Baked Potato

Here’s how to make the perfect classic baked potato — fluffy inside with crispy, salty skin. Simple, satisfying, and ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings.

🥔🔥 Classic Baked Potato

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes (the best variety for baking)

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

• Kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   425°F (218°C)

2. Prep Potatoes:

   • Scrub potatoes well and pat them dry.

   • Prick each potato a few times with a fork (to let steam escape).

   • Rub with olive oil or melted butter.

   • Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.

3. Bake:
   Place potatoes directly on the oven rack (or on a baking sheet with a rack).
   Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on size, until the skin is crisp and a fork slides in easily.

4. Serve:
   Let cool slightly, then slice open and fluff with a fork.

🧀 Favorite Toppings:

• Butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar

• Bacon bits, green onions, chives

• Steamed broccoli & cheese sauce

• Chili and shredded cheese

• Ranch dressing, hot sauce, or salsa

📝 Tips:

• Want extra crispy skin? Bake them directly on the oven rack, no foil.

• For a microwave shortcut: cook for 5–7 minutes (flipping halfway), then finish in a 450°F oven for 10–15 minutes to crisp the skin.

• Feeding a crowd? Bake in batches and keep warm in a low oven.

Would you like a loaded baked potato casserole version or twice-baked potatoes next?