Hands down, this is the best ever baked potato recipe!

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven ensures that your potatoes cook quickly and evenly, which is key to achieving that crispy skin.

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

Wash your potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Using a brush or your hands, scrub the skins gently to ensure they’re clean and ready for baking. Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel, as moisture on the skin can prevent it from getting crispy.

3. Pierce the Potatoes:

Use a fork to poke each potato several times around the surface. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents your potatoes from bursting in the oven.

4. Coat with Oil and Salt:

Rub each potato with olive oil (or melted butter) to coat it evenly. This step is crucial for achieving the crispy skin we all crave! Sprinkle each potato generously with sea salt and a dash of black pepper. The salt not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the crispiness of the skin.

5. Bake the Potatoes:

Place the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Do not wrap them in foil—this traps moisture and prevents the skins from becoming crispy. Bake the potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and a fork or knife can be easily inserted into the center. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes, so be sure to check them after 45 minutes.

6. Test for Doneness:

To check if your potatoes are fully cooked, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the potato. If it slides in easily without resistance, your potato is done! If not, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking for doneness as you go.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once your potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Make a small slit on the top of each potato, and gently press the sides to fluff up the interior. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of butter for an extra touch of deliciousness.

Why This is the Best Ever Baked Potato Recipe:

1. Crispy Skin, Fluffy Interior: This recipe ensures that you get the best of both worlds—crispy, golden skin on the outside, and a light, fluffy interior that melts in your mouth. The oil and salt coating is key to achieving that perfect texture.
2. Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just a few simple ingredients—potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper—you can create a baked potato that’s bursting with flavor. You don’t need complicated seasonings or toppings to make these potatoes shine.
3. Versatile for Any Meal: Whether served as a side dish with steak, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies, or as a meal on its own with your favorite toppings, these baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and fit seamlessly into any meal.
4. No Foil Needed: Unlike other baked potato recipes that call for wrapping in foil, this method lets the skin get crispy and flavorful, elevating the overall experience. The potato’s natural skin crisps up beautifully when exposed directly to the heat of the oven.
5. Easy to Customize: The beauty of baked potatoes is that you can top them with whatever you like! Sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, chives, chili, or even sautéed mushrooms—endless possibilities to suit your taste.

Tips for Success:

• Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are the best choice for baking due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior and crispy skin. Other potatoes, like red or yellow, may not yield the same texture.
• Don’t Skip the Fork Pricks: Piercing the potatoes with a fork allows steam to escape, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly and don’t burst in the oven.
• For Extra Crispiness: If you love ultra-crispy skin, try placing the potatoes under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Make Ahead Option: You can bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp them back up.
• Toppings Galore: Let your creativity run wild with toppings. Try adding chili and cheese for a hearty meal, or go lighter with just some fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Final Thoughts:

If you’ve been searching for the best ever baked potato recipe, look no further! This simple yet effective method ensures perfectly crispy skin and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interior every time. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or making them the main event with your favorite toppings, these baked potatoes are sure to impress.

With minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients, you can elevate a humble potato into something extraordinary. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never go back to plain baked potatoes again!