Description

Craving a classic, comforting side dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying? The Perfect Baked Potato, rated 4.95 from 508 votes, is your answer! This foolproof recipe delivers russet potatoes with crispy, salty skins and fluffy interiors, ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings

Ingredients

To make the Perfect Baked Potato for 4 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in achieving the ideal texture and flavor:

Russet Potatoes (4 medium): The starchy, thick-skinned variety perfect for baking.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Creates a crispy, flavorful skin.
Sea Salt: Enhances flavor and adds texture to the skin.

Substitutions and Variations:

Potatoes: Swap russet for Idaho or Yukon Gold (though russets yield the fluffiest interior).
Oil: Use avocado oil, melted butter, or vegetable oil for a different flavor.
Salt: Replace sea salt with kosher salt or flavored salts (e.g., garlic or smoked).
Add-Ons: Experiment with toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chives, butter, Greek yogurt, chili, or broccoli.
Vegan: The base recipe is naturally vegan; use vegan toppings like dairy-free cheese or guacamole.
Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free; ensure toppings are gluten-free (check labels).

Why These Ingredients Matter: Russet potatoes provide the ideal starchy texture for a fluffy interior and thick skin for crispiness. The olive oil and sea salt create a flavorful, crunchy exterior, making this a versatile base for countless topping combinations, perfect for any meal.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (preferably one that doesn’t burn, as noted).
Use a fork to poke a few holes (4–6 per side) into 4 medium russet potatoes to allow steam to escape.

Tip: Poking holes prevents potatoes from bursting and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
Rub each potato generously with extra-virgin olive oil, coating all sides.
Sprinkle liberally with sea salt, ensuring even coverage.

Tip: Don’t skimp on the oil or salt; they’re key to achieving a crispy, flavorful skin.

Step 3: Bake

Bake at 425°F for 45–60 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender (a fork slides in easily) and the skin is crisp.

Tip: Check at 45 minutes; larger potatoes may need closer to 60 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.

Step 4: Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
Slice open each potato lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and serve with desired toppings (e.g., butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits).

Tip: Fluff the interior gently to create a light, airy texture, and add toppings immediately to melt into the hot potato.