by Holly
Baked Potatoes are easy to make and great served alongside a steak dinner or even as an easy lunch! These spuds are baked until the skin is crisp, and the insides are soft and fluffy.
The Best Potatoes for Baking
Russet potatoes are the most commonly used for making baked potatoes, they have the fluffy starchy texture we love in a baked potato.
Any kind of potato can be baked (red-skinned potatoes, Yukon gold, and purple potatoes) although the texture of thin-skinned potatoes is more buttery and less starchy/fluffy.
How To Make A Baked Potato in the Oven
A baked potato is very simple to make, just 3 ingredients needed to get a deliciously crisp skin and a fluffy interior perfect for topping! The classic method of making a perfect baked potato is in the oven (although on a hot summer day, I often cook baked potatoes in the slow cooker).
WASH
Scrub potatoes to remove any dirt or debris.
POKE
Poke holes all over the potato using a fork – about 5 to 6 times. This prevents steam from building up inside of the potatoes while they bake. A potato can explode if steam builds up so make sure you poke right into the potato to create holes, not just pierce the skin.
SEASON
Brush the potatoes with olive oil and salt. The oil helps the skin crisp and salt adds flavor.
BAKE
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake (per cooking times below).
To Foil or Not to Foil?
If you want a softer skin on your baked potatoes, wrap them in foil before they go in the oven. This helps to steam the skin keeping it from crisping up as much (although I prefer the skin to be crispy and skip the foil)!
How Long to Cook Baked Potatoes
A baked potato will take 45-60 minutes in the oven. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the temperature of the oven, so the easiest way to test them is with a fork to make sure they’re soft throughout.
If you have other things cooking in the oven, baked potatoes can just be thrown in quickly without too much fuss.
Cooking Times:
- 350°F 60 to 75 minutes
- 375°F 50 to 60 minutes
- 400°F 40 to 50 minutes
If the temperature is adjusted to match whatever else is cooking, just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How To Bake A Potato in the Microwave
If you are pressed for time (or coveted oven space), the microwave method will be your savior!
- Scrub the potato and poke it with a fork as above.
- Place it on a plate and microwave it on HIGH for 5 minutes.
- Turn it over, and microwave it for 3-5 minutes longer or until fork-tender. Top and enjoy!
REMINDER: Do not to use foil if you are making baked potatoes in the microwave.
Baked Potato Toppings
Top baked potatoes with your favorite toppings like bacon, sour cream, or cheese to create a perfect bite!
Keep the toppings simple for sides or make them more hearty for a complete meal! Here are some of my favorite baked potato toppings
The following toppings turn a simple side dish into a main meal!
-
- Chili, cheddar and a handful of corn chips
- Taco meat with your fave taco toppings
- Alfredo sauce, steamed broccoli & cheddar cheese
- Sloppy Joe meat or leftover pulled pork
- Buffalo Chicken with cheddar and blue cheese
Fun Serving Idea If you’re serving a crowd, create a baked potato bar at home and let everyone top their own!
Got Leftovers?
Use the leftovers for Twice Baked Potatoes or Baked Potato Soup (and save the skins for Crispy Oven Baked Potato Skins!)
Baked potatoes go perfectly alongside a steak, grilled veggies, and a salad or put everyone’s favorite toppings, and have them dress their own.
Baked Potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Course Side Dish
Cuisine AmericanIngredients
- 4 russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Scrub potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Dab dry.
- Poke holes over potatoes with a fork in about 5-6 places per potato.
- Coat the outside of each potato with olive oil and salt.
- Place potatoes directly on the middle rack of your oven and bake 50-60 minutes. (I place a small piece of foil on the rack below to catch any drippings).
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
More Potato Favorites
- Potatoes Au Gratin
- The BEST Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Pancakes
- Grilled Potatoes in Foil (potato packets)
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
