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This crispy baked potato recipe creates perfectly fluffy potatoes with golden, seasoned skins every time. Made with simple ingredients like russet potatoes, olive oil, and kosher salt, it’s an easy side dish for weeknight dinners, holidays, or meal prep. Serve with butter, cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings to make it a classic comfort food that pairs well with steak, chicken, or vegetables.

Ingredients

8 medium russet baking potatoes
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, for serving
Freshly ground black pepper, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If available, place a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking.
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water, then pat them completely dry with a towel.
Using a fork, prick each potato 5–6 times to allow steam to escape while baking.
Rub the skins lightly with olive oil and generously sprinkle with kosher salt.
Arrange the potatoes on the rack or baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between them.
Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on size, or until a fork slides in easily. The internal temperature should reach about 210°F (99°C).
To serve, make a slit lengthwise on each potato (without cutting all the way through). Gently squeeze the ends together to open and fluff the insides. Top with 1 tablespoon of butter and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly crisp skin with a fluffy, tender interior.
Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
A versatile side dish that pairs with countless meals.
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Tips

Dry thoroughly: Removing excess moisture ensures crisp skins.
Use russet potatoes: Their starchy texture makes the fluffiest baked potatoes.
Check doneness: For best results, use an instant-read thermometer (210°F inside).
Don’t wrap in foil: Foil steams the potato instead of crisping the skin.

Variations and Substitutions

Healthy swap: Replace butter with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for extra protein.
Herb upgrade: Sprinkle fresh chives, parsley, or dill for extra flavor.
Cheesy version: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan.
Loaded potato: Top with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions.
Vegan-friendly: Use olive oil or plant-based butter instead of dairy butter.

FAQs

Q: Can I bake potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Q: Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
A: No. Baking without foil creates crispy skin. Foil will give you a softer skin.

Q: Can I make these in the microwave?
A: Yes, but the skins won’t be as crisp. For best results, start in the microwave, then finish in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with steak, roasted chicken, or grilled fish as a hearty side.
Serve alongside soups and stews for a warming meal.
Turn into a main dish with chili, pulled pork, or roasted vegetables on top.
Offer a baked potato bar with toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon, and fresh herbs for gatherings.