What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This baked potato recipe is super easy to make and delivers perfect results every time. You’ll love how it turns crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It’s a great dish for busy nights or when you’re craving something comforting. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or chives. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Recipe
Baked potatoes are a classic and versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. They are simple to prepare and can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit any taste. This recipe provides the perfect method for achieving a fluffy interior and crispy skin.
Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, etc.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle them evenly with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the inside is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Cut a slit down the center of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Add desired toppings and serve immediately.
Notes:
For an extra crispy skin, brush the potatoes with oil before baking. If you prefer softer skin, wrap the potatoes in foil before placing them in the oven. Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
Oven, baking sheet (optional), fork, paper towel, knife
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45-60 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
This baked potato recipe provides a balanced meal with essential nutrients. The following table details the nutritional content per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 161 |
| Total Fat | 0.2g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 17mg |
| Total Carbs | 36.5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5g |
| Sugars | 1.5g |
| Protein | 4.3g |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg |
| Calcium | 26mg |
| Iron | 1.6mg |
| Potassium | 926mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my baked potato with classic sides like sour cream or broccoli, but sometimes I get creative with unique ideas like BBQ pulled pork or chili. It’s fun to mix traditional choices with unexpected twists to keep meals exciting. What’s your go-to combo?
Classic Side Dishes
When I’m serving up a homemade baked potato, I love pairing it with sides that’ll make the meal feel complete, like creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad. These classics add freshness and crunch to balance the potato’s richness. I also enjoy serving steamed or roasted veggies, like broccoli or carrots, because they’re simple and healthy. A bowl of chili works wonders too—it’s hearty and satisfying. Sometimes, I’ll add garlic bread or dinner rolls for a comforting touch. These sides aren’t fancy, but they’re reliable and always hit the spot, making the meal feel cozy and well-rounded.
Unique Pairing Ideas
If you’re looking to mix things up with your baked potato, there’s a world of unique pairings waiting to be tried. Swap sour cream for tangy Greek yogurt topped with za’atar, or go bold with crispy pancetta and a drizzle of maple syrup. Love spice? Try buffalo chicken with blue cheese crumbles. For a veggie twist, roasted Brussels sprouts and balsamic glaze add crunch and sweetness. I once topped mine with leftover chili and pickled jalapeños—game changer! Don’t shy away from breakfast either; a runny egg and avocado turn it into a hearty meal. Get creative—your potato’s a blank canvas!
