Here’s a simple, perfect baked potato recipe 🥔
Classic Oven-Baked Potato
Ingredients (serves 1–4)
- Russet potatoes (1 per person)
- Olive oil (or melted butter)
- Kosher salt
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon bits, Greek yogurt, pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash & scrub potatoes well. Pat completely dry.
- Pierce each potato 3–4 times with a fork.
- Rub lightly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle generously with salt (this gives crispy skin).
- Bake directly on the oven rack (place foil on rack below to catch drips).
- Bake 45–60 minutes, turning once, until a fork slides in easily and skin is crisp.
- Rest 5 minutes, then slice open, fluff with a fork, add toppings.
Extra Tips for Best Results
- Crispier skin: Bake uncovered the whole time
- Softer skin: Wrap loosely in foil
- Fluffier inside: After baking, squeeze ends gently to open the potato
- Microwave shortcut: Microwave 5–7 minutes first, then oven 15 minutes to crisp
Quick Flavor Variations
- Garlic butter: Butter + minced garlic + parsley
- Healthy: Greek yogurt, olive oil, herbs
- Loaded: Cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives
- Vegan: Olive oil, nutritional yeast, green onions
If you want, I can also give you air-fryer, microwave-only, or stuffed baked potato versions.