A perfectly baked potato is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. The contrast between the crispy, flavorful skin and the light, fluffy interior is truly delightful. If you’ve ever been disappointed by soggy or bland baked potatoes, this guide on How To Bake A Potato will change everything. Get ready to enjoy a baked potato that’s so good, it can be the star of your meal.
It might sound surprising, but for a long time, baked potatoes weren’t my favorite. They often seemed boring on their own, and any enjoyment came mostly from the toppings. Baked potatoes I had in restaurants or at home were often underwhelming – the potato itself was shriveled and soft, merely a vessel for sour cream, cheese, and bacon.
However, discovering the secret to a salt-crusted baked potato completely transformed my opinion. This method elevates the humble potato to something truly special. While a touch of butter or sour cream is always welcome, these potatoes emerge from the oven with unbelievably crispy, flavorful skins and steaming hot, creamy insides that are delicious even on their own. Serve them as a hearty side dish, or load them up with your favorite toppings for a complete and satisfying meal. You’ll love them any way you choose!
Mastering the Art of Baking a Potato
For this recipe, russet potatoes are highly recommended. Their thick skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating that perfect textural contrast. Beyond the potatoes, you only need olive oil and salt to create this baked potato magic. Once you have your simple ingredients ready, follow these straightforward steps on how to bake a potato:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, although it’s not strictly necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
While the oven is heating, prep your potatoes. Thoroughly scrub the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. Next, take a fork and poke holes all over the surface of each potato. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing explosions and ensuring even cooking.
Step 3: Season and Bake
Now it’s time to season the potatoes. Place the prepared potatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over each potato and rub it evenly over the entire surface, ensuring every part of the skin is coated. Generously sprinkle sea salt or kosher salt all over the potatoes. Don’t be shy with the salt – it’s crucial for that crispy, flavorful skin. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the potato skins are wonderfully crisp and puffy. To check for doneness, pierce a potato with a fork. It should easily slide into the center, indicating a tender interior. Use oven mitts to carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to dig in! Let the baked potatoes cool for a few minutes – they will be very hot. Then, slice them open lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings. For a truly delicious experience, try cashew sour cream, tempeh bacon, and fresh chives, seasoned with a little extra salt and pepper.
Tips for the Best Baked Potato
- Skip the Foil! Wrapping potatoes in foil might seem like a common practice, but it’s the enemy of crispy skin. Foil traps steam, which steams the potatoes instead of baking them, resulting in soft, soggy skins. For truly crispy skin, bake your potatoes unwrapped directly on the baking sheet.
- Don’t Skimp on the Salt. If you love eating potato skins, this tip is especially for you! Coating the potatoes generously with salt is key to achieving extra-crispy and incredibly flavorful skins. The salty skin perfectly seasons the fluffy potato inside, meaning you might not even need to add extra seasoning to the flesh itself.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Potato Size. The recipe suggests a baking time range of 45 to 60 minutes because the exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes. Smaller potatoes will bake faster, while larger ones will require more time in the oven. The best way to know when they’re done is to check for fork-tenderness and crispy skin.
Serving Suggestions for Oven Baked Potatoes
While a simple pat of butter, salt, and pepper is always a classic and delicious topping for a baked potato, a few carefully chosen additions can elevate it to another level. Consider these topping ideas:
- Creamy & Savory: Cashew sour cream, regular sour cream, Greek yogurt, or “cheese” sauce.
- Protein Boost: Tempeh bacon, regular bacon bits, chili, or shredded chicken.
- Fresh & Herbaceous: Chives, chopped scallions, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of dill.
- Cheesy Goodness: Cheddar cheese, crumbled feta, or a drizzle of your favorite cheese sauce.
Enjoy your perfect oven baked potato as a satisfying meal on its own, or serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite protein. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad like Caesar salad, broccoli salad, or kale salad. Baked potatoes are also a fantastic accompaniment to roasted vegetables like roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
Explore More Potato Recipes
If you’ve successfully learned how to bake a potato using this guide, why not explore more delicious potato recipes? Expand your culinary skills and discover new ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable!
Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
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Rate this recipe: 4.95 from 481 votes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4
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Learn how to bake a potato perfectly every single time! Coating it with olive oil and sea salt ensures crispy skin and fluffy insides, ready to be topped with your favorite additions.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Fork
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a fork to poke holes into the potatoes. Place on the baking sheet, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle liberally with sea salt all over.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the potato is fork-tender and the skin is crisp.
- Slice open each potato, fluff the insides, and serve with desired toppings.
Enjoy your perfectly baked potato!
