Perfect Baked Potato Recipe

This Baked Potato Recipe is so easy and guaranteed delicious every time! Perfectly crispy, salty skin and fluffy potato inside, learn how to make the best steakhouse baked potatoes and serve them filled with all your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, and chives.

I remember eating a lot of potatoes growing up. This included mashed potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, scalloped potatoes, au gratin potatoes, and, of course, simple oven-baked potatoes. They were an all-around family favorite.

Easy, economical, and fantastic leftover, they’re also naturally gluten-free and vegan. It’s no wonder potatoes are a popular dinnertime staple.

But, for most of my life, I had no idea how to actually bake my own. All I could remember of baked potatoes (aside from eating them) was my dad popping them in the oven and removing them sometime later – usually with his bare hands (not recommended).

When it came time to bake my own, I had so many questions. Were they placed on a baking sheet? Wrapped in foil? Pierced with a fork? Why didn’t I pay closer attention to my parents? Anyway, a quick phone call to the potato master himself (and a little extra research on the internet) answered all my questions, helping me learn how to make perfect baked potatoes every time!

How to Bake Potatoes in the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. Set your oven rack to the middle position and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scrub the potatoes clean under cold running water, dry completely, then poke each potato several times on each side.

Next, to get that extra crispy salty potato skin, coat the outside of each potato with extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt.

Transfer them to your prepared baking sheet and bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the inside is soft. To check for doneness, gently squeeze the potato, making sure your hand is protected by an oven mitt or towel as the potatoes will be hot! If the potato is soft and tender, you know it’s done cooking.

Should Potatoes be Baked in Foil?

It’s convenient if you’re entertaining a large group and want to make a whole bunch of potatoes to hand out individually. In general, however, it’s a waste of resources. Also, when you wrap them in foil, you’re actually steaming, rather than baking them so the skin won’t turn out as crispy.

How Long Does It Take To Bake A Potato?

In general, a medium to large russet potato will take approximately 45-55 minutes to cook in a 425 degrees F oven. If you need to cook at a lower temperature, simply adjust the timing accordingly.

For example,

• 350 degrees F – approx 75-85 minutes
• 375 degrees F – approx  65-75 minutes
• 400 degrees F – approx 55-65 minutes

What Type of Potato is Best for Baking?

Russet potatoes (or Idaho potatoes) are hands down, the best potatoes for baking.

Considered a starchy potato, they are low in moisture and have a fluffy, crumbly, soft interior after they’ve been baked. They are also fantastic at soaking up some of the best potato toppings like butter and sour cream. They are also popular in mashed potatoes and french fries.

Waxier potatoes (red potatoes and baby potatoes) can also be baked. However, they will have a denser texture. I love using these potatoes for roasting, potato salads, and casseroles.

Learn more here: Waxy vs. Starchy Potatoes: Which One to Use?

Baked Potato Toppings

Choosing what you want to put on top of your baked potatoes is the best part! Create a baked potato bar with baked potatoes and all your favorite toppings and allow friends, family, or guests to fill their own spuds.

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Butter
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped chives, green onions, parsley
• Shredded cheese
• Bacon or Bacon bits
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Pico de Gallo, homemade salsa, and guacamole – make it a fiesta
• Chili – steak chili, chili Verde, or my favorite chili

How to Cook a Baked Potato in the Microwave

Can you “bake” a potato in the microwave? Yes. It will take you approximately 10 minutes or so rather than forty-five minutes plus. Keep in mind, however, that microwaving potatoes will not have the crispy skin that you get from baking them in the oven.

To cook a potato in the microwave:

1. Prepare potatoes. Scrub your potatoes using a vegetable brush. Once they’ve been scrubbed, dry completely. Then, use a dinner fork to poke the potato several times on each side. Transfer to a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave. Cook potatoes at full power for 5 minutes before flipping over and continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes. If the potato is soft, remove it from the microwave. If it is not quite ready, continue to cook at 1-2 minute increments (depending on how close or how far it is from being ready).
3. Serve. Remove from the microwave and carefully cut down the middle using a small paring knife. Squeeze and top with butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper.

How to Reheat Leftovers

The easiest way to reheat a baked potato is in the microwave. I like to cut my potato in half (or sometimes in quarters if it’s especially large) and microwave for 1-minute followed by 30-second increments (if needed). Remember to never place aluminum foil in the microwave.

If you’re not a fan of the microwave OR you don’t own one, that’s ok. You can also reheat a baked potato in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and transfer your whole potato to the center oven rack (you can also wrap in foil if preferred). Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Baked Potato Calories

How many calories actually come in a potato?

One medium (173 grams or 6.1 ounces) Russet baked potato with skin and flesh (no toppings): (source)

• Calories: 168
• Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 37 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 4 grams
• Sodium: 24 milligrams
• Vitamin C: 37% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 31% of the RDI
• Potassium: 27% of the RDI
• Manganese: 20% of the RDI

Overall, baked potatoes are quite healthy. They are also packed with potassium and vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and Magnesium.

Toppings, on the other hand, not as much. For example:

• 2 tbsp butter – 204 calories
• 2 tbsp sour cream – 46 calories
• 1-ounce cheddar cheese – 70-100 calories

Looking for more delicious potato recipes? Try these reader favorites:

• Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe
• Garlic Butter Boiled Potatoes Recipe (How to Boil Potatoes)
• Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
• Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
• Easy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
• Easy Oven-Roasted Sausage and Potatoes Recipe
• Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (with Marshmallows)

Have you tried making your own perfect baked potatoes?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.