There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-baked potato. Done right, it’s the perfect combination of a fluffy, creamy interior with golden, crispy skin that’s irresistibly delicious. Baked potatoes are a classic, versatile side dish that complements nearly any meal, or they can even be enjoyed as a hearty main dish with the right toppings. But getting that ideal texture can sometimes feel like a bit of a mystery. With the right method, however, you can achieve the perfect baked potato every time. Here’s the foolproof way to make your baked potatoes come out fluffy inside and crispy outside every single time.
Start With The Right Potato
How to bake a potato; for the ultimate baked potato, the best choice is a russet potato. These potatoes have a high starch content, which results in a light, fluffy interior that other potato varieties, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes, can’t quite match. Russets also have thicker skins, making them ideal for achieving that crave-worthy crispy exterior.
When selecting your potatoes, choose ones that are firm and free of bruises or dark spots. Because smaller potatoes may dry out and larger potatoes take longer to bake, try to pick potatoes that are around the same size to guarantee even cooking.
Prep For Crispy Skin And Flavor
Once you’ve selected your potatoes, start by giving them a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt. After rinsing, pat the potatoes completely dry with a paper towel. This is an important step because if the skin is wet, it may not crisp up in the oven.
Next, pierce each potato a few times with a fork. This prevents them from bursting during baking, allowing steam to escape while they cook. After piercing, rub the potatoes generously with olive oil. The oil not only enhances the flavor but also helps the skin become crispy as it bakes. Sprinkle coarse salt generously over each potato to flavor and improve skin texture.
Bake At The Perfect Temperature
To achieve that ideal texture, it’s essential to bake potatoes at the right temperature. After heating the oven to 425°F (220°C), place the potatoes immediately on the rack. Baking directly on the rack helps air circulate around each potato, ensuring even cooking and uniformly crisp skin. Use a baking sheet on the rack underneath the potatoes to catch drips and reduce oven mess.
Give Them Time To Bake
Depending on their size, the potatoes should be baked for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins are visibly crisp and a fork or skewer easily pierces the center without resistance. If they’re not done after an hour, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, checking every so often.
For extra crispy skin, turn the oven off after baking and let the potatoes sit inside for another 10 minutes. This short rest in the residual heat allows the skin to crisp up even more.
The Finishing Touch: Toppings
When your potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes, then make a small slit on the top of each potato. Press the ends of the potato toward the middle to open it up, revealing the fluffy, steamy interior. This step makes it easier to add toppings, and it also creates a beautifully open potato for presentation.
For traditional baked potatoes, start with butter, salt, and black pepper. Any toppings you choose can then be added, including bacon pieces, chives, shredded cheese, and sour cream. For a more substantial meal, top with chili, roasted vegetables, or a sprinkle of Parmesan and herbs. The possibilities are endless, and with the perfect base, any topping tastes amazing.
Enjoy The Perfect Baked Potato
With these steps, you’re on your way to enjoying a baked potato that’s crispy on the outside and delightfully fluffy on the inside. This method is simple, but the result is a baked potato that’s as satisfying as any dish you’d order in a restaurant. Serve it as a side to steak or roasted chicken, or let it shine on its own as a filling, flavorful main. Once you’ve tasted the result of this foolproof technique, you may never go back to any other way of baking potatoes. Enjoy!