How to Bake a Potato in the Oven

Oven baked potatoes are a side dish staple. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these potatoes are a simple way to make a meal elegant.

Table of Contents

An oven baked potato is the ultimate side dish. It is incredibly easy to make, taking just minutes of prep work, which means you can focus on the entrée. It can be customized, with so many toppings available for you and your guests, so everyone gets one the way they like it. And, like any good side dish, it can be served as a light lunch.

It’s shocking, then, that so many people don’t know the best way to make them. That’s where this recipe comes in.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

The contrasting textures of the crispy skin and the steamy, fluffy inside.
They go with a range of dishes, like oven-baked turkey or a nice grilled steak.
You can add any toppings of your choice and make this baked potato a meal in itself.

Are Baked Potatoes Healthy?

Baked potatoes can be a part of a vegan and gluten-free diet, which makes it the perfect side dish for a healthy meal and a go-to for when you have guests with varying dietary restrictions.
A potato baked with the skin is an excellent source of vitamins and is rich in magnesium and fiber. Fiber can help prevent heart disease and keep the blood-sugar level balanced.

INGREDIENTS

Have a potato? Then you probably already have all the ingredients needed for these baked potatoes.

2 medium russet potatoes
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp butter, cubed
pinch of sea salt
pinch of fresh black pepper
1 tbsp spring onions, chopped
sour cream (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Heat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Using a fork, poke a few holes in the potatoes on all sides.

Rub

Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with sea salt then place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake

Bake for at least 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft inside and the skin is crispy. Remove from the oven.

Squeeze

Using a small paring knife, slice halfway through the potato and gently squeeze each potato open.

Top

Top each baked potato with a tablespoon of butter and sprinkle chopped spring onions on top.

DEVOUR!

Variations

You can use different kinds of toppings for baked potatoes. Go classic and eat it with a bit of butter and freshly ground black pepper, or load it with some cheddar cheese and sour cream. This is your time to be creative!
If you don’t like sour cream, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Use any herbs that you prefer, like coriander, parsley, or chives.

Serving Suggestions

You can load up your baked potatoes and have it as a snack or lunch. Or you can pair it with one of these entrees:

No-Bean Low-Carb Keto Turkey Chili: This one shouldn’t be surprising, as a lot of people serve chili atop their baked potatoes. The fiber of the beans won’t be missed as the potato takes care of that.

Braised-Beef Short Ribs: Your teeth won’t be needed here. These ribs are tender and only need one pot.

Stovetop Chicken Breast: While the potato is baking in the oven, you can have this chicken cooking on the stove. Full of lean protein and can be served with a variety of spices and sauces.

FAQs

Why do you have to poke the potatoes before baking?

Hole-poking gives you perfectly baked potatoes. During baking, steam escapes through the holes, which prevents the potatoes from exploding.

How long do i need to bake the potatoes?

The baking time of a potato depends on its size. In this recipe, I used medium-sized potatoes, which will usually bake in around 50-60 minutes. When the potato is done cooking, you should be able to slide a fork into the potato without resistance.

Do I have to oil the potatoes before baking them?

The oil gives the potato a nice, crispy skin. They will also appear shiny and dark, which will look more appetizing.

How to Store Baked Potatoes

Let your baked potatoes cool completely. Wrap them in foil or keep them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat them, you can put them in the oven at around 350°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also remove the foil and microwave the potatoes for 2-3 minutes. You may want to rotate the potato to ensure even cooking. You can also freeze the potatoes for up to 3 months. Just package it as before but let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.