Description
This Perfect Baked Potato recipe guides you to achieve tender, fluffy potatoes with crispy skins, baked to perfection in the oven. Customize with your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chives for a classic and comforting side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasoning
- Olive oil, enough to coat the potatoes
- Salt, to taste
Toppings (optional)
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Chives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the potatoes evenly.
- Clean Potatoes: Thoroughly scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt, then dry them completely using a paper towel to help the skin crisp up.
- Poke Potatoes: Use a fork to poke each potato several times. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
- Season Potatoes: Rub olive oil all over each potato, ensuring an even coating. Sprinkle salt generously over the skin to enhance flavor and texture.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly onto the oven rack (no baking sheet) and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are tender inside and the skin feels crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice open and add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives before serving.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for the best fluffy interior and crispy skin texture.
- Baking directly on the oven rack allows heat to circulate evenly for optimal crispness.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes; larger potatoes may need closer to 60 minutes.
- Let potatoes cool slightly before slicing to avoid steam burns.
- Feel free to customize toppings with bacon bits, green onions, or your favorite seasonings.
