Let’s discuss baked potatoes for a second. This easy meals is waaaaay neglected, in my view. They’re cheap, straightforward to make, and may be became so many alternative meals. However there’s just a little extra to creating a good baked potato than simply tossing a potato right into a sizzling oven. So immediately, I’m going to share my easy baked potato recipe, plus some enjoyable topping concepts so you may flip your potatoes from a easy facet right into a decked-out predominant dish.
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“I’m nonetheless studying the fundamentals of cookery and actually admire how straightforward this recipe was and the way satisfying it tasted with simply butter and steak seasoning. Thanks!â€
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Simple Recipe for Baked Potatoes
There are 1,000,000 other ways to bake a potato, however right here is my easy, tried, and true methodology for the proper baked potato. I begin by giving the potatoes a very good scrub and drying them off, which helps the pores and skin crisp up as an alternative of turning leathery. A number of pokes with a fork let steam escape so that they don’t burst within the oven. Then I rub them with oil and sprinkle them with salt, which retains the skins from drying out and provides simply the suitable crunch and taste.
And yep, you learn that proper…I don’t use foil. I don’t like the foil methodology. I like the best way the pores and skin will get that satisfying snap when it’s oiled, salted, and baked uncovered. Foil makes the pores and skin too delicate for my style, and I’m all about that crisp, textured chunk. It makes all of the distinction.
Make Baked Potatoes
- 4 russet potatoes (½ lb. every, $1.56)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.04)
- 1 pinch salt ($0.02)
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Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash the potatoes properly, then dry them with a towel. Use a fork to prick every potato a number of occasions.
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Drizzle the cooking oil over the potatoes, then use your palms to smear the oil over every potato till it’s totally coated. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet (you may line the baking sheet in parchment or foil for straightforward cleanup, if desired). Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt.
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Bake the potatoes within the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or till the potatoes may be pierced simply with a fork. Complete baking time will rely on the scale of your potatoes.
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Rigorously lower the potatoes open, fluff the within with a fork, and add your favourite toppings!
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Baking Sheet
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Parchment Paper
Serving: 1servingEnergy: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFats: 4gSodium: 20mgFiber: 3g
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Make Baked Potatoes Step-by-Step Pictures
Collect all your substances and preheat your oven to 400ºF.
Prep the potatoes: Wash 4 russet potatoes properly since they develop underground, and even the manufacturing unit washing can nonetheless depart some remaining grime. Dry the potatoes properly so the skins crisp up properly within the oven. Prick the potatoes a number of occasions with a fork to permit steam to evaporate whereas they bake.
Season the potatoes: Rub oil throughout every potato (1 Tbsp complete), then season every potato with a pinch of salt. The salt helps give the pores and skin taste and helps them crisp up just a little.
Word: I like to position the potatoes on a baking sheet for straightforward switch out and in of the oven. I additionally line the baking sheet with parchment paper for straightforward cleanup.
Bake: Now bake the potatoes for 45 minutes or till they’re tender all over. I like to check the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork. The fork ought to slide simply into the middle of the potato with no resistance.
Serve: Slice open the potatoes, fluff the insides with a fork, and add just a little salt and pepper and your favourite seasonings or toppings! Pictured right here with butter.
- Persist with 400ºF. That is my go-to temperature. It’s sizzling sufficient to cook dinner the potatoes via with out drying out the skins or overcooking the skin. Decrease temps drag out the bake time, and better ones can crisp the skin too rapidly earlier than the within is prepared. 400ºF hits the candy spot for me each time.
- Regulate the time based mostly on measurement. A ½ pound potato normally takes round 45 minutes, whereas a ¾ pound one will want nearer to 60 minutes when baked at 400ºF.
- Take a look at for doneness. Don’t simply depend on the clock! I pierce the middle of my baked potatoes with a fork to examine in the event that they’re carried out. It ought to slide in simply with no resistance when the potato is totally cooked.
- Use russet potatoes. I’m staff russet for baked potatoes. The flesh of russet potatoes will get good and fluffy when baked, in comparison with waxier varieties, like Yukon Gold or purple potatoes, which are typically dense. I additionally just like the russet potato skins fairly a bit (when cooked as I’ve proven right here). Plus, russet potatoes are available in an amazing measurement for single parts!
Baked Potato Topping Concepts:
My favourite half about baked potatoes is that they’re a completely clean slate and may be became so many alternative meals! They’re a good way to make use of up leftover odds and ends in your fridge, so get artistic! Listed here are a few of my favourite combos:
- Broccoli, cheddar, and ranch
- Pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni
- Rooster, buffalo sauce, cheddar
- Bitter cream, bacon, inexperienced onion, cheddar (aka a ‘loaded’ topping)
- Black beans, cheddar, BBQ sauce, inexperienced onion
- Rooster, cheddar, ranch
- Chili, cheddar, inexperienced onion
- Home made nacho cheese sauce, hen, jalapeños
- Salsa, cheddar, bitter cream
- BBQ beans and greens
- Pesto, tomatoes, mozzarella
- Ham, diced inexperienced bell pepper, cheddar
- Tuna mayo
- Louisiana model purple beans
Storage & Reheating
Let your baked potatoes cool utterly, then retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350ºF oven for about 15-20 minutes or till warmed via. You can even microwave them for a few minutes, however the pores and skin gained’t keep crisp. For one of the best texture, the oven methodology is value the additional time.
Our Simple Baked Potatoes recipe was initially printed on 5/14/2020. It was retested, reworked, and republished to be higher than ever 6/10/25.