Best Baked Potato
Make baked potato with simple ingredients, clear steps, and helpful tips. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or easy weeknight meals.
Total time
70 min
Servings
1
Calories
284.1
Category
Sides
Discover the ultimate guide to making the best baked potato with a crispy skin and fluffy interior. This simple, healthy recipe uses just three ingredients and is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Makes 1 serving
- 1 russet potato
- canola oil
- kosher salt
Method
Heat oven to 350°F and position racks in top and bottom thirds.
Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water.
Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking.
Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil.
Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven.
Place a baking sheet (I put a piece of aluminum foil) on the lower rack to catch any drippings.
Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft.
Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack the spud open by squeezing the ends towards one another.
It will pop right open.
But watch out, there will be some steam.
NOTE: If you're cooking more than 4 potatoes, you'll need to extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes.
Cook's notes
- Always scrub potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt.
- Poking holes prevents steam buildup and bursting.
- Coating with oil and salt ensures a crispy, flavorful skin.
Easy swaps
- Instead of canola oil, use olive oil or avocado oil
- Instead of kosher salt, use sea salt or flaky salt
Frequently asked
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes work well, but cooking time may vary.
How do I reheat a baked potato?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
