Recipe for the Perfect Baked Potato – Crispy Skin, Fluffy Inside & Utterly Irresistible!

🍠 The Perfect Baked Potato

Serves 4 | Prep: 10 min | Bake: 50–60 min | Total: ~70 min

🛒 Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes (uniform size for even cooking)

2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)

1 tsp sea salt (plus more for serving)

Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder or smoked paprika (for extra flavor)

Classic Toppings (Choose Your Favorites!):

Salted butter

Sour cream

Shredded cheddar cheese

Chopped chives or green onions

Crispy bacon bits

Steamed broccoli

Chili (vegetarian or meat)

Scallions + hot sauce

🥔 Pro Tip: Russets are best for baking — high starch = fluffier texture!

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Scrub potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.

Dry completely with a towel — moisture is the enemy of crispy skin!

2️⃣ Poke Holes & Oil Up

Use a fork to poke 6–8 holes into each potato — this lets steam escape and prevents bursting.

Rub each potato with olive oil, coating evenly.

Sprinkle all over with sea salt (and optional garlic powder or paprika).

🔥 Why oil? It helps the skin crisp up beautifully.

3️⃣ Bake Directly on the Rack

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

Bake 50–60 minutes, until:

Skin is deep golden and crisp

Insides are tender when pierced with a knife

Internal temp reaches ~205–210°F (96–99°C)

💡 Pro Move: Flip halfway through for even browning.

4️⃣ Rest & Fluff

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes — makes them easier to handle.

Slice open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.

5️⃣ Load It Up!

Add a pat of butter and a splash of milk or sour cream while hot.

Pile high with your favorite toppings.

🍽️ Serving Ideas:

As a steakhouse-style side with grilled steak and veggies

Fully loaded with chili, cheese, and bacon for a main course

Light version: Broccoli + lemon-dill yogurt