We’ll keep these oven baked potatoes simple with a bit of oil, salt, pepper and a nice dollop of butter on top. This easy baked potato recipe is reminiscent of fluffy buttery mashed potatoes but better because it’s served in nice crispy potato skins.
A classic comfort food that’s super easy to make. Let me show you how we achieve perfectly fluffy potatoes and crispy skins every time with this foolproof recipe.
You should also try our mashed potatoes for two and this summer potato salad with pickles!
Easy baked potatoes recipe
When it comes to simple, satisfying side dishes, Russet potatoes fresh from the oven are hard to beat. These perfectly cooked spuds with light, fluffy centers served in crackling jackets are what comfort food is made of.
Although this process is straightforward, there are a few key steps to ensure oven perfection every time.
I’ll share to how to make the best oven-baked potatoes, plus my top tips for storing, reheating, and how to make it in the air fryer.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, this post has everything you need.
Recipe Highlights
- It's incredibly easy - just a few basic ingredients and steps are all you need.
- Baked potatoes are an affordable, filling option great for busy weeknights.
- Endless topping possibilities mean you'll never get bored.
- Make-ahead and leftovers are a easy to reheat for quick meals.
Ingredients
- 5 Russet potatoes
- 1 Tablespoon Oil of choice. ( I used Avocado oil)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- Butter for serving
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- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
- Knife
How to bake potatoes
This is an overview of the recipe with step by step photos. Scroll down to end of post for a printable recipe card with the amount of ingredients and full recipe instructions.
Oven baked potatoes
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
For the fluffiest oven baked potatoes, start by pricking holes in the skins to allow steam to escape.
Rubbing the skins with oil, salt and pepper helps achieve that crispy, seasoned exterior everyone loves.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 mins or until the internal temperature reaches 205°F (96°C) to 210°F (99°C)
Got an air fryer? You can use it too.
While the oven is standard, the air fryer is another stellar option for baking potatoes with great results in 40 mins.
Follow the same steps above then air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 40 to 50 mins.
What to serve with baked potatoes
One of the reasons I love baked potatoes is their versatility. Sometimes we keep it simple with just butter, sour cream and chives and if we are feeling extra, we load them up with heartier toppings like chili, broccoli cheese sauce or barbecue pulled pork or chicken.
Here are some other ways to serve it.
- Add a protein like grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or pork chops.
- Serve with a salad or some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions
How to store
Let potatoes cool completely then refrigerate cooled potatoes for 3-5 days. To reheat, the oven or microwave both work well however if you want to re-crisp the skin, the air fryer or oven would give you the results you want.
Helpful Tips
- Choose potatoes around the same size so they cook evenly
- Scrub the potatoes very well then dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Don't wrap in foil, it will steam the potato skins instead of crisping them up.
- For an extra fluffy interior, make a deep crosswise cut and fluff with a fork.
- The size of the potatoes and temperature of the oven will determine how long baked potatoes will take to cook. Smaller spuds would take less time. Cooking at lower temperatures of 400°F (200°C) these potatoes will take up to 70 mins to cook.
FAQs
At 425°F, plan on 50-60 minutes for large russets. However if you cook at a lower temperature it will take up to 70 mins.
Smaller potatoes will cook in less time. If the internal temperature is 205°F (96°C) to 210°F (99°C) then it’s full cooked.
You can also check by poking a fork into the potatoes to see how soft they are.
Classic options include butter, sour cream, cheese, chives or bacon bits. Get creative with chili, broccoli, salsa and more!
Yes, this allows steam to escape and prevents bursting.
More recipes like this one
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Loaded baked potatoes with bacon and cheese
- Check out all our Home Cooked Recipes
With just a few basic ingredients and our easy instructions, you can make this delightful oven baked potatoes at home anytime. Be sure to grab a bag of russets on your next grocery run and follow the tips I shared with you for fluffy, perfectly cooked spuds everyone will love!
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Oven baked potatoes
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
Ingredients
- 5 large Russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Butter
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Bacon
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside, then preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Rinse the potatoes under water while scrubbing to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- With a fork, prick holes around each potato, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Rub oil over the entire surface of each potato and season them all over with salt and pepper. You can add other spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne if you prefer.
- Bake the potatoes for 50-60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 205°F (96°C) or until a fork can easily pierce through. If more time is needed, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.
- Once fork-tender, remove baking sheet from oven, let it rest for 5 mins then use a knife to cut each potato lengthwise and gently pull it open. (Be careful cos it will be steaming hot)
- Push the ends towards each other and use a fork to fluff up the inside.
- Serve the baked potatoes with pats of butter, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, and crumbled bacon if using the optional toppings.
Notes
- Foil can be used instead of parchment to line the baking sheet.
- Pricking holes in the potatoes helps vent steam and prevent the potatoes from exploding.
- Try to select potatoes of uniform size for even cooking.
- Avocado oil is preferred over olive oil due to its higher smoke point.
- Melted butter can be brushed on instead of oil if desired.
- Top with your favorite extras like guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, jalapeños, red pepper flakes, etc.
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