Baked Potatoes
Making perfect baked potatoes is simple and yields a crispy skin with fluffy insides!
Equipment
- Prehead oven 400°F (200°C)
Ingredients
- 4 Medium or large Russet potatoes
- 2 tsp Olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp Coarse salt kosher or sea salt
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash and Dry:Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt. Pat them completely dry with a towel.
- Pierce the Skin:Use a fork to poke holes all over each potato (about 6-8 times). This helps steam escape while baking.
Season the Potatoes:
- Coat with Oil:Rub each potato with olive oil or melted butter for a crispy, flavorful skin.
- Add Salt:Sprinkle the potatoes generously with coarse salt, rubbing it into the skin.
Bake the Potatoes:
- Place Directly on the Oven Rack:This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the potato, making the skin crisp.You can place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.
- Bake:Cook for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. They’re done when you can easily pierce the center with a fork or knife.
Serve:
- Slice the potato open, fluff the inside with a fork, and top with your favorite toppings like:- Butter- Sour cream- Shredded cheese- Bacon bits- Chives
Notes
Pro Tips:
- For extra crispy skin, bake the potatoes unwrapped (no foil).
- If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes first, then finish them in the oven for about 20-30 minutes to crisp up the skin.