These baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, achieving a perfectly fluffy interior and wonderfully crispy skin with just a few simple ingredients. They are ready in about an hour, making them an incredibly easy side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from a simple weeknight meal to a holiday feast. I promise this method for oven baked potatoes will become your new favorite way to enjoy this humble staple.

I’ve always believed that the simplest recipes are often the most rewarding. There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from pulling a tray of golden, crisp-skinned potatoes from the oven, their earthy aroma filling the kitchen. This method for perfecting baked potatoes is one I’ve refined over years of hosting family dinners and cozy suppers. They are my go-to side for a comforting garlic mashed potatoes alternative, and they create a complete, satisfying meal when served alongside a simple baked cod or a hearty cottage pie.

Why This Baked Potato Recipe Works

Perfectly Crispy Skin: The combination of oil and salt creates an irresistibly seasoned, crunchy exterior.
Fluffy, Tender Interior: Baking at the right temperature ensures a light, airy, and perfectly cooked inside.
Incredibly Simple: With just three main ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and reliable.
Endlessly Customizable: Serve them with classic toppings or get creative with your favorite combinations.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Baked Potatoes

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Russet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized potatoes that are firm and free of sprouts for the best texture.
Olive Oil: A light coating helps the skin crisp up beautifully and promotes even browning.
Kosher Salt: The coarse grains adhere well to the oily skin, seasoning it perfectly.

Baked Potatoes

Learn how to make perfect baked potatoes with crispy skin and fluffy interior. Easy recipe using Russet potatoes, olive oil, and kosher salt.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1 5

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 potatoes

Calories 168 kcal

Equipment

oven
baking sheet
fork
vegetable brush
cutting board
knife
measuring spoons
oven mitts

Ingredients

4 medium Russet potatoes about 8 to 10 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven preheats, thoroughly scrub the potatoes under cool running water to remove any dirt. Use a vegetable brush if needed for a deep clean. Pat each potato completely dry with a clean paper towel, as moisture can hinder crispy skin.
Pierce each potato 5 to 6 times all over with the tines of a fork. This crucial step allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring a fluffy interior.
Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and use your hands to rub it evenly over the entire surface of each potato. Then, sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the oiled potatoes, ensuring a good, uniform coating for a delicious, crispy skin.
Place the prepared potatoes directly onto the middle rack of the preheated oven. For easy cleanup, you may place a foil-lined baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch any potential drips, though this is usually not necessary.
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skins are crisp. To check for doneness, gently squeeze a potato with an oven mitt; it should yield easily under pressure. A thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read between 205 and 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
Carefully remove the baked potatoes from the oven using oven mitts. Immediately slice each potato lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. This creates a pocket for toppings.
Using a fork, gently fluff the warm, tender interior of each potato. This helps release any remaining steam and creates a lighter, airier texture. Serve hot and enjoy immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For easy cleanup, you may place a foil-lined baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch any potential drips, though this is usually not necessary.

Keyword baked potatoes, easy side dish, russet potatoes

Delicious Ways to Customize Your Potato

Loaded Potato Bar: Set out bowls of shredded cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and chives for a fun, interactive meal.
Herb-Infused: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the salt before rubbing the potatoes for an aromatic twist.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle the inside of the split potato with sharp cheddar and return to the oven until melted and bubbly.

My Tips for Baked Potato Perfection

Thorough Drying: Patting the potatoes completely dry is the first step to achieving crispy baked potatoes, not steamed ones.
Generous Piercing: Don’t skip forking the potatoes; it allows steam to escape so they don’t burst in your oven.
Direct Oven Rack: Baking them directly on the rack promotes hot air circulation for an evenly crisp skin all over.
Test for Doneness: For perfectly cooked potatoes, they should feel soft when squeezed and a thermometer should read 205°F.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store: Allow potatoes to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: While the texture can become watery, you can freeze baked potatoes for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in plastic and foil.
Reheat: For the best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through to restore some crispness.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can scrub and dry the potatoes a day ahead; store them uncovered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to bake a potato at 400?

At 400°F, a medium-sized russet potato typically takes 45 to 60 minutes to bake. The exact time depends on the potato’s size, so I always check for doneness by gently squeezing it with an oven mitt. It should yield easily to pressure when perfectly cooked.

Do you wrap baked potatoes in foil?

I do not recommend wrapping potatoes in foil if you want crispy skin. Foil steams the potato, resulting in a soft, chewy skin. For perfect crispy baked potatoes, bake them directly on the oven rack so hot air can circulate all around.

What is the best potato for baking?

Russet potatoes are the best choice for classic baked potatoes because of their high starch content and thick skin, which yields a fluffy interior and crisp exterior. Their oval shape is also ideal for creating that perfect pocket for toppings.

Can you bake a sweet potato the same way?

Absolutely! The method is identical and works wonderfully for sweet potatoes. For a delicious sweet side, try my sweet potato casserole as an alternative way to enjoy them. Just note that sweet potatoes may cook slightly faster.

More Hearty Potato Recipes to Try

Make These Perfect Baked Potatoes Tonight

With their crispy, salty skin and cloud-like fluffy interior, these baked potatoes are a simple pleasure that never disappoints. They are the ultimate versatile side dish, ready to complement any meal from a casual Tuesday dinner to a festive holiday gathering. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort to your table as it has to mine.

Perfect Baked Potatoes Recipe