Go Back
–+ servings
best baked potatoes

How To Cook Perfect Baked Potatoes

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 123kcal
Author: Becky Hardin - The Cookie Rookie
How to Cook Baked Potato is a skill that anyone can master in the kitchen. Everyone should know HOW TO COOK a PERFECT BAKED POTATO! These baked potatoes turn out tender, flavorful, and perfect every single time. We will show you how to bake a potato and all of our favorite toppings. A simple Baked Potato is the ultimate easy side dish recipe!
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water
  • 3 tablespoons salt
  • 4 7-9 oz russet potatoes, scrubbed and lightly pricked with a fork
  • Olive oil or vegetable 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
  • Cooked Sweet Potatoes
  • 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 heat oven to 450F.
  • Dissolve salt in warm water, then place the potatoes in the water. Be sure the entire potato is moistened.
  • Transfer potatoes to the prepared baking sheet and bake at 450F, 45-60 minutes. If using a food thermometer, the center of the largest potato should register 205F.
  • Remove potatoes from the oven and leave the oven on at 450F. 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.
  • Transfer potatoes to a serving plate/dish. Immediately after removing the potatoes from the oven (to release steam) use a sharp paring knife to cut a large X into the top of each potato. Use paper towels to hold both ends of the potato and push the potato 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!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 5g | Sodium: 5253mg | Potassium: 879mg | Fiber: 5g | Vitamin C: 24.3mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 6.9mg