The Best Homemade Baked Potato Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade baked potato recipe is simple, comforting, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd. You’ll love how it’s easy to customize. Just pick your favorite toppings, like cheese, sour cream, or chives, and make it your own. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, using just a few basic ingredients you probably already have. Plus, the crispy skin and fluffy inside are so satisfying, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Recipe
Homemade baked potatoes are a simple and comforting dish that can be served as a side or a main meal. With a crispy skin and a fluffy interior, they are versatile and can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean under running water and pat them dry with a towel.
- Poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
- Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and a fork easily pierces the center of the potatoes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, wrap the potatoes in foil before baking, but this will result in a softer skin.
- Add toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon as desired.
Equipment:
- Baking sheet or oven rack
- Fork
- Towel
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 45–60 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 4
Nutrition
Baked potatoes are a nutrient-dense food that provides essential vitamins and minerals. Below is the nutritional breakdown for one medium-sized baked potato (about 173 grams).
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 161 kcal |
| Protein | 4.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Sugars | 2.2 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Vitamin C | 16.6 mg |
| Potassium | 926 mg |
| Magnesium | 48 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my baked potatoes with classic toppings like sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese—it’s simple but always satisfying. For a heartier meal, I’ll add a side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad to balance things out. Sometimes, I even go for a bowl of chili or grilled chicken to make it a complete dinner.
Classic Toppings
Enhancing a baked potato with the right toppings can turn it into a comforting meal or a satisfying side dish. I love starting with a creamy cheese sauce that melts perfectly over the fluffy interior, adding richness with every bite. Another favorite of mine is chive butter—it’s simple to make by mixing softened butter with fresh chives, then letting it melt into the potato for a burst of flavor. Sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of green onions are also classics that never disappoint. These toppings are easy to customize, making each baked potato feel like a personal creation.
Side Dish Ideas
A perfectly baked potato pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that can elevate your meal to something special. I love serving it with crispy potato skins topped with melted cheese sauce for an extra layer of indulgence. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice contrast, while roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts bring a hearty touch. Don’t forget a bowl of creamy soup, like broccoli cheddar or tomato basil, to keep things cozy. For a lighter option, a fruit salad or grilled asparagus works beautifully. Mix and match to create your perfect plate!
