Description
This Perfect Baked Potato recipe delivers fluffy insides with delightfully crispy skins, making it the ultimate comfort food side dish. Ideal for any meal, these oven-baked russet potatoes are easy to prepare and perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional Toppings
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped chives
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for a crispy skin and perfectly cooked interior.
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean under running water and dry thoroughly with a towel. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting.
- Season Potatoes: Rub each potato all over with olive oil, ensuring an even coating, then sprinkle with kosher salt to enhance flavor and contribute to crispiness.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until the skins are crisp and a fork slides easily into the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, then top with your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon before serving.
Notes
- For crispier skin, bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack rather than a baking sheet.
- To make ahead, bake potatoes in advance, refrigerate, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
