Description
This recipe outlines the steps to make perfect baked potatoes with crispy skins and fluffy interiors, baked directly in the oven and easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Cheese
- Chives
- Butter
- Any toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the potatoes evenly with a crispy skin.
- Clean Potatoes: Scrub each russet potato thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt and debris from the skin.
- Dry Potatoes: Pat the potatoes dry carefully with a kitchen towel to ensure the oil adheres properly and the skins crisp up.
- Prepare Potatoes for Baking: Use a fork to poke several holes all over each potato; this allows steam to escape during baking, preventing bursting.
- Season Potatoes: Rub each potato completely with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor and crispy skin.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until skins are crispy and the interiors are soft when tested with a fork.
- Rest Potatoes: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly for a few minutes, making them easier to handle and slice.
- Serve with Toppings: Slice open the potatoes and add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cheese, chives, or butter to enjoy a delicious meal.
Notes
- Using russet potatoes is key for fluffy interiors and crispy skins.
- Poking holes with a fork prevents potatoes from bursting during baking.
- Baking directly on the oven rack helps heat circulate evenly for crispier skin.
- Adjust baking time based on the size of the potatoes; larger ones may need the full 60 minutes.
- Feel free to customize toppings to suit your taste preferences.
