One of the best things in the world is a perfect Baked Potato. This is our favorite method for baking potatoes, which results in a crispy, salty skin and a tender, creamy center.
We love making baked potatoes in different ways, such as using the Instant Pot or Air Fryer. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for the best oven-baked potatoes!
We consume a large amount of potatoes in our family. From Potato Pancakes to Au Gratin Potatoes and Creamy Mashed Potatoes, we always make the humble potato the star of our meals.
The Best Baked Potato Recipe
Our simple oven-baked potato method never disappoints. These baked potatoes with a salt crust have a crispy and flavorful skin on the outside and a hot and fluffy center on the inside. Enjoy them as a side dish with butter and sour cream or load them up with toppings to make a meal. Here’s why you’ll love this method:
- Simple – This method is not fancy, but the potatoes always turn out delicious. You’ll never want to bake a potato in any other way.
- Flavorful – Coating the potatoes with a crust of oil and salt adds a wonderful flavor.
- Perfect Every Time – This oven-baked method consistently produces tender and creamy potatoes with flavorful crispy skins.
- Make-ahead Friendly – Baked potatoes are great for making a large batch and feeding a crowd, or for preparing in advance.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect baked potatoes. You can find the full recipe details in the recipe card.
- Potatoes – We prefer baking Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, as they have the creamiest texture. Make sure the potatoes are roughly the same size for even baking.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil helps make the potato skins extra crispy in high heat.
- Salt and Pepper – Sprinkle the outsides of the potatoes with kosher salt before baking. You’ll also need additional salt and pepper for seasoning to taste.
- Butter – Butter adds extra richness to the potatoes. You can use salted or unsalted butter.
Pro Tip: To avoid potatoes exploding, remember to poke holes all over the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
How to Bake a Potato in the Oven
Here’s how to easily make a hot, crispy, and fluffy oven-baked potato:
- Prep – Rinse and scrub the potatoes well, then dry them thoroughly. Use a fork to poke holes all over the potatoes.
- Rub the outside of the potatoes with a little olive oil and generously coat them with kosher salt.
- Bake on a rack or baking sheet at 450ºF for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
- Serve – Cut the potatoes, add a pat of butter, and your desired toppings (see the section below for easy topping ideas).
Pro Tip: Be sure to thoroughly dry the potatoes after rinsing to ensure crisp skins in the oven.
How to Cut a Baked Potato
Cutting a baked potato is simple and leaves plenty of room for your favorite toppings:
- Use a sharp knife to make a slit down the middle of the potato, without cutting all the way through.
- Gently press the ends of the potato to open it up. Use a fork to fluff the center.
Common Questions
Can I substitute different potatoes?
Russet potatoes are the best choice for baking due to their thick skins and high starch content. However, if you’re looking for an alternative, you can try using Baked Sweet Potatoes.
