Here’s a perfect, fool-proof baked potato—crispy skin, fluffy inside, and easy to customize with all your favorite toppings.

🥔 Perfect Oven-Baked Potato

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes (best for baking)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Optional: pepper, garlic powder, butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon, etc.

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Scrub potatoes clean and pat dry.
3. Using a fork, poke each potato 6–8 times to vent steam.

2️⃣ Season

1. Rub each potato with olive oil until lightly coated.
2. Sprinkle generously with salt (this makes the skin crispy and flavorful).
   • Optional: add pepper or garlic powder.

3️⃣ Bake

Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.

• Bake 45–60 minutes, depending on size.
• They’re done when:
  • A fork slides in easily
  • Skin is crispy
  • They feel soft when squeezed gently (using an oven mitt)

4️⃣ Serve

Cut a slit on top, squeeze to fluff the insides, and add toppings like:

Classic:

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Chives
• Bacon

Loaded:

• Chili
• Broccoli & cheese
• Ranch & scallions
• Pulled pork & BBQ sauce

Healthy:

• Greek yogurt
• Salsa
• Steamed veggies

If you’d like, I can also give you:
🥔 Twice-baked potatoes
🧀 Loaded baked potato casserole
🔥 Air fryer “extra crispy” baked potatoes
🍠 Sweet potato version

Just tell me!