Oh yes 😌 baked potato—classic, simple, and endlessly customizable. Here’s a foolproof method for perfectly fluffy inside, crispy skin outside.
🥔 Classic Baked Potato
Ingredients (2–4 servings)
- 2–4 russet potatoes (medium to large)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Salt (coarse or kosher)
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, chives, or broccoli
Instructions
- Prep potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scrub potatoes clean, then dry thoroughly.
- Pierce each potato 4–5 times with a fork.
- Oil & salt
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake
- Place directly on oven rack (or on a baking sheet for easier cleanup).
- Bake 45–60 minutes, until skin is crispy and a fork or skewer slides easily into the center.
- Serve
- Cut a slit down the middle, fluff with a fork, and add toppings.
Pro Tips
- Crispier skin: Bake directly on the rack, not a pan.
- Extra fluffy inside: Let potatoes rest 5 minutes after baking, then gently fluff with a fork.
- Microwave shortcut: Start in microwave 5–7 min, then finish in oven 15–20 min for crispier skin.
- Flavor boost: rub potato skin with garlic powder, paprika, or herbs before baking.
I can also give you a loaded baked potato bar idea, a cheesy twice-baked potato version, or a fast microwave method that still tastes amazing 😏.
Do you want me to do one of those versions?
