This post may contain affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy.
There’s nothing flashy about a baked potato, but that’s part of the charm. It’s simple, dependable, and pairs well with almost any main dish—whether it’s steak, grilled chicken, or roast pork. The skin gets crisp, the inside turns fluffy, and it’s easy to dress up with your favorite toppings or enjoy with just a pat of butter.
Choose good-quality russet potatoes with unblemished skin for the best results. A rub of oil and optional sprinkle of kosher salt is all you need to enhance the texture and flavor while they bake.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
- No fuss. Just a few basic ingredients and the oven does the rest.
- Customizable. Keep them plain or go all out with toppings.
- Pairs with everything. Great with steaks, chops, chicken, or seafood.
- Budget-friendly. A simple side dish that’s filling and affordable.
Ingredient Notes
- Baking potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy interior and crisp skin.
- Olive oil: Helps the skin crisp and gives a richer flavor.
- Kosher salt (optional): Adds a salty crust to the skin—great if serving skins-on.
- Butter: Classic topping that melts into the hot potato.
- Optional garnishes: Sour cream, parsley, cheese, bacon, or chopped chives are all great options.
Steps to Make Simple Baked Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt, if using.
- Prick the potatoes in several places with a fork or skewer.
- Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Squeeze gently or test with a fork to check for doneness.
- Serve hot with butter and desired garnishes.
Tips
- Choose potatoes that are uniform in size so they bake evenly.
- Bake directly on the rack for crispier skins—no need for a baking sheet.
- If making ahead, reheat in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil until warmed through.
- Use a serrated knife to easily slice open the potato when serving.
Recipe Variations
- Salted skins. Roll oiled potatoes in coarse kosher salt for a steakhouse-style finish.
- Cheesy topping. Add shredded cheddar or a cheese blend after baking.
- Twice baked. Scoop out the centers, mash with mix-ins, and bake again.
- Loaded. Top with sour cream, bacon, chives, and shredded cheese.
- Herb butter. Use garlic-herb compound butter for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steak, chicken, pork chops, or roasted fish.
- Pair with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad.
- Top with chili or pulled pork for a full meal.
- Include on a baked potato bar with toppings for a party.
- Enjoy with a drizzle of olive oil and cracked pepper for a light version.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Wrap leftover potatoes in foil or place in an airtight container. Store for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Baked potatoes can be frozen, though texture may be softer. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil, or microwave on high until hot throughout. Cut open before microwaving to prevent bursting.
You might also like these crispy fried smashed potatoes, or these classic French fries. And these duck fat roasted potatoes are an amazing side dish to make in your oven.
Simple Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6 large russet potatoes
- 2 tsp olive oil, for coating the potatoes
- Kosher salt (optional)
- Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 to 6 tbsp butter, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes and pat dry. Rub the potatoes with the olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt, if desired. Prick the potatoes in several places with a sharp fork or skewer.6 large russet potatoes | 2 tsp olive oil | Kosher salt (optional)
- Arrange the potatoes on the oven rack and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Cut an X or a long slit across the top of each hot potato. Hold each potato with a kitchen towel and squeeze the sides toward the center to open it and expose more of the flesh.
- Sprinkle the potatoes with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve them with butter and your favorite garnishes.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
