Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oven Baked Potatoes are deliciously simple and have a satisfying combination of textures. The outside is crispy and golden, while the inside is soft and fluffy. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can enjoy a warm, hearty dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings. It’s an ideal accompaniment to almost any main dish, and because it’s so easy to prepare, it’s a go-to meal for busy weeknights or a classic side for holiday feasts.
Ingredients
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4 medium russet potatoes (or any type of baking potato)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt (for seasoning)
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½ tsp black pepper (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a towel.
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Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato. This allows steam to escape while baking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
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Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring they’re coated evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This allows the skin to crisp up.
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Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. They’re done when the skin is golden and crispy, and a fork or knife can easily pierce through the flesh.
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Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice them open and add your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, chives.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 45-60 minutes
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Total time: 50-65 minutes
Variations
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Sweet Potatoes: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist. The baking time will be slightly shorter (around 40-50 minutes).
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Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top your baked potatoes with sour cream, shredded cheese, , green onions, and even chili for a more indulgent meal
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Garlic Herb Baked Potatoes: Add minced garlic and your favorite herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) to the olive oil before rubbing it on the potatoes for extra flavor.
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Crispy Skin: If you prefer an even crispier skin, coat the potatoes in a layer of melted butter instead of olive oil, or increase the heat to 450°F (230°C) for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze baked potatoes by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat in the microwave or oven.
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Reheating: Reheat a baked potato in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I bake potatoes at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can bake potatoes at a lower temperature (around 375°F or 190°C), but the cooking time will increase. Expect it to take about 60-75 minutes at this temperature.
2. Can I wrap the potatoes in foil?
While wrapping potatoes in foil will result in a softer skin, it won’t achieve the crispy texture that you get when baking them without foil. For crispy skin, bake them directly on the oven rack.
3. How do I know when the baked potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when the skin is golden and crispy, and a fork or knife easily pierces through the flesh without resistance.
4. Can I use any type of potato for baking?
Russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their starchy texture, but you can use other potatoes like Yukon Golds or even sweet potatoes if you prefer.
5. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
You can bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. To reheat, microwave or bake them again as needed.
6. How do I get the skin extra crispy?
For an even crispier skin, rub the potatoes with butter or oil and bake at a higher temperature (450°F or 230°C) for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Can I bake potatoes in a convection oven?
Yes, you can bake potatoes in a convection oven. The cooking time may be slightly reduced, so start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
8. Can I bake potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake potatoes in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the potatoes for about 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
9. Can I make this recipe without olive oil?
Yes, you can omit the olive oil, or substitute it with melted butter or avocado oil. The oil helps the skin crisp up but isn’t strictly necessary.
10. Can I bake potatoes in advance for meal prep?
Yes, baked potatoes are perfect for meal prep. Just bake them in advance, store them in the fridge, and reheat them when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
Oven Baked Potatoes are a simple yet delicious side dish that everyone loves. With their crispy, golden skin and fluffy interior, they pair perfectly with a variety of meals and can be topped with just about anything. Whether you enjoy them with butter, sour cream, cheese, or as a base for a loaded potato creation, this recipe offers a satisfying and versatile option for any occasion. Enjoy the perfect baked potato every time!
Oven Baked Potatoes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Oven Baked Potatoes are a classic side dish with a crispy, golden skin and a soft, fluffy interior. Simple to prepare and highly versatile, they pair perfectly with any meal and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these baked potatoes are sure to impress!
Ingredients
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4 medium russet potatoes (or any type of baking potato)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat and Prep:
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the potatoes under cold water, then pat them dry.
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Poke and Coat:
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Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork. Rub them with olive oil, ensuring an even coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Bake:
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Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy and the interior is soft.
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Cool and Serve:
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Let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes before slicing open and adding your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, or cheese.
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Notes
For a sweeter variation, try using sweet potatoes, adjusting the baking time to around 40-50 minutes.For a more indulgent treat, try loaded baked potatoes with toppings like cheese, sour cream, , and chives.You can enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic or herbs to the oil before rubbing on the potatoes.
