🥔 Perfect Baked Potato Recipe (Crispy Skin + Fluffy Inside)

🍽 Serves: 2–4

⏱ Total Time: 1 hour

🔥 Cooking Method: Oven-baked

✅ Ingredients:

• 2–4 Russet potatoes (medium to large)

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)

• 1 tbsp kosher salt or coarse sea salt

🧈 Optional Toppings:

• Butter

• Sour cream

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Sliced green onions or chives

• Crumbled bacon

• Steamed broccoli

• Salt & pepper to taste

🔪 Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prep the Potatoes

• Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.

• Dry them well with a towel.

• Prick each potato 5–6 times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

3. Season the Skin

• Rub each potato with olive oil to lightly coat.

• Sprinkle kosher salt all over the skins. This gives them a delicious crisp and flavor.

4. Bake the Potatoes

• Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

• Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on size.

• Potatoes are done when:

  • A knife or skewer slides in easily.

  • The skin is crisp and the inside feels soft when gently squeezed.

5. Serve

• Slice the top open lengthwise.

• Use a fork to fluff the inside.

• Add a pat of butter and any other toppings you like.

💡 Tips for Best Results:

• Don’t wrap in foil — it traps moisture and prevents crispy skin.

• For extra-crispy skin, bake directly on the oven rack without a pan.

• For crispier skin: after baking, turn off the oven and let the potatoes sit inside for 10 more minutes before serving.

🧀 Topping Variations: