ADVERTISEMENT
Classic Oven-Baked Potato
A perfectly baked potato is one of the simplest and most comforting side dishes, with a fluffy, tender center and deliciously crisp, seasoned skin. The skin is completely edible when the potato is thoroughly washed and baked properly, and it’s often one of the tastiest parts.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For serving:
Butter
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped chives or green onions
Preparation Steps
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and dry them completely.
Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
Rub the potatoes evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle the outside generously with salt and black pepper.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 50–65 minutes, depending on their size, until the skins are crisp and the centers are completely tender.
Remove from the oven and carefully cut a slit across the top of each potato.
Gently squeeze the sides to open the potato, then fluff the inside with a fork.
Serve hot with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped chives as desired.
Serving Tip
For irresistibly crispy potato skins, avoid wrapping the potatoes in foil—the dry oven heat helps create that flavorful, crisp exterior.
