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The Ultimate Baked Potato Recipe: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a perfectly baked potato. Its golden, crispy skin paired with the pillowy-soft inside creates a comforting dish that’s both simple and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the star of your meal, the ultimate baked potato should be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Here’s how to achieve that ideal balance every time.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes (the best choice for baking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, butter, or any other favorite toppings
Instructions:
1. Choosing the Right Potato
The first step to a great baked potato is selecting the right type of potato. Russet potatoes are the ideal choice. Their starchy interior yields a fluffy texture, while their thicker skin crisps up beautifully in the oven. Avoid waxy potatoes, like red or yellow, as they tend to remain firm and don’t provide the same texture for baking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing your russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Since the skin is going to be an important part of the final dish, it’s crucial to scrub them clean.
After washing, dry the potatoes with a clean towel. Prick each potato a few times with a fork. This step allows steam to escape while the potato cooks, ensuring it doesn’t explode in the oven. It also helps the skin stay crispy.
3. Seasoning for Flavor
Once your potatoes are prepared, it’s time to coat them in oil or melted butter. This helps the skin crisp up nicely and adds flavor. Rub a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over each potato, ensuring that the skin is evenly coated. Sprinkle them generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will give the skin a deliciously crisp texture.
4. Baking the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the prepared potatoes directly on the middle rack of the oven. This allows air to circulate around the potatoes, ensuring they bake evenly on all sides. Avoid wrapping them in foil, as this can result in steamed skin rather than a crispy exterior.
Bake for about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. To check for doneness, insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the potato. If it slides in with little resistance, the potato is done. If not, return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
5. Create That Fluffy Interior
When the potatoes are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a couple of minutes. Then, with a sharp knife, make a slit lengthwise down the center of each potato. Gently press on both ends of the potato to create an opening, allowing the fluffy interior to puff up.
