Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
Introduction
There’s something wonderfully simple and satisfying about a perfectly baked potato. With a crispy skin and fluffy interior, this classic side can be dressed up or enjoyed plain, making it a versatile favorite for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4-6 medium russet potatoes
- Coarse Kosher salt or coarse sea salt
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Step 2: Scrub the potatoes clean but leave them slightly damp. Pierce each potato all over with a fork. If they dry out too much, wet them again before placing on the wire rack.
- Step 3: Generously sprinkle coarse salt all over the potatoes. It’s fine if the salt doesn’t stick perfectly to the sides and bottom.
- Step 4: Bake the potatoes for 50 to 60 minutes until the skin is crisp and a skewer or small knife easily pierces the flesh.
- Step 5: Remove the potatoes from the oven and brush them all over with olive oil. Sprinkle a few more pinches of salt on top, then return them to the oven for another 12 to 15 minutes.
- Step 6: Take the potatoes out again, cut a lengthwise slit on the top of each with a sharp knife, and gently squeeze the ends to open them. Use a fork to fluff the insides.
- Step 7: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve plain or with your favorite toppings so everyone can customize their own.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, rub the potatoes with garlic powder or paprika before baking.
- Swap olive oil for melted butter to enrich the skin’s flavor.
- Try adding toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or crispy bacon bits.
- If you prefer softer skin, wrap the potatoes in foil but note the skin won’t be crispy.
Storage
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to help maintain a crispy skin. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for baking?
Russet potatoes are best for baking due to their starchy texture and fluffy interior. Waxy potatoes won’t become as soft inside and may yield a different texture.
How do I know when the potato is fully cooked?
Insert a skewer or small knife into the potato; it should slide in easily without resistance. The skin will also be crispy and slightly puffed up when done.
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Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe for Perfect Baked Potato ensures a crispy skin and soft, fluffy interior by baking the potatoes at a high temperature and finishing them with olive oil to enhance flavor and texture. It’s an easy and classic side dish that can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4–6 medium russet potatoes
Seasoning
- Coarse Kosher salt or coarse sea salt, for seasoning and sprinkling
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Finish
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F and set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet to allow air circulation around the potatoes for crispiness.
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes well without drying them completely. Use a fork to poke holes all over each potato to allow steam to escape during baking. If they dry out, wet them again before placing them on the wire rack.
- Salt the Potatoes: Generously sprinkle coarse salt all over the potatoes. It’s okay if salt doesn’t stick perfectly to all sides.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until the skin is crispy and a skewer inserted into the center meets little resistance, indicating a tender interior.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Remove the potatoes and brush them thoroughly with extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle a few more pinches of salt on top. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes to enhance the skin’s crispiness and flavor.
- Open and Fluff: Take the potatoes out and use a sharp knife to make a lengthwise slit on each one. Holding each potato with a clean dish towel, gently squeeze the ends to open it up. Use a fork to fluff up the inside, making it light and airy.
- Season and Serve: Season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite toppings or let guests customize their own.
Notes
- The high heat at 450°F is key for achieving crispy skin.
- Using a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet ensures the bottom doesn’t get soggy.
- Brushing with olive oil after the initial bake adds a lovely richness and helps the skin crisp further.
- You can customize the toppings from traditional sour cream and chives to cheese, bacon bits, or butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked potato, crispy skin potato, easy side dish, classic baked potato, russet potato recipe
