Wondering how restaurants get those perfectly baked potatoes? Here’s the hints on how to make the best oven baked potatoes with salty, crispy skin and fluffy potato inside.
Oven Baked Potatoes
How did your mom bake potatoes when you were growing up? I honestly can’t remember how my mom did, but I know that when I first got married, if I wanted a baked potato, I’d take the easy route and throw them in the microwave. Now baked potatoes are good any time, but microwaving a baked potato can lead to dry potato skin even a dry potato inside if you cook it too long.
As we started visiting several steakhouses that served amazing, crispy, salted skin baked potatoes, I knew I had to figure out how to get that same flavor and texture at home.
We’re talking the best baked potato recipe here today that takes just 5 minutes prep time and yes, a little longer to bake than the microwave, but so totally worth it.
What are the best potatoes for baking?
To start, you need to choose the best type of potato. As you remember from our ultimate potato guide that we shared last year, Russet potatoes are the best for baking. They are a high starch potato that when baked, lend a light, mealy texture.
What technique is best for cooking baked potatoes in the oven?
If you love the restaurant-style, crispy skin baked potatoes, here’s how you get it. Wash and dry 4 large Russet potatoes. Rub olive oil all over the outside of the potatoes, then rub salt on them. Be generous with both the oil and the salt. It’s what gives the potatoes that amazing flavor and makes you want to eat the skin.
Do I have to poke potatoes before baking?
The purpose behind piercing a potato with a fork is to let the steam escape and prevent the potatoes from exploding while baking. I’ll be honest that I don’t always poke the potatoes before I bake them. I’ve never had a potato explode on me. But…for safety, I do recommend piercing the potatoes. Here’s a great article about piercing potatoes from the Rachael Ray Show.
How Long to Bake a Potato in the oven?
I like to bake potatoes at 425 degrees. It generally takes a large Russet potato about 45 minutes to become tender, but the exact timing will depend on how large the potato is. And testing the potatoes is when I do pierce them with a fork. Poke the potato with a fork to ensure that the potato is soft inside.
What’s the Best Baked Potato Recipe?
You’ll find that just below. Because of the flavor of the olive oil and salt, I’m happy just topping the baked potato with butter and a little bit of fresh parsley, but when I’m feelin’ crazy? Serve with sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives and bacon for the most delicious loaded baked potatoes.
Our most popular potato side dish recipes:
Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes
Rich and Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Oven Baked Cheesy Potatoes
Grilled Baked Potatoes
Buttery Crusted Baked Potatoes
Christmas Cheesy Potatoes
Spinach Mashed Potatoes
Serve these classic potatoes alongside our favorite corn dish for a delicious meal.
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
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Wash and dry the potatoes.
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Pierce the potato 2-3 times with a fork.
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Rub oil all over the potatoes.
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Rub salt all over the potatoes.
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Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on how large the potatoes are. The potato should be tender inside if you poke a fork into it.
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Serve with butter, cheese, chives, sour cream and all of your favorite toppings!
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