Description
This Perfect Baked Potato recipe guides you through baking crisp-skinned, fluffy interior russet potatoes in the oven, topped with classic favorites like butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chives, ideal for a simple yet satisfying side or a meal on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasoning
- Olive oil, enough to coat potatoes
- Salt, to taste
Toppings (optional)
- Butter, as desired
- Sour cream, as desired
- Cheddar cheese, shredded, as desired
- Chives, chopped, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough to bake the potatoes evenly with a crispy skin.
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and dry them completely with a paper towel to ensure the oil adheres properly.
- Poke Potatoes: Use a fork to poke several holes all over each potato. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents bursting.
- Season Potatoes: Rub olive oil all over the potatoes, coating them evenly, then sprinkle with salt to enhance flavor and help crisp the skin.
- Bake: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack to allow heat circulation around them. Bake for 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly for handling. Then slice open and add your preferred toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives.
Notes
- Choosing russet potatoes is key for fluffy interior and crispy skin.
- Baking directly on the oven rack rather than a baking sheet allows better heat circulation.
- Cooking time may vary based on potato size; check doneness by piercing with a fork.
- Use a fork to poke potatoes to prevent bursting in the oven.
- Let potatoes cool slightly before slicing to avoid burns.
