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July 22, 2026

The Perfect Recipe for Baking Potatoes

  • 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).

Photo collage showing how to bake a potato in the oven.

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.

Side-by-side photos showing how to cut open a baked potato.

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.

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