Perfect Baked Potatoes Recipe – Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside
A baked potato might seem simple, but when done right, it’s pure comfort food at its finest. The perfect baked potato has a crispy, salty skin that gives way to a light, fluffy inside—a blank canvas for endless toppings.
This Perfect Baked Potatoes Recipe is foolproof. It uses just four simple ingredients—potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper—but the technique makes all the difference. With a little patience and the right oven temperature, you’ll get steakhouse-quality baked potatoes right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 Russet Potatoes, washed and dried
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
Why Russet Potatoes?
Russet potatoes are the go-to choice for baking because of their high starch content and thick skin. This means the insides bake up fluffy while the skins crisp beautifully. Other potatoes, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, are delicious but don’t achieve the same classic baked texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Wash and Prep
Scrub the russet potatoes under running water to remove dirt. Dry them thoroughly—moisture on the skin prevents crisping. Using a fork, prick the potato all over. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting in the oven.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). The foil will catch any drips and make cleanup easy.
Step 3: Oil the Skin
Brush each potato generously with olive oil. This step is key for crispy skin. Olive oil also helps the salt and pepper stick evenly.
Step 4: Season Generously
Sprinkle the potatoes liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy—seasoning the skin well ensures every bite has flavor, not just the fluffy center.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 75 minutes at 375°F, turning them once halfway through for even crisping.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Remove the potatoes from the oven. Slice down the center and press the ends together gently to open the potato. Be careful—it will be very hot! Brush off any excess salt from the skin if desired.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Perfect Baked Potatoes Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
Proper prep: Washing and drying ensures crisp skin.
Fork pricks: Prevents potatoes from exploding in the oven.
Olive oil coating: Locks in moisture and crisps the skin.
Generous seasoning: Kosher salt + pepper makes the skins crave-worthy.
Low and slow bake: 375°F for 75 minutes gives evenly cooked, fluffy insides without drying them out.
Tips for Success
Choose evenly sized potatoes so they cook at the same rate.
Use kosher salt or flaky sea salt—its coarse texture clings better to the skin.
Avoid foil-wrapped potatoes. While many wrap potatoes in foil, it actually steams them, leaving the skin soft instead of crisp. Bake them unwrapped for the best texture.
Check doneness with a fork. Potatoes are ready when the fork slides in easily without resistance.
Don’t rush the bake. The secret to fluffy insides is slow, even baking.
Variations and Topping Ideas
One of the best things about baked potatoes is how customizable they are. Here are some topping ideas to take your baked potatoes from simple to spectacular:
Classic Toppings
Butter & sour cream
Chives or green onions
Shredded cheddar cheese
Crispy bacon bits
Hearty Meal Toppers
Chili and shredded cheese (chili cheese potato)
BBQ pulled pork with coleslaw
Steamed broccoli with cheese sauce
Buffalo chicken and ranch dressing
Healthy & Fresh Options
Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Fresh salsa and avocado
Spinach and feta cheese
Grilled vegetables and hummus
Gourmet Ideas
Caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese
Smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill
Truffle oil drizzle with Parmesan
Mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter
