Perfect Baked Potato
The Perfect Baked Potato is crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready for endless customization. Baked with olive oil and salt for golden, crackly skin, this classic side dish or base for a full meal is easy, satisfying, and foolproof — perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or anytime comfort food.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
- Total Time: 50–65 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Oven-Roasted
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2–4 Russet potatoes (medium or large)
- Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- Kosher salt
- Optional Toppings:
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Black pepper
- Chili, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scrub potatoes clean and pat them completely dry.
- Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Rub potatoes all over with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
- Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on size, until a knife slides in easily and the skin looks dry and crisp.
- Remove from oven, slice open lengthwise, and gently squeeze ends to fluff the insides.
- Add desired toppings and serve hot.
Notes
- Add garlic powder or smoked paprika before baking for extra flavor.
- Turn into a full meal with chili, roasted veggies, or sautéed greens.
- This method works great for baked sweet potatoes too.
- For entertaining, create a baked potato bar with various toppings.
- Use leftovers for mashed potatoes or stuffed potato skins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/perfect-baked-potato/
