What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade baked potato recipe is simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect side or main dish. You’ll love how easy it is to customize with your favorite toppings for a meal that feels special every time.
- Crispy, golden skin that’s perfectly seasoned and adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Fluffy, tender insides that soak up butter, sour cream, or any toppings you choose.
- Endless topping options, from classic cheese and bacon to creative twists like chili or roasted veggies.
Recipe
Baked potatoes are a classic comfort food that’s simple, versatile, and satisfying. This homemade recipe guarantees perfectly fluffy interiors with crispy skins, making it an ideal base for toppings or a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt.
- Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Cut a slit down the center of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Add desired toppings and serve immediately.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, sprinkle the potatoes with garlic powder or paprika before baking.
- Leftover baked potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Equipment:
- Baking sheet or oven rack
- Fork
- Paper towel
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 50–60 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: Serves 4
Nutrition
Baked potatoes are a great source of essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one medium-sized potato.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 161 |
| Protein | 4.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 36.6g |
| Fiber | 3.8g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Vitamin C | 28% |
| Potassium | 26% |
| Iron | 6% |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my baked potatoes with classic toppings like sour cream and chives, but sometimes I get creative and try something new, like pulled pork or roasted veggies. There’s no wrong way to serve them, whether you stick to tradition or mix it up. Let’s talk about the best sides to make your spud shine!
Classic Pairings
When you’re serving up a fluffy baked potato, it’s hard to go wrong with classic pairings that keep things simple yet satisfying. I love topping mine with a pat of butter, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives—it’s comfort food at its best. For protein, grilled chicken or steak makes it a hearty meal. I also enjoy pairing it with steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad for a lighter touch. Don’t forget classics like chili or shredded cheese and bacon bits—they’re crowd-pleasers. These timeless combos never fail to make baked potatoes feel like a full, delicious meal.
Creative Twists
Though classic pairings are always a hit, sometimes it’s fun to shake things up with unexpected combos that add a fresh twist to your baked potato. Try topping it with pulled pork and coleslaw for a BBQ vibe, or go Mediterranean with feta, olives, and tzatziki. For a breakfast spin, load it up with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon—it’s a game-changer. Craving something spicy? Chili and jalapeños will do the trick. And don’t forget dessert: a sweet potato version with marshmallows and cinnamon is pure comfort. Get creative—your taste buds will thank you!
