Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—baked potatoes are the ultimate blank canvas for deliciousness. Whether you load them up with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives or keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt, they never disappoint.
Great as a side, satisfying as a main, and easy enough for a weeknight, this recipe delivers foolproof baked potatoes every time—with that crave-worthy skin and light, steamy center.
⏱ Prep Time 5 minutes ｜ 🔥 Cook Time 50–60 minutes ｜ 🍽 Servings 4 ｜ 🌱 Difficulty Level Easy ｜ 📦 Storage Tips Store uncut leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness.
Ingredients List
- 4 russet potatoes (
- edium to large, scrubbed and dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives, bacon bits, black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prick each potato a few times with a fork to release steam.
- Rub potatoes all over with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- Place directly on the baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a fork pierces the center easily.
- Remove from oven. Let cool slightly, then slice open lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve hot.
Recipe Notes / Tips
- For crispier skin, place potatoes directly on the oven rack with a tray below to catch drips.
- Don’t wrap them in foil unless you want softer skin.
- Make them ahead and reheat in a 400°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Nutrition Info (approx. per plain potato)
- Calories: 170
- Carbs: 37g
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQs
- Q: Can I bake sweet potatoes the same way?
- A: Yes! Just reduce the bake time slightly depending on size.
- Q: What potatoes are best?
- A: Russets are ideal for their fluffy interior and crisp skin.
- Q: Can I microwave instead?
- A: You can—microwave 5–8 minutes, turning halfway—but oven-baked gives superior texture.
Got your potato fluffed and loaded? Snap that golden-skinned beauty and tag it with #the_food_pedia on Instagram! 🥔🧈✨
