Print

Perfect Oven-Baked Russet Potato Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.3 from 27 reviews

Learn how to bake a potato like a pro with this simple recipe that yields perfectly fluffy insides and crispy skin. Using just russet potatoes, salt, and optional olive oil, this oven-baked potato guide is easy to follow and customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 4 medium russet potatoes (8–16 ounces each)

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
  • Salt (sea salt or kosher salt) as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the potatoes evenly with a crispy skin.
  2. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub each potato thoroughly to remove dirt, then pat them dry completely to ensure crispiness during baking.
  3. Oil and Salt the Potatoes: Lightly coat each potato with about ¼ teaspoon of olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt on all sides. For an oil-free version, coat with salt while still damp.
  4. Place on Rack for Baking: Arrange the potatoes on a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. If you don’t have a rack, place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and put a sheet pan on the lower rack to catch drips.
  5. Prick the Potatoes: Using a fork, prick the top of each potato 2-3 times about ½ inch deep to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing bursting.
  6. Bake the Potatoes: Bake on the middle rack until tender and the internal temperature reaches between 205°F and 210°F, usually about 50-60 minutes for medium potatoes. Adjust time for larger potatoes accordingly.
  7. Serve the Potatoes: Remove immediately from the oven and make a lengthwise slit without cutting through the ends. Use both hands (or a kitchen towel) to gently squeeze the potato open, fluffing the flesh with a fork.
  8. Add Toppings and Enjoy: Serve with your preferred toppings such as butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, or vegan alternatives.

Notes

  • If you don’t have a wire rack, place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and position a sheet pan on the lower rack to catch drips.
  • For extra-large potatoes (1 lb plus), reduce oven temperature to 400°F and bake for about 1 ½ hours. To speed baking, pierce the potatoes lengthwise with a metal skewer or microwave them 5 to 10 minutes before baking.
  • Oil-free option: after washing and while damp, coat the potatoes with salt only; this will still produce a flavorful, crispy skin.
  • Optional toppings include butter, olive oil, ghee, pepper, chili flakes, green onions, sour cream, yogurt, cheese, crumbled bacon, coconut bacon, guacamole, chili, or vegan substitutes.

Keywords: baked potato, oven baked potatoes, crispy potato skin, easy potato recipe, side dish, russet potatoes

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/perfect-oven-baked-russet-potato-recipe/