Here’s a simple way to make a perfect baked potato — crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
🥔 Ingredients
- 1 large baking potato (Russet is ideal)
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil or butter
- Salt
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Potato
- Scrub the potato clean and dry thoroughly.
- Prick all over with a fork (prevents bursting).
- Rub with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with salt for crispy skin.
2️⃣ Bake
Oven method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place potato directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet.
- Bake 45–60 minutes, depending on size, until a fork slides easily through the center.
Microwave shortcut:
- Place on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cook on high 5–8 minutes per potato, turning halfway.
- Optional: finish in the oven 5–10 minutes for crisp skin.
3️⃣ Serve
- Slice open, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings.
💡 Tips
- For extra crisp skin, rub with olive oil and kosher salt before baking.
- Don’t wrap in foil if you want crispy skin — foil steams the potato.
- Russets are best because they’re starchy and fluffy inside.
If you like, I can also give a loaded baked potato recipe with toppings that taste like a restaurant version.
