Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
Few comfort foods are as universally loved as the classic baked potato. With its perfectly crisp skin and soft, fluffy interior, it’s the kind of simple pleasure that never goes out of style. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy side dish or dress it up into a hearty main meal, a baked potato offers endless ways to make it your own. This recipe shows you exactly how to achieve that ideal texture — golden on the outside, tender on the inside — with just a few pantry staples. Once you master this technique, you can top your potatoes with anything from creamy cheese and crispy bacon to fresh veggies or vegan favorites.
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Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
Baked potatoes are beloved around the world for their crispy skin, fluffy interior, and endless customization options. Whether served as a side dish or a hearty main course, they’re simple to make and satisfyingly delicious.
Why You’ll Love It
Crispy outside, fluffy inside
Highly customizable
Naturally low in calories and fat (if left unadorned)
Potato baker
Main course meals
Rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins C & B6
Ingredients
Russet potatoes (or other good baking potatoes like Yukon Gold)
Olive oil or melted butter (optional)
Sea salt
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits
Pantry staples
Potato baker
Salsa, avocado, pulled pork, BBQ sauce
Steamed broccoli, tomatoes, balsamic glaze
Vegan cheese, cashew cream, grilled vegetables
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.
Dry completely with a clean kitchen towel.
Pierce
each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Rub with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with sea salt for flavor and a crispier skin.
Place directly on an oven rack or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the center and the skin feels crisp.
Pro Tip: Use potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly.
Recipe card template
Organic potatoes delivery
Variations & Upgrades
Herb-Flecked Potatoes
Rub potatoes with a mixture of olive oil, salt, garlic, rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika for an aromatic crust.
Vegetarian & Vegan Toppings
Swap traditional cheese and sour cream for vegan cheese, cashew cream, or plant-based yogurt.
Top with grilled veggies, black beans, or tofu scramble for protein-packed options.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
After baking, slice the top off and scoop out the fluffy inside.
Mash with butter, garlic, cheese, and milk.
Return mash to the skins, top with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling.
Spicy Kick
Sprinkle with chili powder, cayenne, or red pepper flakes before baking.
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