Perfect Baked Potato Recipe: Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside
Few dishes are as simple yet satisfying as a perfectly baked potato. With its crispy golden skin and soft, steamy interior, a baked potato can stand alone as a comfort meal or serve as the ideal side to a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or fresh salad. While the process might seem straightforward, achieving perfection requires just the right balance of temperature, texture, and timing. Here’s how to make the perfect baked potato every single time.
🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large russet potatoes (these have the best texture for baking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Coarse salt (sea salt or kosher salt works best)
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, black pepper
🔪 Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Choose the Right Potato
The key to a great baked potato starts with the type you use. Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a high starch content and a thick skin. This combination produces a soft, fluffy interior and a perfectly crisp exterior when baked. Avoid waxy varieties like red or Yukon gold potatoes — they’re better suited for boiling or roasting.
Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Potatoes
Rinse the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt. Use a brush if necessary since russet potatoes often have a bit of soil residue. Pat them dry completely with a clean kitchen towel.
Next, poke each potato 5–6 times with a fork. This prevents steam from building up inside the potato during baking, which could cause it to burst.
Step 3: Season for Crispiness
Once the potatoes are dry, rub each one with olive oil or melted butter to coat the skin evenly. This helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven. Then sprinkle coarse salt over the surface — this not only seasons the skin but also draws out moisture, giving you that irresistibly crunchy texture.
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