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The Perfect Baked Potato

Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. YUM!

Perfect Baked Potato

Create the Perfect Baked Potato Every Time

The only baked potato recipe you need

Have you ever wanted to know how to get that perfect steakhouse baked potato? A crispy exterior, a light and fluffy interior. The kind of potato that steams the moment you pierce a fork into the crackling skin. Speckled with grains of salt and kissed with just a touch of sweet butter, this luscious preparation of America’s favorite vegetable will be a crowd pleaser time and time again.

Light and Fluffy! Yum!

Your Baked Potato Recipe

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Prep Time

5 Mins

Cook Time

55 Mins

Servings

Serves 4 (1 potato per person)
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Ingredients

4 Russet Potatoes, Large (about 8 ounces each)

As needed - Kosher Salt or Large Grain Sea Salt

1-1/2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Essential Equipment

Baking Sheet/Cookie Sheet

Pastry Brush

Paring Knife

Wire Rack (that fits on the baking sheet)

1
1

Step 1

Adjust oven rack to center and preheat oven to 450 °F. As the oven preheats, rinse potatoes under cold water to remove any excess dirt. Dry and pierce lightly with a paring knife 6-8 times.

Step 1.5

Dissolve 2 tbsp of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water. Place potatoes into salt water and rub the outside to help evenly coat with salt water. Transfer potatoes to a wire rack.

2
2

Step 2

Place wire rack with potatoes onto the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 45-55min (Or until the largest potato reaches internal temp of 205 °F.

Step 2.5

Remove potatoes from oven and brush with vegetable oil. Return potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10min.

3
3

Step 3

Remove potatoes from the oven. Slice with a paring knife down the length of the potato without cutting through it. Use a towel to gently squeeze the sides inward to fluff.

Step 3.5

Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garnish with toppings of your choice!

The Perfect Baked Potato

Prep Time: 5 Mins Cook Time: 55 Mins Serves: 4 (1 potato per person)
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 Russet Potatoes, Large (about 8 ounces each)
  • As needed - Kosher Salt or Large Grain Sea Salt
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Instructions

Essential Equipment:

  • Baking Sheet aka Cookie Sheet/Sheet Pan
  • Pastry Brush
  • Paring Knife
  • Wire Rack that fits on the baking sheet
  • Kitchen Towel
  1. Adjust the rack to the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 450 °F.
  2. Rinse the potatoes under cold water and gently scrub the outside of the potatoes with a vegetable brush to remove any excess dirt. Dry the potatoes and pierce lightly with a paring knife about 6-8 times.  This will allow steam to escape the potato as its baking.
  3. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in a ½ cup of warm water in a large bowl. Place the potatoes in the bowl and rub the outside of the potatoes until they are evenly coated.  Transfer the potatoes to a wire rack that is set inside the baking sheet.  Place the potatoes in the oven and bake for 45 minutes – 55 minutes, or until the center of the largest potato reaches 205 °F.
  4. Remove the potatoes from the oven and brush them with the vegetable oil. Return the potatoes to the oven and continue to bake them for an additional 10 minutes.
  5. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Using a paring knife make one slice down the length of the potato, making sure not to cut all the way through.  Grab the potato on either end using a kitchen towel and gently squeeze so as to push the flesh of the potato upwards.
  6. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garnish with any toppings you desire.

 

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories

340

Fat

5g

Sodium

600mg

Vitamin C

21mg

Carbohydrates

67g

Fiber

5g

Protein

8g

Potassium

1539mg

Sugar

2g

Culinary Tips

Russets are the best potatoes to buy for baked potatoes. Learn about all potato types.

2 Reviews

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Pat

Made it and loved it. Tasted just like the good restaurant baked potatoes!!

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Pat

Made it and loved it. Tasted just like the good restaurant baked potatoes!!

Excellent recipe. I have tried several times. I like the salt soak method. Makes the potato skin crispy. Thanks for sharing.

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Excellent recipe. I have tried several times. I like the salt soak method. Makes the potato skin crispy. Thanks for sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to bake a potato?

The time it takes to bake a potato depends on a few factors, primarily the type of cooking method and the size of the potato.  Therefore, it’s better to gauge doneness by the internal temperature of 205 F. A meat thermometer or probe thermometer works great for this.  On average in an oven a 5-7-ounce potato will take about 30-40 minutes.

For more information, please see our ultimate guide on how to bake a potato.

Baked potato oven temperature

A large russet potato will bake for 45-55 minutes at 450 °F, or until the internal temperature of the potato has reached 205 °F.

See our Recipes for Baked Potatoes and Learn How to Make the Perfect Baked Potato!

How to make a baked potato in the microwave.

How to make a baked potato in the air fryer.

Ari Fryers work like convection ovens, where hot air circulates around the food, cooking it from the outside in. Because air fryers are similar to convection ovens they make for a wonderful baked potato. See our Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe.

 

See our Recipes for Baked Potatoes and Learn How to Make the Perfect Baked Potato!

How to make a baked potato on the grill.

Baked Potatoes on the grill is probably the one time we recommend using foil. The foil while it does trap steam, also protects the potato from the intense heat of the open flame of the grill.

 

See our Recipes for Baked Potatoes and Learn How to Make the Perfect Baked Potato!

Continue reading

Are all types of potatoes equally nutritious?

 All varieties of potatoes are nutritious, and while nutrients may vary slightly depending on the variety, the differences are minimal.

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