Crisp Oven-Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are an easy and comforting side dish known for their crispy skin and fluffy and tender insides. Served with a dollop of butter or sour cream, these baked potatoes can be loaded with your favourite toppings and if you love easy potato dishes try these crispy roasted potatoes. Basically, a different dish every time!
In this blog post, you will learn how to make baked potatoes.
How to Make Baked Potatoes
For this potato recipe, you are going to leave the skin on the potatoes so you will need to give them a good wash. Take the potatoes and wash them in your sink and make sure to fully pat them dry after washing.
Take a knife and poke small slices into the potato to allow air to circulate during baking. Rip off pieces of aluminum foil and place an individual potato on top of each of piece of foil.
Rub a decent amount of extra virgin olive oil onto each potato and generously season with salt and pepper. Then wrap up each potato individually in their piece of aluminum foil.
Place into the oven on one of the top racks and bake in the oven for an hour. Remove from the oven and take off the aluminum foil wraps and place them onto a plate.
Slice open each potato as soon as they are done baking to release steam.
Put the toppings on that you would like onto the potatoes. See my list below for inspiration of what toppings to use! Once your toppings are on, serve and enjoy!
Serve these baked potatoes alongside oven roasted carrots or roasted asparagus for an easy and delicious dinner.
How do I Know When My Baked Potatoes are Finished?
To know when baked potatoes are finished baking, you can check for the following signs:
- Softness: Gently squeeze the potato with an oven mitt. A fully baked potato will give slightly under pressure and feel soft throughout.
- Fork Test: Insert a fork or skewer into the center of the potato. It should slide in easily without resistance. If it is tough to pierce, the potato needs more time.
- Crisp Skin: The skin should be golden brown and crisp, while the inside remains fluffy.
- Internal Temperature: For precise results, the internal temperature should be around 205°F to 210°F (96°C to 99°C) when using a thermometer.
Consequently, these signs will ensure your baked potatoes are cooked through and tender.
What are the Best Potatoes to Use?
The best potatoes to use for baked potatoes are ones that have a high starch content because you will get a fluffy interior when they are baked. Below are some of the top varieties to achieve that outcome.
- Russet Potatoes
- Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Rooster Potatoes
- Maris Piper
For the crispiest skins and fluffiest insides, Russet potatoes are the top choice. However, Yukon Gold and Rooster varieties can offer a more flavourful and creamy result.
Baked Potato Toppings
There are so many different ways to add toppings to baked potatoes. I have some of the most popular toppings listed below to inspire you with what you can do with this potato recipe.
- Classic: butter, sour cream, chives or green onions, salt and pepper
- Cheese & Dairy: shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, crumbled blue cheese, Greek yogurt
- Protein: bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon, grilled chicken or pulled pork, slow cooker chili (beef or vegetarian), ground beef or taco filling
- Vegetables: sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, spinach, avocado slices
- Sauces & Condiments: salsa or pico de gallo, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, hot sauce
- Additional Flavours: crumbled feta or goat cheese, caramelized onions, fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, thyme), garlic butter, guacamole
Storage
Baked potatoes are best served straight from the oven; however, if you have extras leftover you can store them.
To store in the refrigerator, wrap each potato individually in either plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.
To store in the freezer, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them into a freezer safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer.
You can reheat them in the either the oven or the microwave. For a crispier skin, reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350℉/175℃/Gas Mark 4 for 15-20 minutes. For a softer skin, reheat them in the microwave for 2-4 minutes making sure to flip halfway through.
Ingredients
Potatoes: potatoes are the star of this dish. Russet and Yukon Gold are also the best for baking for this meal.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: olive oil coats the potato skins which then creates a crispy and golden-brown skin.
Salt: salt enhances the flavour of the potatoes.
Black Pepper: black pepper adds a hint of spice.
Sour Cream (optional): sour cream is a popular topping that balances out the savoury flavour of the potato.
More easy potato and side dishes!
- Oven Roasted Potatoes
- Air Fryer Potato Cubes
- Potato Wedges
- Smashed Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Oven Baked Green Beans with Parmesan
Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 8 medium potatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional 2 c. of sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉/200℃/Gas Mark 6.
- Take the potatoes and wash them in your sink and then dry them off. With your knife, poke slices into the sides of the potatoes to allow air to enter them during the baking process. Cover the potatoes in a very thin coating of extra virgin olive oil.
- Rip off 8 sheets of aluminum foil and place a potato onto each of their respective sheets and fold them around the potato ending with the folded edge facing upwards.
- Place the wrapped potatoes into the oven on one of the top shelves and bake for an hour until they are soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool. Serve with shredded cheese, butter, or sour cream!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wrap baked potatoes in foil?
No, you don’t need to wrap potatoes in foil if you’re looking for crispy skin. Baking them uncovered allows the outside to become beautifully crisp while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
Should I poke holes in potatoes before baking?
Yes. Use a fork to prick the potatoes several times before baking. This allows steam to escape as the potatoes cook.
Should I put oil on baked potatoes?
Yes! Rubbing the potato skins with a small amount of olive oil helps them become crisp and golden in the oven. Seasoning the skins with salt also adds delicious flavor.
How do I know when a baked potato is done?
The potato should feel soft when gently pressed with an oven mitt. You can also insert a fork or knife into the center; it should slide in easily without much resistance.
Can I make baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Baked potatoes can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated. For the best texture, reheat them in the oven or air fryer so the skin can crisp back up.
Why is my baked potato not fluffy inside?
Potatoes can remain firm if they haven’t cooked long enough. Make sure you’re using a suitable baking potato, such as a Russet, and cook it until the center is completely tender.
What can I serve with baked potatoes?
Baked potatoes make an easy side dish for steak, roast chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, grilled chicken, salmon, and BBQ. They can also be loaded with toppings and served as a simple main meal.