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Perfect Baked Potato

A classic baked potato with crisp, salted skin and fluffy tender insides. Simple, versatile, and satisfying, this timeless side dish can be loaded with your favorite toppings for an easy meal or comforting accompaniment.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 potatoes
Course: Basic Recipes, Comfort Food, Family Favorites, Side Dish, Vegetarian
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large russet potatoes scrubbed and dried
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • sea salt for sprinkling
  • butter optional topping
  • sour cream optional topping
  • shredded cheese optional topping
  • chives optional topping
  • bacon optional topping
  • chili optional topping
  • broccoli optional topping

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with the rack positioned in the middle.
  2. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
  3. Rub potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt.
  4. Place potatoes directly on the oven rack, with a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch drips if desired.
  5. Bake 45 to 60 minutes, until skins are crisp and interiors are fork-tender.
  6. Remove from oven and rest 5 minutes. Slice open the tops, gently press ends to open, and fluff interiors with a fork.
  7. Serve hot with desired toppings such as butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, chili, or broccoli.

Notes

For extra crispy skins, skip foil wrapping. Try turning potatoes halfway through baking for even texture.