Oven Rack Baked Potatoes

Elevate your potato game with these perfect Oven Rack Baked Potatoes—a simple yet foolproof recipe that delivers perfectly crispy skins and delightfully fluffy insides every time. Using just 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a side dish or light meal that's anything but ordinary. The secret is baking the potatoes directly on the oven rack, allowing heat to circulate evenly for that signature golden crisp. With minimal prep and a bake time of about an hour, these potatoes are a stress-free addition to any meal. Customize with your favorite toppings—like sour cream, butter, chives, or shredded cheese—for a fully loaded experience that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these baked potatoes are sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Russet potatoes (medium-sized)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 to taste Optional toppings (sour cream, butter, chives, cheese, etc.)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure one of the oven racks is positioned in the center.

Step 2

Scrub the 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt. Pat them dry completely with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3

Using a fork, pierce each potato about 6-8 times around its surface to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 4

Lightly coat each potato with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Rub the oil evenly across the surface of the potatoes.

Step 5

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper over the potatoes, ensuring they’re evenly seasoned.

Step 6

Place the prepared potatoes directly on the middle oven rack, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.

Step 7

Bake the potatoes for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You can check doneness by piercing the thickest part of a potato with a fork—if it slides in easily, the potato is ready.

Step 8

Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven using tongs or oven mitts. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Slice open the potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, butter, chives, or shredded cheese, to customize each potato to taste.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy your freshly baked potatoes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	756.8 grams (756.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	991

Total Fat 33.90g	43%
Saturated Fat 7.80g	39%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 15mg	5%
Sodium 1825mg	79%
Total Carbohydrate 150.50g	55%
Dietary Fiber 13.10g	47%
Total Sugars 7.80g
Protein 19.20g	38%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 122mg	9%
Iron 5mg	28%
Potassium 3866mg	82%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.0%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 61.2%