The perfect baked potato really does exist! Learn how to make baked potatoes in the oven so that it’s fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. It’s so easy to make, and you can finish it off with the best toppings. It’s a great side dish for any dinner!

the perfect baked potatoes

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What’s in this Baked Potato Recipe?

Cooking baked potatoes in the oven with my tried and true method is so easy. They come out with crispy, well-seasoned skin, and a fluffy, moist interior. 

  • Potatoes: I recommend using Russet potatoes for this recipe (I’ll tell you why below). 7-9 ounce potatoes are the perfect portion size and are ideal for the exact cook times listed here.
  • Salt + Warm Water (Brine): Dissolve salt in warm water to soak the potatoes before baking. This draws out moisture to create the perfect texture.
  • Oil: Vegetable oil works best since we’re roasting at a high temp. This crisps up the skin on the potato as it bakes.
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper work great, but you can use other seasonings you like as well. Get creative!

Pro Tip: Use any toppings or add-ins you like. Butter, sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese are classic options. Check below for even more topping ideas!

Variations on a Baked Potato

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy baked potatoes. Try some of these fan favorites:

  • Loaded: Add bacon bits, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives.
  • Broccoli Cheddar: Melt lots of cheddar and sprinkle in some small broccoli bits (cook and cut beforehand).
  • Mexican: Top with shredded Mexican blend cheese, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, pico de gallo, and green onions.
  • Savory Mushroom: Add sautéed or caramelized onions, sautéed garlic mushrooms, and sprinkle in some cheese too if you like (Swiss or gruyere would be great).
baking potatoes on a pan sliced open
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What’s the best potato for baked potatoes?

Russet potatoes are the perfect option, because the skin gets crispy (not waxy) and holds up through baking, while the inside gets so soft and fluffy!

What temperature should I cook a baked potato?

I recommend setting your oven to 450°F to bake. Use a thermometer to check the center of your potato–it’s done when it reaches 205°F.

How long do you bake potatoes in the oven?

At 450°F, bake for 45-60 minutes (until the interior reaches 205°F), and then you’ll bake another 10 minutes to finish them off with the oil and seasonings. So the total time is around 1 hour.

Are baked potatoes healthy?

They are high in magnesium and potassium which are both great for heart health. They also contain about 28% of your daily fiber.

Why do you use a wire rack?

Setting them on top of a rack ensures that the hot air fully circulates around every inch of the potato. This prevents any sogginess or uneven cooking.

sour cream cheese, tomatoes, and green onions added to potato

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

I recommend reheating in the oven for the best results. Preheat to 350-400°F, then bake for just 15-20 minutes (or until heated through). You can also microwave to speed things up, but the skin will likely be soggy and the inside might dry out.

How to Freeze

Wrap the cooked potatoes in aluminum foil, then place them in Ziplock bags and remove all air. Freeze for up to 6 months (but best within 3 months). Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Oven-baked potatoes are my favorite side dish for almost any meal. They’re simple enough to complement any main dish, but you can also add all the intricate toppings you like to make it just right for tonight’s dinner. Here are some serving ideas!

perfect baked potatoes on cookie sheet
Recipe Card

How to Make Baked Potatoes

4.61 from 51 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Soak Time: 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Becky Hardin
best baked potatoes
Discover how to bake a perfect potato in the oven with a fluffy interior and crispy skin, and top it off with your favorite toppings for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that complements any dinner!
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups water warm (130-140°F)
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 4 (7-9-ounce) Russet potatoes scrubbed and lightly pricked with a fork
  • Vegetable oil or olive oil
  • Favorite seasonings or seasoning blend optional

Potato Toppings (optional):

  • Butter
  • Sour Cream
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Bacon crumbles
  • Chives chopped
  • Green Onions sliced
  • Tomatoes diced
  • Cooked broccoli
  • Sautéed onions
  • Caramelized onions
  • Cooked Hamburger or Sausage
  • Chili
  • Goat Cheese
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Grilled or Rotisserie Chicken

Instructions 

  • Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack inside.
  • Place oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 450°F.
  • Dissolve salt in warm water, then place the potatoes in the water to briefly soak for about 10 minutes. Be sure the entire potato is moistened.
    2 cups water, 3 tablespoons kosher salt, 4 (7-9-ounce) Russet potatoes
  • Transfer potatoes to the prepared baking sheet and bake at 450°F, 45-60 minutes. If using a food thermometer, the center of the largest potato should register 205°F.
  • Remove potatoes from the oven and leave the oven on. Brush the tops and sides of the potatoes with oil, and sprinkle them with the seasonings (or at least salt and pepper). Place the potatoes back in the oven and bake another 10 minutes.
    Vegetable oil, Favorite seasonings or seasoning blend
  • Transfer potatoes to a serving dish or plates. Immediately after removing the potatoes from the oven, use a sharp paring knife to cut a large X into the top of each potato (to release steam). Use paper towels to hold both ends of the potato and push together. Push firmly (but not too hard), and squeeze the potatoes (slightly harder from the lower sides of the ends of each potato). The flesh will push slightly up and out.
  • Top the potatoes with your favorite baked potato toppings and serve. Enjoy!
    Butter, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Bacon crumbles, Chives, Green Onions, Tomatoes, Cooked broccoli, Sautéed onions, Caramelized onions, Cooked Hamburger or Sausage, Chili, Goat Cheese, Sautéed mushrooms, Grilled or Rotisserie Chicken

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • The best type of potato for baking is a Russet potato. Russets are starchy and have a high water content, which makes them ideal for baking.
  • Scrub the potatoes thoroughly with a brush under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Dry them with a paper towel to remove any excess water.
  • Use a fork to poke several holes in the potatoes. This will allow steam to escape and prevent the potatoes from exploding in the oven.
  • Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.
Storage: Store baked potatoes in an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
 
Serving: 1potatoCalories: 352kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 8gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.04gSodium: 606mgPotassium: 1539mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

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Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.61 from 51 votes (46 ratings without comment)
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11 Comments
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Dianne
Dianne
March 15, 2022 12:55 pm

How long should you soak the potatoes in warm water? Do you poke them before soaking?
Thank you.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
March 17, 2022 11:38 am
Reply to  Dianne

About 10-20 minutes! Yes!

Samantha Parker
Samantha Parker
April 27, 2019 12:59 pm

Potatoes are great for bodybuilders who try to gain mass as they are a good source of carbohydrate. Thanks Becky for sharing your recipe.5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
April 30, 2019 1:30 pm

Glad this works well for you! Thanks, Samantha!

Kyle
Kyle
February 21, 2019 11:32 am

I really like your method of baking first, and then adding oil and seasoning before putting them back in. I’ll definitely be trying this!5 stars

Courtney Minor
February 25, 2019 4:22 pm
Reply to  Kyle

It really makes them PERFECT!

Mustapha
Mustapha
November 4, 2018 11:54 am

what an amazing post admin thanks for this.5 stars

Jennifer Fulk
Jennifer Fulk
April 21, 2018 6:16 pm

What about poking holes in the potato so it doesn’t burst in the oven? I have had that happen and it’s a mess, lol.

Helen Johnson
Helen Johnson
December 14, 2017 2:46 am

Made them for dinner tonight. It was Perfect! Thank you for the tutorial, I appreciate it!5 stars

Nicole Carter
Nicole Carter
October 15, 2017 5:29 am

Those are some good looking potatoes. Reminded me of my time in England and their classic jacket potatoes. These however seem as an improved version which makes me hungry just by looking at your photos. I know what we’ll have for dinner tonight. :) Thank you Becky.5 stars