Classic and comforting! 🥔 A baked potato is simple but can be elevated with delicious toppings. Here’s how to make the perfect one:
🥔 Perfect Baked Potato
(Serves 1–4 depending on size)
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes (medium to large)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, chives, steamed broccoli
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the potatoes:
- Scrub potatoes clean and pat dry.
- Prick each potato several times with a fork.
- Rub with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt.
- Bake:
- Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on size, until skin is crisp and a fork easily pierces the center.
- Serve:
- Slice open and fluff the inside with a fork.
- Add butter and your favorite toppings.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy skin: Bake directly on the oven rack instead of a pan.
- Microwave shortcut: Cook for 5–8 minutes per potato, then finish in the oven 10–15 minutes for crisp skin.
- Loaded baked potato: Add cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives for a classic “loaded” version.
- Herb twist: Mix softened butter with garlic and herbs to spread inside.
If you want, I can give a restaurant-style twice-baked potato recipe that’s creamy inside with a cheesy, golden topping — perfect for a side dish or main.
Do you want me to do that?
