Perfect Baked Potato Recipe

 

The Perfect Baked Potato Recipe: Crispy Skin, Fluffy Inside, Every Time

A perfectly baked potato is one of life’s simplest and most satisfying pleasures. Golden, crispy skin on the outside and a soft, steamy, fluffy center inside — ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings or enjoyed with just a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt.

It’s the kind of humble side dish that can easily steal the show — if you bake it the right way.

Forget rubbery microwaved potatoes or soggy foil-wrapped versions. This is the perfect baked potato recipe — simple, foolproof, and absolutely delicious.

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Why Bother Perfecting a Baked Potato?

Because when done right, a baked potato doesn’t need sour cream, cheese, or bacon bits to taste amazing (though we're not saying no to those either). The real magic lies in the texture:

• Crispy, seasoned skin

• Light and fluffy interior

• Deep, earthy potato flavor

Once you master the method, you’ll never look at baked potatoes the same way again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 large russet potatoes (also known as baking potatoes)

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)

• Kosher salt (for seasoning the skin)

• Optional: freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite herbs

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Step-by-Step: How to Bake the Perfect Potato

1. Choose the Right Potato

Start with russet potatoes — their high starch content and thick skin make them ideal for baking. Look for medium to large potatoes that are firm, dry, and free from sprouts or green spots.

2. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the skin crisp up while the inside cooks through evenly.

3. Scrub and Dry

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and dry them completely with a kitchen towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin!

4. Poke and Prep

Using a fork, poke each potato about 6–8 times all over. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting in the oven.

Brush the entire surface with olive oil or melted butter, then generously sprinkle with kosher salt. You can also add a dash of garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor.

5. Bake Directly on the Rack

Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (or on a wire rack over a baking sheet) to allow hot air to circulate evenly around them. Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on size, until the skin is crispy and a fork slides in easily.

6. Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Then slice open, fluff the inside with a fork, and top however you like — butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, or all of the above.

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Pro Tips for Potato Perfection

• Don’t wrap in foil: It traps moisture and leads to soggy skin.

• Crack it open right away: This lets steam escape and keeps the inside fluffy.

• Meal prep idea: Bake a batch and store in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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Topping Ideas to Take It to the Next Level

• Classic: Butter, sour cream, chives

• Tex-Mex: Salsa, black beans, cheddar, avocado

• Loaded: Bacon, cheddar, sour cream, green onions

• Veggie: Steamed broccoli, garlic hummus, nutritional yeast

• Chili baked potato: Ladle hot chili right on top with a sprinkle of cheese

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Final Thoughts

When it comes to comfort food, few things are as universally loved — or as easy to master — as the perfect baked potato. Whether it’s served as a hearty side or turned into a full-blown meal, this recipe will give you golden, crisp, and fluffy results every time.

Simple. Reliable. Absolutely delicious.

So go ahead, preheat that oven and give your spuds the love they deserve.