Perfect Baked Potato

1. Prep the Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Scrub potatoes thoroughly under cold water—dirt hides in the eyes! Pat completely dry with a towel.

Prick each potato 6–8 times with a fork. This lets steam escape and prevents bursting.

2. Salt for Crispy Skin (The Secret!)

Rub each potato generously with kosher salt—yes, the whole outside!

3. Bake Directly on the Oven Rack

Place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack (put a baking sheet on the rack below to catch drips).

Bake for 45–60 minutes, until the skin is crisp and a knife slides in easily.

4. Rest & Fluff

Let potatoes rest 5–10 minutes—this finishes the cooking and keeps them fluffy.

Slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings.

Tips for Potato Perfection

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Dry potatoes = crisp skin—never skip the towel pat!

Don’t wrap in foil—it steams the skin, making it soggy.

Size matters: Bake similar-sized potatoes together for even cooking.

Speed it up: Microwave for 5–6 minutes first, then finish in oven 20 minutes.

Make ahead: Bake, cool, and refrigerate for 2–3 days. Rewarm in oven or air fryer.

Serving Suggestions That Shine

Classic: Butter + kosher salt + cracked black pepper

Loaded: Cheddar, bacon, sour cream, chives

Healthy: Greek yogurt, steamed broccoli, everything bagel seasoning

Gourmet: Crumbled blue cheese, caramelized onions, arugula

Breakfast: Fried egg, avocado, hot sauce

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake potatoes in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Rub with oil, air fry at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: Why is my potato still hard in the middle?
A: Oven ran cool, or potato was too large. Always test with a knife—don’t guess!

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes?
A: Yes—but they bake faster (35–45 min) and have softer skin. Skip the salt rub.

Q: How do I keep baked potatoes warm for a crowd?
A: Wrap in foil and hold in a 200°F oven for up to 1 hour.

Final Thoughts: Simplicity, Perfected

The perfect baked potato isn’t about complexity—it’s about respecting a simple ingredient and letting it shine. With crispy skin, a snowy interior, and endless topping options, it’s the ultimate comfort food that costs pennies and feeds souls.

So scrub those russets, salt the skin, and let your oven work its magic. One bite of that fluffy, buttery goodness, and you’ll understand why this humble spud has been a staple for generations.

Made your best baked potato yet? I’d love to hear your go-to topping—loaded? vegan? share your spud success in the comments below—or tag me on social. And if you