Baked Potato Fluffy Tender (Printable)

Fluffy, tender baked potato with crisp golden skin, ideal as a side or with favorite toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 4 large russet potatoes

→ Seasonings & Toppings

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Toppings

05 - 4 tablespoons sour cream
06 - 4 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped chives
08 - 2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon
09 - 2 tablespoons butter

# How to Make It:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 425°F.
02 - Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry.
03 - Prick each potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
04 - Rub the potatoes evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
05 - Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until skins are crisp and a fork pierces easily.
06 - Remove potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
07 - Slice each potato lengthwise and gently squeeze the ends to open; fluff the interior with a fork.
08 - Incorporate butter and your choice of toppings such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, bacon, and black pepper as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The crispy golden skin paired with fluffy insides is like a secret little prize waiting beneath the surface
  • It’s endlessly customizable which means you can make it as simple or as loaded as you want without any fuss
02 -
  • Pricking the potato is essential to avoid a potato explosion in your oven so don’t skip this step
  • Baking directly on the oven rack instead of a pan helps the skins get perfectly crispy on all sides
03 -
  • Use a fork or skewer to check the potato’s softness at the 50 minute mark to prevent over or under baking
  • The olive oil rubbing is the secret that elevates the skin from ordinary to crave-worthy