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.
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.