Here’s a simple guide to making a perfect baked potato 🥔✨
Ingredients
- 1 large baking potato (Russet is ideal)
- 1–2 tsp olive oil or butter
- Salt
Optional toppings: sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon bits, chili, steamed broccoli, butter
Instructions
1. Prep the potato
- Scrub the potato clean under running water.
- Pat dry with a towel.
- Prick all over with a fork (4–6 times) to let steam escape.
2. Season
- Rub the potato with olive oil or butter.
- Sprinkle generously with salt (this gives a crisp, flavorful skin).
3. Bake
- Oven: Preheat to 200°C / 400°F. Bake directly on the oven rack for 45–60 minutes, until the skin is crispy and a fork easily pierces the center.
- Microwave (faster, softer skin): Microwave on high for 5–10 minutes, turning halfway. Then optionally crisp in the oven for 5–10 minutes.
4. Serve
- Cut a slit across the top, gently squeeze the sides to fluff the inside.
- Add toppings like butter, cheese, sour cream, or chili.
Tips
- For extra crisp skin: bake directly on the oven rack, not on a tray.
- For fluffy interiors: don’t wrap in foil.
- Russet potatoes are best for baking; Yukon Gold works too but is slightly creamier.
- Can double as a meal base: top with beans, shredded chicken, or leftover chili.
If you like, I can give a creative baked potato bento box idea with cheesy fritters, veggies, and protein—it makes lunch both hearty and cute.
Do you want me to do that?
