A baked potato is the perfect easy side dish. And learning how to bake a potato is a snap with these simple instructions.
Is there anything more comforting than a baked potato smothered in butter or sour cream and topped with bacon bits and chives? It’s such a great side dish, but you can change it up in so many different ways to make it a main meal.
How to Bake a Potato
Step 1: Season the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes clean, then rub them lightly with extra virgin olive oil and salt them with kosher salt. This will create a delightfully crispy skin.
Step 2: Bake the Potatoes
Set them on a baking sheet and cook for one hour or until you can easily slice through one. Slice open and enjoy!
How Long to Bake a Potato
When baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven, potatoes need to bake for about an hour. Because the size and oven temperatures can vary, so can the baking time. You will know your potato is ready when it can be easily sliced into or pierced with a fork. The inside of the potato will be tender and the potato skins should be crisp. If you have an instant-read thermometer, you are looking for an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Baked Potato Toppings
Whether you want a loaded baked potato or just a simple one, one of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
- Butter
- Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- Bacon bits: Make some bacon in the air fryer
- Chives or diced green onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chili: My easy chili recipe simmers on your stovetop while the potatoes bake, or you can make crockpot chili and keep it warm in your slow cooker.
- Taco meat: This is even more amazing when you add in some salsa and guacamole.
- Air Fryer Broccoli (with or without cheese!)
Baked Potato Bar
Baked potatoes are an easy and crowd-pleasing way to feed a group, especially when you turn them into a fun and customizable potato bar! Once the potatoes are baked until fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, set out a variety of toppings so each guest or family member can build their own perfect baked potato, including any of the toppings I shared above.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Want to bake sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Simply swap out Russet potatoes for sweet potatoes and follow the recipe as written, being sure to monitor the sweet potatoes for doneness. You can also make sweet potatoes in the slow cooker!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Baked Potatoes
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the potato in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until heated through.
Favorite Potato Recipes
This is also a perfect method to prep potatoes for some of these great recipes:
If you make this recipe for baked potatoes or any of my other recipes, leave a comment and let me know how you enjoyed it!
Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes scrubbed clean
- extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.4 russet potatoes
- Rub the potatoes lightly with extra virgin olive oil and salt them with kosher salt.extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt
- Set them on a baking sheet and cook for one hour or until you can easily slice through one or until the potato registers 205 degrees Fahrenheit with an instant-read thermometer.
- Cut open and serve with butter, sour cream, or other desired toppings.
Notes
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