The Perfect Baked Potato
Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside – "The Perfect Baked Potato" is the ultimate comfort food that pairs simplicity with indulgence. This foolproof recipe showcases how to achieve restaurant-quality baked potatoes right in your own kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples like large russet potatoes, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, you'll bake perfectly seasoned spuds with irresistibly crispy skins and cloud-like interiors. Finished with a pat of butter and your favorite toppings—think sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon—these potatoes make a satisfying side dish or even a hearty main course. Ready in just over an hour with minimal prep, this baked potato recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Say goodbye to bland potatoes and hello to baked perfection!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet Potatoes
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black Pepper
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 as desired Optional Toppings (e.g., sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon, etc.)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove all dirt. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Pierce each potato 6-8 times all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring an even coating. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with kosher salt and a light dusting of black pepper.
Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the middle oven rack. For easy cleanup, place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips.
Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skins are crisp.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to slightly cool.
Slice each potato lengthwise down the center and gently push the ends toward each other to open up the fluffy interior.
Add a tablespoon of butter to each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Top as desired with sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or other toppings of choice.
Serve hot and enjoy your Perfect Baked Potatoes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1896 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.1 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.9 g | 164% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 147 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 2241 mg | 97% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.4 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.2 g | ||
| Protein | 36.3 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 227 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 6789 mg | 144% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
