The Perfect Baked Potato

Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside – "The Perfect Baked Potato" is the ultimate comfort food that pairs simplicity with indulgence. This foolproof recipe showcases how to achieve restaurant-quality baked potatoes right in your own kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples like large russet potatoes, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, you'll bake perfectly seasoned spuds with irresistibly crispy skins and cloud-like interiors. Finished with a pat of butter and your favorite toppings—think sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon—these potatoes make a satisfying side dish or even a hearty main course. Ready in just over an hour with minimal prep, this baked potato recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Say goodbye to bland potatoes and hello to baked perfection!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 large Russet Potatoes
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black Pepper
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 1 as desired Optional Toppings (e.g., sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon, etc.)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove all dirt. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3

Pierce each potato 6-8 times all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Step 4

Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring an even coating. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with kosher salt and a light dusting of black pepper.

Step 5

Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the middle oven rack. For easy cleanup, place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips.

Step 6

Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skins are crisp.

Step 7

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to slightly cool.

Step 8

Slice each potato lengthwise down the center and gently push the ends toward each other to open up the fluffy interior.

Step 9

Add a tablespoon of butter to each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Top as desired with sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or other toppings of choice.

Step 10

Serve hot and enjoy your Perfect Baked Potatoes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1319.7 grams (1319.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1896

Total Fat 79.10g	101%
Saturated Fat 32.90g	165%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 147mg	49%
Sodium 2241mg	97%
Total Carbohydrate 265.40g	97%
Dietary Fiber 21.10g	75%
Total Sugars 15.20g
Protein 36.30g	73%

Vitamin D 9IU	45%
Calcium 227mg	17%
Iron 14mg	80%
Potassium 6789mg	144%

*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: 37.1%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 55.3%