skin and fluffy inside baked potato every time!
Have you ever craved that simple yet satisfying comfort of a truly great baked potato? We’re talking about that ideal baked potato with a golden, crispy skin that crunches just slightly with each bite, giving way to an interior that is light, fluffy, and steaming hot. It’s the kind of baked potato that’s just begging to be topped with a dollop of butter and chives, or loaded high with your favorite fixings. If you’re looking to master this kitchen staple, you’ve come to the right place.
Many people underestimate the difference between a good baked potato and a fantastic baked potato. This guide will walk you through all the secrets to achieving baked potato perfection right in your own oven. The good news is, it’s incredibly easy! With just a few simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and a hot oven, you can create the best baked potatoes you’ve ever tasted. Get ready to enjoy this nostalgic and comforting dish that highlights the simple magic of a perfectly cooked potato.
Let’s get baking!
The Key Ingredients for Oven Baked Potatoes
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather our simple ingredients. For this easy baked potato recipe, you’ll only need a few essentials:
- Russet Potatoes: While you can technically bake any type of potato, for the absolute best baked potatoes, Russets are highly recommended. Their thick skins crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating that desirable crunchy texture. Inside, their starchy flesh turns wonderfully fluffy and light.
- Butter or Olive Oil: For truly golden and crispy skins with added flavor, butter is the top choice. The butter enhances the browning and provides a rich taste. However, if you prefer to avoid butter, you can substitute with a high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil or regular olive oil. Avoid extra virgin olive oil as it has a lower smoke point.
- Kosher Salt: Coarse Kosher salt is ideal for baked potatoes. It adds a pleasant crunch to the skin and seasons it perfectly.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice. You can season the potato skins before baking, and/or add freshly cracked pepper to the fluffy insides after baking.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake a Potato in the Oven
Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect potato in your oven every single time:
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Preheat Your Oven to 450°F (232°C). Yes, you read that correctly! A high oven temperature is crucial for achieving crispy potato skins. Make sure your oven is fully preheated for the best results.
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Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Rack (Optional). For even cooking and maximum crispiness, place a wire cooling rack on top of a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the potatoes. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the potatoes directly on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Alternatively, you can place the potatoes directly on the oven racks with a baking sheet on a lower rack to catch any drippings.
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Pierce the Potato Skin. Use a fork to poke holes all over the potato, about 10-12 times. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the potato from exploding in the oven – a step you definitely don’t want to skip!
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Initial Bake. Place the prepared potato on your baking sheet or wire rack and bake for 25 minutes. At this stage, the skin will begin to dry out and become slightly wrinkled.
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Butter and Salt Application. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter (or olive oil) all over the potato, ensuring all sides are coated. Immediately sprinkle the potato with a generous pinch of Kosher salt. The salt will adhere to the butter/oil and create that signature crispy, flavorful skin.
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Second Bake for Crispy Perfection. Return the potato to the oven, flipping it to the opposite side to ensure even cooking. Bake for another 20 minutes. To check for doneness, gently squeeze the potato with an oven mitt. It should feel soft and give easily under pressure. If not, continue baking in 5-minute increments until it reaches the desired tenderness. Total baking time typically ranges from 45 to 55 minutes, depending on the size of your potato.
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Serve and Enjoy! Once baked, remove the potato from the oven. Slice it lengthwise with a paring knife. Give the potato a gentle squeeze to open it up, releasing steam. Fluff the inside with a fork, season with additional salt and pepper to taste if desired, and add your favorite toppings. Your perfectly baked potato, with its crispy skin and fluffy interior, is now ready to be devoured!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Potatoes
Here are some common questions about making baked potatoes:
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Can I make vegan baked potatoes? Yes! Simply substitute the butter with vegan butter or a high-heat cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil. The rest of the method remains the same.
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Is it possible to bake potatoes in the microwave? While you can microwave a potato for quicker cooking, it won’t achieve the same crispy skin and fluffy interior as oven baking. Microwaving is more of a steaming process and doesn’t allow the skin to crisp. For the best texture and flavor, the oven is highly recommended.
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What about using an Instant Pot for baked potatoes? Similar to microwaving, Instant Pot baked potatoes will cook quickly but lack the crispy skin that oven baking provides. They will be steamed rather than baked.
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Can I use this method for sweet potatoes? Yes, this method works wonderfully for sweet potatoes as well! Keep in mind that sweet potatoes may require slightly different cooking times depending on their size and type. Check for doneness using the squeezing method.
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Should I wrap the potatoes in foil for baking? No, for crispy skins, it’s crucial to bake the potatoes uncovered. Foil will trap steam and result in softer, steamed skins instead of crispy ones.
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What if I don’t have coarse Kosher salt? If you don’t have coarse Kosher salt, fine sea salt or even regular table salt will work. Coarse salt just provides a nicer textural crunch. For a flavorful twist, try using seasoned salt on the potato skins!
Delicious Baked Potato Topping Ideas
Baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be customized with endless toppings. Here are some popular and delicious topping combinations to get you started:
- Classic Loaded Baked Potato: Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chopped green onions are a timeless combination.
- Chili Baked Potato: Top your baked potato with hearty chili (either traditional or vegetarian), shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, green onions, and diced avocado.
- Guacamole Baked Potato: For a fresh and vibrant option, load your potato with a generous scoop of guacamole. Add extra cheese and crumbled tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
- Broccoli Cheese Baked Potato: A simple and comforting topping of steamed or roasted broccoli florets and melted cheddar cheese.
Enjoy your perfectly baked potato!
