How to Cook a Perfect Baked Potato in Oven

Name: Oven Baked Potato
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 6 russet potatoes; 1 ½-2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt ((use half for fine salt)); 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Let’s master the perfect Baked Potato in the Oven

Discover the secret to achieving the ultimate baked potato with this foolproof recipe! With perfectly crispy, salt crusted outsides and steamy, fluffy, insides, these baked potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser as a side or main dish (LOTS of variations included!). Follow along for simple steps and expert tips to ensure the perfect baked potato every time.

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top view of baked potato on a platter with cheese, sour cream and green onions

Why you’ll love this Baked Potato Recipe

FLAVORFUL: Drizzling the skins with olive oil and coating with salt and pepper creates a salty, seasoned crust that’s transformative.
PEFECT TEXTURE: The delightful contrast between crispy skins and fluffy interiors makes the potatoes stand-alone scrumptious.
SIMPLE YET FOOLPROOF: The simple technique, tips and tricks, ensure consistent great oven baked potatoes just like your favorite restaurant.
VERSATILE: Serve as aside dish or a satisfying main course with various toppings like broccoli, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, etc.

up close of baked potato in oven cut down the center to open

Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Potato

Russet potatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper are all you need to make the perfect baked potato. With so few ingredients, it’s important to use quality ingredients, especially the correct potatoes. Russet potatoes are the best for this baked potato recipe due to several reasons:

High Starch Content: They have a higher starch content compared to other varieties, which helps create a light and fluffy interior texture when baked.
Thick Skin: They have a thick, rough skin that crisps up nicely when baked, providing a delicious contrast to the soft interior.
Large Size: Russet potatoes typically come in larger sizes, making them ideal for baking as they can hold up well to longer cooking times without becoming mushy.
Neutral Flavor: The boast a mild, neutral flavor, allowing them to pair well with a variety of toppings and seasonings.
Widely Available: Russet potatoes are readily available in most grocery stores, making them a convenient choice for oven baked potatoes.

showing ingredients for baked potato recipe: Russet potatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper

How to make an Oven Baked Potato

Let’s take a closer look at how to make a baked potato in the oven (full measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Wash Potatoes. Wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Prick Potatoes. Use a fork to poke the potatoes about 3 times on the top and bottom.

showing how to make a baked potato in the oven by piercing it with a fork

Step 3: Oil Potatoes. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, then rub it evenly all over the outsides. I find it easiest to pick up the potatoes individually to do this.

showing how to make a baked potato in the oven by adding oiling potatoes with olive oil

Step 4: Season the Potatoes. Whisk together the salt and pepper, then sprinkle half over the top of the potatoes; rub in, then sprinkle the rest over the other side.

showing how to make a baked potato in the oven by seasoning with salt and pepper

Step 5: Bake Potatoes. Bake the potatoes 45 to 60 minutes, or until the potato is fork-tender and the skin is crisp.

showing how to make a baked potato in the oven by baking the potatoes until tender

Step 6: Slice and Serve. Slice each potato down the top middle (not all the way through), then gently press the ends in towards the middle to help open. Fluff the insides and serve with toppings!

showing how to make a baked potato in the oven by slicing the potato down the center, then opening

showing how to make a baked potato in the oven by fluffing potato inside with a fork

baked potato oven temp

Baked potatoes are best cooked at 425°F (220°C). This temperature strikes the ideal balance between cooking the potatoes thoroughly and relatively quickly without becoming dried out inside. This temperature allows the potatoes to cook evenly throughout while also promoting the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for creating those desirable crispy, golden exterior crusts.

how long to cook a baked potato in the oven

The cooking time for baked potatoes in the oven can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the oven temperature. However, as a general guideline, medium-sized potatoes baked at 425°F (220°C) typically take about 45 to 60 minutes. Larger potatoes will take longer to cook, and smaller ones will cook more quickly. If you’re unsure, you can always check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the potato; it should slide in easily when the potato is fully cooked.

two hand holding baked potato in the oven on a plate

Baked Potato Oven Tips

Follow these tips to achieve perfect baked potatoes in the oven every time:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Select Russet potatoes because they are best suited for baking due to their high starch content and thick skin.
Use a High Temp: Bake the potatoes at 400-425°F (200-220°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy skin.
Dry the Potatoes: After washing, thoroughly dry the outside of the potatoes with a kitchen towel. The drier the skin, the crispier it will become!
Don’t Skip the Oil: The oil helps crisp up the skin and enhance the flavor.
Don’t Skimp on the Salt: Be generous in salting the skins of the potatoes. The seasoning not only creates extra crispy skins, but seasons the entire potato, making them so flavorful, you shouldn’t need to season the interior.
Use Parchment Paper: You’ll be amazed at the difference using parchment paper instead of foil makes at crisping up the potato skins!
Arrange for Even Cooking: Ensure there is enough space between each potato for air circulation.
Monitor Cooking Time: Baking time can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the accuracy of your oven temperature. Generally, medium-sized potatoes take around 45-60 minutes to bake, while larger ones may take up to 75-90 minutes.
Check for Doneness: To test for doneness, insert a fork into the center of the potato. It should glide in easily with no resistance, indicating that the potato is fully cooked.
Cook Alongside Any Dish: Baked potatoes can be baked anywhere from 350 and 450 degrees, so you can bake them alongside chicken, roast or another dish at the same dime, adjusting the potato baking time accordingly.
Serve with Toppings: Serve the baked potatoes hot, split open and topped with your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives, or chili.

baked potato recipe being served with cheese, bacon, sour cream and green onions

Topping Suggestions for the Perfect Baked Potato

Let your imagination go wild! Virtually anything can be served over baked potatoes. Here are just a few ideas:

Butter: Serve simply with butter, salt and pepper.
Loaded Baked Potato: Top with classic favorites like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions. Try nacho cheese or queso for the ultra indulgence!

Chili: Top the oven baked potato with your favorite chili recipe such as crockpot chili, chili con carne, BBQ chicken chili, turkey chili, white chicken chili or black bean chili, along with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

Broccoli Cheese: Top potatoes with steamed or roasted broccoli followed by cheese or nacho cheese. Add shredded chicken, grilled chicken or baked chicken to make it a meal, and of course, bacon is always tasty.
Any Sandwich: Swap the bread in any of your favorite sandwich recipes for the baked potato in the oven. Try making Reuben potatoes, French Dip potatoes, Sloppy Joe potatoes, Cuban potatoes, Philly Cheesesteak potatoes, etc.
Tex-Mex Style: Add a Southwestern twist with toppings like taco meat, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, salsa, avocados/guacamole and sliced jalapeños.
Mediterranean Inspired: Top with Greek chicken, chopped tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichokes, crumbled feta cheese and tzatziki sauce.
Buffalo Chicken: Top with my buffalo chicken recipe or mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, then top the baked potato with the spicy chicken mixture, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
BBQ Pulled Pork: Pile on tender pulled pork tossed in barbecue sauce, along with coleslaw, diced red onions, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Caprese Style: Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves and Italian chicken, then drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Top with your favorite spinach artichoke dip. Add this favorite marinated chicken to make it a meal.
Veggie Delight: Load up on roasted or sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and broccoli, then finish with a sprinkle of grated cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

perfect baked potato lined on a platter for serving

What to serve with this Baked Potato Recipe

This baked potato recipe is the ideal side to practically every protein! Here are just a few ideas:

Beef: Meat and potatoes is a classic combo! Serve with any type of beef such as London broil, meatloaf, spice rubbed steaks, honey balsamic beef, marinated flank steak, beef brisket,or beef tips.
Pork: Serve alongside grilled or roasted pork such as baked pork tenderloin (one of the most popular recipes on my site!), crockpot pork loin, glazed ham, or crockpot ribs.
Chicken: Oven baked potatoes make a sensational side to Creamy garlic chicken, Tuscan chicken, chicken Florentine, chicken Divan, French onion chicken, chicken and gravy.
Seafood: Serve them up with roasted butter shrimp, mahi mahi (in lemon garlic cream sauce), Cajun salmon, Tuscan shrimp, best baked salmon, honey mustard salmon.

MEal Prep Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes boast the crispiest skins and fluffiest interiors when served right away, however, you can keep them warm for a time by wrapping each one in foil, then keep warm in the residual heat of the oven or in your slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting. Note, the skins won’t be as crispy and will start to wrinkle after about an hour.

How to store an Oven Baked Potato

Allow the baked potatoes to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

HOW TO freeze a Perfect baked potato

Note, the skins won’t be as crispy after freezing. To freeze, place the potatoes on a baking sheet without touching and place in the freezer for 2 hours (flash freeze), until solid, Transfer the potatoes to a freezer bag and squeeze out excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating a Perfect Baked Potato in the Oven

Place the baked potatoes on a baking sheet and reheat, uncovered, at 350ºF for 15-20 minutes, air fry at 375ºF for 5-10 minutes or you can quickly reheat potatoes in the microwave but the skins won’t re-crisp.

Baked Potato Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute different potatoes?

Only Russet potatoes will yield the restaurant style baked potatoes with the fluffy interiors you are looking for. You can substitute different potatoes for baking, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will not be the same.

Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?

No, please don’t! Wrapping potatoes in foil traps moisture and steams them rather than allowing the skin to crisp up. By baking the potatoes without foil, they become tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

What if I don’t have coarse salt?

If you don’t have coarse Kosher salt, use regular table salt, but reduce the amount by half as it is denser than Kosher salt.

Should I poke holes in potatoes before baking?

Yes, poking holes in potatoes before baking allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting during cooking and ensuring even cooking throughout.

How do I know when a baked potato is done?

You’ll know a baked potato is done when it’s tender all the way through and easily pierced with a fork or knife, typically after about 45-60 minutes in a 425°F oven and the internal temperature of 210ºF on an instant read thermometer.

Can I make microwave baked potatoes?

While you can cook potatoes in the microwave, they will not taste like baked potatoes, and will be lacking the same crispy skin and fluffy insides, only achievable by the oven method.

Can I make Instant Pot baked potatoes?

Yes, you can make Instant Pot baked potatoes by placing scrubbed potatoes on a trivet with water below, then pressure cooking for 12-15 minutes depending on size BUT they will not taste like baked potatoes with the coveted crispy skin and fluffy insides.

Can you make baked sweet potatoes with the same method?

Yes, you can make baked sweet potatoes using the same method as regular baked potatoes, adjusting the cooking time slightly as sweet potatoes tend to cook faster.

Can I make vegan baked potatoes?

Absolutely! Omit animal-based toppings like butter, cheese or bacon and using vegan alternatives like dairy-free sour cream or plant-based butter.

up close of adding toppings to baked potato oven

Looking for more Potato Recipes?

Roasted Cajun Potatoes
Roasted Potatoes
Smashed Potatoes
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Butter Potatoes
Twice Baked Potatoes
Hasselback Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes

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Tools Used in This Recipe

Baking Sheet Half Sheet (13×18)

Instant Read Meat Thermometer

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Servings: servings

Total Time: 1 5

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 50

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Ingredients

6 russet potatoes
1 ½-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt (use half for fine salt)
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (parchment delivers crispier skins than foil).
Wash & Prick Potatoes: Wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes. Place on the lined baking sheet. Use a fork to poke the potatoes about 3 times on the top and bottom.
Oil Potatoes: Generously drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, then rub evenly all over the outsides. I find it easiest to pick up the potatoes individually to do this.
Season Potatoes: Whisk together the salt and pepper, then sprinkle half over the top of the potatoes; rub in, then sprinkle the rest over the other side.
Bake Potatoes: Bake medium potatoes 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potato is fork-tender and the skin is crisp (internal temp of 205 – 212°F on an instant read thermometer). Larger potatoes will require longer time and smaller potatoes will require less time.
Slice and Serve: Slice each potato down the top middle (not all the way through), then gently press the ends in towards the middle to help open. Fluff the insides and serve with toppings. See post for TONS of topping ideas!