Classic Baked Potato

How to make a baked potato: the best way! This method results in a crispy skin and a soft interior.

When it comes to escorts, nothing beats them baked potato. Heck, this works as an easy dinner idea too! Load it up with toppings and you’ve got a hearty dinner. How do you cook it perfectly? This is exactly how you bake a potato in the oven: it becomes crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and is ideal for all kinds of toppings! We’ve got our default method and then a cheat method to get it done in less time if you’re in a hurry.

Use red potatoes

What type of potato for a baked potato? red potatoes. Red potatoes are large and have a rough, dark brown skin. You are part of a family of starchy potatoes which have a frothy texture when cooked. Compare this to waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or fingerling potatoes: These varieties are best for frying and pureeing.

How to bake a potato in the oven

Here’s our master method for making a baked potato! tips? Cook over high heat and do not use foil. This makes for the best crispy outside and fluffy inside! Aluminum foil makes them too soft. How to cook a potato:

• Use high heat. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. At high heat, the skin becomes crispy.
• Prick them and brush with olive oil. Grate the potatoes and prick them all over with a fork. Rub each potato with olive oil.
• Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack. This will make them the crispiest! Don’t add foil or they will be too soft. Place a tray on the grate below to catch the dripping oil.
• Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bake the potatoes for 20 minutes and turn them over with tongs. Bake an additional 25 minutes, checking for tenderness with a fork. The fork should easily pierce the potato through the center. If they are not soft, continue cooking for up to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. The bigger the potato, the longer it takes!

Variation: a faster baked potato

Don’t have 1 hour? We have a shortcut! How to make a baked potato faster: cut your potatoes in half. By half, it will be thinner, which will significantly reduce cooking time. Here’s how:

• Use high heat: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Halve the potatoes and season: Wash and halve the potatoes, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Turn the potatoes cut-side down and prick the top several times with a fork.
• Cook for 25 to 35 minutes: Bake until tender and lightly browned around the edges, about 25 to 35 minutes depending on the exact size of the potatoes.

You’ll notice that the edges of the potatoes are flat with this method. To make them look like a traditional baked potato, simply mash the top lightly with a fork. They look similar to the standard only with two halves.

Other alternative methods

A baked potato is by far our favorite method. But if you prefer other ideas, here are some additional options:

• Microwave: Make a potato for you? You can put it in the microwave! Pierce everything, then microwave on high for 5 minutes. Then carefully flip it over (it will get hot!) and microwave for another 3 minutes. Test with a fork to see if tender, then microwave 1 minute until cooked through. The skin won’t crisp, but it works.
• Grill: You can cook a baked potato on the grill! Prick the potatoes with a fork, brush with oil or butter and cover with foil. Grill over medium-high heat for 30 minutes, then turn and cook for another 20-30 minutes, until tender.

Serve with a baked potato

Once you have your delicious baked potato, the fun begins! Open it up with a paring knife and fluff up the inside with a fork. Then you are ready for the toppings! You can serve it as a side dish with simple toppings, or add more elaborate toppings to make it a meal. Here are some simple toppings you can use when serving a baked potato as a side dish:

• butter, salt and pepper
• sour cream
• cream
• Cashew Nut Cream (for vegans)
• Chopped chives or spring onions
• Fresh herbs like basil, oregano or thyme
• Cheddar cheese
• bacon

Or make a fried potato bar!

Our favorite way to serve a baked potato? As main dish! Turn it into dinner by making a Baked Potato Bar! Add savory toppings and it becomes a delicious, ultra-adaptable meal for many different diets. We often use this concept as a meal idea to serve a crowd and it always turns out great! Here are some topping ideas for making a stuffed baked potato:

• Mexican: Pico de gallo, corn, black beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, cilantro
• Smoked salmon: Smoked Salmon, Chives, Cream Cheese
• Chili: Chili, Cheddar Cheese, Spring Onions, Sour Cream
• Broccoli Cheddar: Sauteed broccoli, sour cream, cheddar cheese or vegan queso
• Nacho: Vegan taco meat or taco meat, refried beans, cheddar cheese or vegan nacho cheese, salsa, sliced ​​scallions, chopped lettuce, pickled jalapenos, shredded tortilla chips

Check out our Baked Potato Toppings article for more creative ideas. And that’s it! Let us know how your potato turned out in the comments below.

More potato recipes

Potato lovers, unite! Here are some of our favorite potato recipes:

This Baked Potato Recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.