Few side dishes are as simple yet satisfying as the classic baked potato — crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients. Whether served alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or enjoyed as a comforting meal on its own, a perfectly baked potato is a timeless kitchen staple that never goes out of style.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to achieve that perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, buttery interior, along with pro tips and topping ideas to elevate your baked potato game.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (the best for baking due to their starchy texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Coarse sea salt (for the perfect crust)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Butter, for serving
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional)
- Sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits — or any of your favorite toppings
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Choose the Right Potato
For the perfect baked potato, use russet potatoes. They have a high starch content and low moisture, giving that light, fluffy interior everyone loves.
Step 2: Prep and Clean
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Scrub the skins with a brush — since you’ll be eating the skin, you want it perfectly clean.
Pat dry with a towel.
Step 3: Poke and Coat
TO CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE PLEASE SEE PAGE 2
