Baked Potato
A perfectly fluffy baked potato with a crispy, salt-crusted skin. This classic comfort food is incredibly simple to make and serves as a wonderful canvas for your favorite toppings like sour cream and chives.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the potatoes
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them completely dry with a towel.
- d.Pierce each potato 5-6 times on all sides with a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Season the potatoes
- b.Place the dry potatoes in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and rub to coat the skins evenly.
- c.Sprinkle generously with coarse salt and black pepper, rubbing it into the skin.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bake to perfection
- b.Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the middle oven rack. Do not use a baking sheet, as direct heat helps crisp the skin.
- c.Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the center is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven using tongs.
- c.Slice each potato open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork to release steam.
- d.Top with a teaspoon of butter, a tablespoon of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use Russet potatoes for the fluffiest interior and best results.
- 2Don't wrap the potatoes in foil! This steams them and makes the skin soft, not crispy.
- 3Baking directly on the oven rack allows hot air to circulate for an evenly crispy skin.
- 4Piercing the potatoes with a fork is crucial to prevent them from bursting in the oven.
- 5For extra crispy skin, you can lightly brush with oil again in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- 6Let the potatoes rest for a minute or two before cutting to avoid a painful steam burn.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and skip the butter for a lower-fat, higher-protein option.
veganVegan
Swap butter for a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free sour cream or a cashew-based cream.
high proteinHigh protein
Top with a scoop of chili, pulled pork, or black beans and cheese for a complete meal.
quickQuick
Microwave the potato for 5-7 minutes before baking. This cuts the oven time in half, finishing in about 20-25 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Potassium
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
Good Source of Fiber
Eating the skin of the potato provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help you feel full.
Provides Vitamin C
Potatoes contain a significant amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, a baked potato can be very healthy. It's naturally low in fat and sodium, and a good source of potassium and Vitamin C. The healthiness depends largely on the toppings; keeping them light makes it a nutritious choice.