How To Make Baked Potatoes

Baked Potatoes are easy to make and these spuds are perfectly baked.

Below are our best tips to make perfect baked potatoes every time with crisp skin and a fluffy interior.

Top them with lots of butter, sour cream, bacon, and chives!

The Best Potatoes for Baking

Russet potatoes or Idaho potatoes are the best potatoes for baking. They have a fluffy starchy texture with skin that crisps nicely when lightly oiled and salted.

Really, any type of potato can be baked (red-skinned potatoes, Yukon gold etc,) although the texture of the potato flesh in thin-skinned potatoes is more buttery and less starchy/fluffy.

How To Bake a Potato

A perfect baked potato is very simple to make with just 3 ingredients. The method below ensures crisp skin and a fluffy inside.

Scrub potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Poke holes all over the potato using a fork.Brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt (and a little pepper if you like). The oil helps to make crispy skin and salt adds flavor.Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (no baking sheet needed). Bake for about 40-50 minutes (more on cooking times below).

Slice the potato open with a paring knife, top with butter, salt, and sour cream or scallions if you’d like.

How Long to Cook Baked Potatoes

The best baked potato recipe is simple to master. A high oven temperature is ideal, I bake potatoes at 400°F for 45-55 minutes in the oven.

Baked Potato Tips

Potatoes are poked with a fork to prevent steam from building up inside of the skins. A potato can explode (and make a big mess of your oven) if steam builds up! Poke each potato about 5-6 times making sure you pierce the skin.

If you want softer skin, wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil before they go in the oven. This helps to steam the skin keeping it from crisping up as much. I prefer crispy skin so I do not wrap them in foil!

Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the temperature of the oven, so the easiest way to test them is with a fork to make sure they’re soft throughout.

350°F 60 to 75 minutes375°F 50 to 60 minutes400°F 45 to 55 minutes

If you have other things cooking in the oven, baked potatoes can just be thrown in quickly without too much fuss.

Toppings for Baked Potatoes

Top baked potatoes with your favorite toppings like bacon, sour cream, or chives to create a perfect bite! More great ideas:

Chili, cheddar, and a handful of corn chipsTaco meat with your fave taco toppingsAlfredo sauce, steamed broccoli & cheddar cheeseSloppy Joe meat or leftover pulled porkBuffalo Chicken with cheddar and blue cheese

Fun Serving Idea If you’re serving a crowd, create a baked potato bar at home and let everyone top their own!

Did you enjoy this Baked Potato Recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!

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