A perfect baked potato is one of life’s simplest yet most satisfying comforts. Picture a potato fresh from the oven, its skin golden and crispy, delicately crusted with coarse sea salt. As you gently pierce the crisp skin with your fork, steam rises from the soft, fluffy interior, ready to absorb that melting pat of butter or creamy dollop of sour cream. It’s a simple pleasure but one that feels indulgent every single time.
Baked Potato Recipe
For the longest time, I thought baked potatoes were bland and relied entirely on the toppings for flavor.
But then, I stumbled upon this salt-crusted baked potato recipe, and it completely changed my perspective.
Don’t get me wrong, toppings still add something special, but each potato emerges from the oven beautifully seasoned, crispy, and flavorful enough to enjoy all on its own. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty side dish or loading them up for dinner, you’re guaranteed delicious results every time.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Making baked potatoes in the oven is incredibly easy and only requires a few ingredients. But for the best results, it’s important to choose the right type of potato and use the ingredients correctly. Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.
- 4 large russet potatoes, thoroughly washed and dried. Russet potatoes are my top choice because their high starch content makes them fluffy inside when baked. Plus, their thicker skin crisps beautifully in the oven, giving the perfect bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter). Olive oil is my go-to because it helps the potato skin get wonderfully crispy and golden. Butter, on the other hand, offers a richer, slightly savory taste that’s perfect if you’re looking for extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt. Using coarse salt gives the potatoes a flavorful and crunchy crust that regular table salt just can’t achieve. Don’t skimp here—it makes all the difference!
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional).
How to Bake a Potato in the Oven
Check out the Baked Potato recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.
Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Potatoes. Scrub each potato under cool water to remove dirt. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel; the drier the potatoes, the crispier their skins will become.
Next, using a fork, poke several holes around each potato. This step is essential—it lets steam escape during baking, preventing any unfortunate potato explosions!
Season the Potatoes. Place potatoes on your prepared baking sheet and rub them generously with olive oil or melted butter, making sure to coat every side evenly. After that, sprinkle each potato liberally with coarse sea salt and, if you like, freshly ground black pepper.
This step is crucial for creating that irresistibly flavorful, crunchy crust.
Bake Until Perfectly Crisp. Place the potatoes in your preheated oven and bake them for about 45 to 60 minutes. Baking time varies based on the size of your potatoes, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is golden-brown, crispy, and a fork slides easily into the potato.
Once baked, carefully remove the tray from the oven using oven mitts, as the potatoes and pan will be very hot.
Fluff and Serve. Let your potatoes cool slightly before slicing them open lengthwise. Use a fork to gently fluff the interior. This little step creates a wonderfully fluffy texture, ready for toppings or simply enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt and a bit of butter.
Tips for Making the Best Baked Potato
Adjust Baking Time by Size. Remember, potato size will affect baking time. Larger potatoes take longer, so start checking them around 45 minutes and adjust accordingly. They’re done when easily pierced with a fork.
Skip the Foil. Wrapping potatoes in foil might seem convenient, but it actually traps moisture, leading to soggy, soft skins instead of crispy ones. Bake them directly on your baking sheet to achieve the perfect crispy exterior.
Be Generous with the Salt. Don’t hesitate when applying salt to your potatoes before baking. A generous sprinkle of coarse salt not only enhances flavor but also helps create the extra-crispy texture you’ll love.
Baked Potato Serving Suggestions and Favorite Toppings
A perfectly baked potato tastes delicious simply prepared with just butter, salt, and pepper, but toppings can truly elevate it:
Classic Combo: Butter, sour cream (or cashew sour cream), and chives.
Loaded Potato: Crispy bacon (or tempeh bacon), shredded cheddar or dairy-free cheese, and sour cream.
Fresh & Healthy: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
Serve these potatoes as the main attraction for dinner, or pair them alongside grilled proteins, salads, or roasted vegetables like for a hearty meal.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Potatoes
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. They make a quick and convenient meal or side dish later in the week.
Freezing Baked Potatoes
If you have extra potatoes, they freeze well. Wrap each potato individually in foil or plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in your fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.
Tools You’ll Need To Make Baked Potato
Making baked potatoes doesn’t require fancy equipment, but having these essential tools will ensure consistent results and easier cleanup:
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy, rimmed baking sheet helps evenly cook the potatoes and catches any drips.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick and effortless.
- Kitchen Towel: Essential for thoroughly drying potatoes to achieve perfectly crispy skins.
- Fork: Used to poke holes in the potatoes, allowing steam to escape and preventing them from bursting.
- Pastry Brush (optional): Handy for evenly coating potatoes with oil or melted butter, though your hands can also do the job well.
- Oven Mitts: Critical for safely removing the hot baking sheet and potatoes from the oven.
- Sharp Knife: For easily slicing open baked potatoes once they’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to poke holes in potatoes?
This prevents steam from building up inside the potato, reducing the risk of exploding potatoes in your oven.
Should I wrap baked potatoes in foil?
No, wrapping potatoes in foil traps moisture and creates soft, soggy skins rather than crispy ones.
What type of potato is best for baking?
Russet potatoes are ideal. They have a higher starch content, which gives them that perfect fluffy texture.
Are baked potatoes healthy?
Absolutely! Potatoes are nutrient rich. Opt for healthier toppings like steamed vegetables, olive oil, or plant-based options to keep it balanced.
More Potato Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed mastering how to bake a potato, here are a few more tasty potato recipes to explore:
- Smashed Potatoes Air Fryer Style
- Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
- Perfect Air Fryer Red Potatoes
- Air Fryer Potato Skins
- Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
- 4 Ingredient Potato Soup
Baked Potato
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This oven-baked potato recipe gives you perfectly crispy skin and deliciously fluffy insides every single time. Using russet potatoes and olive oil, it’s ready in just an hour ideal for a comforting side or loaded up with your favorite toppings for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scrub the potatoes under cool running water, then dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Use a fork to poke several holes around each potato. This prevents potatoes from bursting during baking.
- Rub each potato generously with olive oil or melted butter, coating evenly.
- Sprinkle potatoes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, turning to cover all sides.
- Arrange the potatoes evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Potatoes are done when golden-brown, crispy-skinned, and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven using oven mitts, slice open lengthwise, fluff the insides gently with a fork, and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for the fluffiest texture and crispiest skin.
- Make sure potatoes are completely dry before baking to get perfect crispy results.
- Always poke holes in your potatoes to avoid any surprise oven explosions!
- Rub potatoes generously with olive oil—this helps the skin crisp beautifully.
- Don’t rush baking time; perfectly baked potatoes take about an hour.
- Serve right away with butter, sour cream, chives, or your favorite toppings for maximum deliciousness.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
