Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.
Baked potatoes are a simple, tasty side dish you can make at home. To bake a potato in the oven, preheat to 400°F, wash and dry the potato, poke holes with a fork, rub with oil, and cook for about an hour. You’ll end up with a crispy skin and fluffy inside.
Add your favorite toppings like butter, salt, cheese, or sour cream for a yummy treat. Baked potatoes go great with steak, chicken, or as a meal on their own. Try this easy method and enjoy a perfect baked potato tonight!
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make perfect baked potatoes:
• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Don’t have these exact items? No worries! Try these swaps:
• Yukon Gold or red potatoes instead of russet
• Vegetable oil or melted butter instead of olive oil
• Sea salt or table salt instead of kosher salt
Want to add some extra flavor? Consider these optional toppings:
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped chives or green onions
• Crumbled bacon
Remember, the basic recipe is super simple. You just need potatoes, oil, and salt. Everything else is up to you! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and make your baked potatoes exactly how you like them.
Instructions
You can make yummy baked potatoes in your oven. Here’s how:
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
-
Wash and dry 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes.
-
Poke each potato with a fork a few times.
-
Rub a little oil on the skins and sprinkle with salt.
-
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack.
-
Bake for about 50-60 minutes until they feel soft when squeezed.
-
Take them out and let them cool for a few minutes.
To check if they’re done, give them a gentle squeeze. If they feel soft, they’re ready to eat!
You don’t need to wrap the potatoes in foil. Leaving them unwrapped helps the skin get crispy.
When your potatoes are ready, cut them open and add your favorite toppings. Try butter, cheese, sour cream, or chives.
Remember to use oven mitts when handling hot potatoes. They’ll be very hot right out of the oven!
With these simple steps, you’ll have perfect baked potatoes every time. Enjoy your tasty, fluffy potatoes!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want perfect baked potatoes? Here are some handy tips:
Choose medium-sized russet potatoes for best results. Before baking, poke each potato 6-7 times with a fork. This prevents them from bursting in the oven.
Skip the foil wrap! It makes the skin soggy instead of crispy. For extra flavor, rub the skins with oil and salt before baking.
Crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C) for fluffy insides and crispy outsides. Bake for about an hour until tender when pierced with a fork.
Got leftovers? Cool them quickly by placing in an ice bath in the sink. Separate potatoes to speed up cooling.
Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, try these methods:
- Microwave: Place potato in a dish with water, cover, and heat 2-4 minutes.
- Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
With these tips, you’ll be a baked potato pro in no time!