Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly baked potato—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. This simple recipe yields classic russet potatoes baked to perfection, ready to be topped with your favorite extras.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Use a fork to prick each potato several times. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, then rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt all over.
- Step 3: Bake the potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and the skin feels crisp.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven, slice each potato open, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skin, increase the olive oil and use coarse sea salt.
- Try topping your baked potato with sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits for a delicious twist.
- If in a hurry, microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before baking to reduce overall cooking time.
Storage
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake potatoes at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F, but expect the cooking time to increase to about 90 minutes. The higher temperature helps achieve crispier skin more quickly.
How do I know when the potato is done?
A baked potato is ready when a fork easily pierces through to the center and the skin feels crisp to the touch.
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Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
- Total Time: 55-70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe delivers the perfect baked potato with a crispy skin and fluffy interior. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps result in a classic side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of meals.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Seasoning
- Extra-virgin olive oil, enough to rub on potatoes
- Sea salt, liberally sprinkled
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Potatoes: Use a fork to poke several holes into each potato to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, rub each one thoroughly with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with sea salt all over the skin for flavor and crispness.
- Bake: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the potato and the skin is crisp and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven, slice each open, fluff the interior with a fork, and serve with your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives.
Notes
- Using russet potatoes is ideal because of their high starch content which yields fluffy insides.
- Poking holes prevents the potatoes from bursting during baking.
- Coating the skin with olive oil and salt helps create a deliciously crisp exterior.
- You can customize toppings to your preference for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked potato, crispy baked potato, easy baked potato recipe, side dish, russet potato
