The Perfect Baked Potato Recipe (Crispy Skin, Fluffy Inside)
10/7/2025
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I love a baked potato at home, and so does my family. There is just nothing better than a baked potato with crispy, salty skin, a fluffy inside, and topped with butter and all the best baked potato toppings.
My husband will make a big batch of baked potatoes at the beginning of the week, and we will cover them in beef chili one night and serve them as a side dish the next.
Recipe Highlight
When I think about the perfect potato, there are a few things that pop into my head.
- A golden potato that has been baked to perfection. Its skin is shiny and crisp from oil.
- When you cut the potato in half, the middle is tender and easy to fluff with a fork.
- The inside is warm enough to melt a pat of butter in seconds.
- It’s a potato that you can’t stop eating after you’ve seasoned it perfectly with salt and pepper.
- Take this baked potato up a notch and make it a full meal by loading the baked potato with chili, sour cream, or any other toppings.
Baked Potato Ingredients
When it comes to how to bake the perfect potato in the oven, you only need 4 ingredients.
- Russet potatoes -I recommend using large russet potatoes, especially if they are the main part of your meal. If you have Idaho potatoes, those would work too. Time may vary depending on how large the potatoes are.
- Olive oil- I recommend olive oil because I love the flavor. If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or butter. The oil is a must, it is the reason the potato skin crisps up and gets golden brown.
- Salt- Don’t skimp on the salt it brings adds terrific flavor to the potato skin.
- Pepper – Fresh ground pepper is a great flavor add.
How to Bake a Potato
Baking a potato with perfectly crispy skin and a fluffy inside is easy to do in just a few steps. It’s also easy to get the whole family involved; my nephews absolutely love to help with washing the potatoes and making sure to poke holes in the potatoes to help them bake all the way through.
- Wash and dry the potatoes before baking. Use a fork to poke holes all over the potatoes.
- Next, massage olive oil, salt, and pepper into the potato with your hands. Be sure the whole potato is coated to ensure the potato skin gets crispy.
- Bake the potatoes at 425ºF for 45-60 minutes, flipping the potatoes every 20 minutes so they bake evenly.
- Remove them from the oven once they pass the ‘fork test’. Poke a fork or knife into the center of the potato, and if it goes through the potato easily, the center of the potato is done.
- Let the potato rest for 10 minutes and then cut the potato in half. Top with butter, salt, and pepper.
Tips for Best Results
Massaging oil, salt, and pepper are very necessary. The oil helps to crisp up the skin and the salt and pepper flavor it. Do not skip!
I don’t recommend wrapping the baked potatoes in foil if you want a crispy skin. The tin foil traps moisture and causes the skin to soften.
Be sure to adjust the bake time for baked potatoes based on the size of the potatoes.
How to Know When Your Potato is Done
There are a few different ways to know when a baked potato is done. The most common way to tell if the potato is done is the fork test. Otherwise, you can tell that a potato is done if the skin is brown and crispy or if the potato’s internal temperature is between 205-210ºF
Serving Suggestions
Sometimes baked potatoes are served as the main dish, and sometimes they are served as a side to other delicious meals. Here are some of our favorite main dishes to serve with baked potatoes:
Baked Potato Topping Ideas
After your baked potatoes are ready, it’s time to top those taters with all of your favorite fixings. You can use super simple and classic ingredients or get creative with them.
- Broccoli and cheese
- Butter, salt, and pepper
- Hot honey
- Taco toppings (ground beef, cheese, and lettuce)
- Pizza toppings (mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and dried oregano)
More Potato Recipes to Try
- Microwave Baked Potato
- Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
- Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
- Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe
FAQ
How long does it take to bake a potato at 400°F?
It takes between 60-90 minutes for a baked potato to cook through at 400ºF. It all depends on the size of your potatoes. Smaller potatoes take less time, and bigger potatoes take more time.
What temperature is best for baked potatoes (400, 425, or 450°F)?
I like to bake potatoes at 425ºF, no matter the size, because it gives a consistent bake through the potato and crisps up the skin nicely.
Should you wrap potatoes in foil when baking?
It all depends on what type of skin you want on your potato. If you want a baked potato with crispy skin, I do not recommend wrapping the potatoes in tin foil. For faster baking of potatoes with more tender insides, I recommend wrapping the potatoes in foil. For more information about baking a potato in foil, check out this baked potato in foil post.
How do I store baked potatoes?
After the baked potatoes are cool completely, you can place the baked potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Sometimes it’s helpful to drizzle a little olive oil on the potatoes before putting them in the refrigerator to help keep them moist.
Can I freeze baked potatoes?
I do not recommend freezing baked potatoes.
Seriously Tender Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 6 large russet potatoes, ~3/4 – 1 lb. each
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 425ºF and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Then scrub potatoes under warm water and pat them dry. Use a fork to pierce each potato 8-10 times. This will help prevent them from exploding in the oven.
- Next, rub each potato with olive oil and then generously season with salt and pepper.
- Place potatoes on the baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Roast at 425ºF for 45-60 minutes. Flip potatoes every 20 minutes. Time will vary depending on the size of the potato. You know your potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- Let the potatoes cool for around 10 minutes before slicing down the middle and using a fork to mash and fluff.
- Serve baked potatoes with your favorite toppings such as butter, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese.
Tips & Notes
- Cook time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This is exactly the way that I bake my potatoes. I have robbed you of a str because you didn’t specify using organic potatoes. Potatoes are the one vegetable that you can really taste the difference. Try a test. Or just notice how much sooner an organic potato sprouts. The non-organic ones are coated with a substance that stops them from sprouting and as a result they are seriously old. Up to a year! Sure. They cost a little more but life is short and your body is a temple., theyorganic ones c