Baked potatoes, a timeless classic, are more than just a side dish – they’re a canvas for culinary creativity! Baked to fork-tender, this baked potato recipe needs to be on the menu for your next family dinner night!  These would be great served with oven-roasted chicken breasts!

A baked Potato with a pad of buttter.

How to Make The Perfect Baked Potato

Start with the right foundation – choose high-quality russet or Idaho potatoes. Their starchy interior is key to achieving that sought-after fluffiness. Before baking, scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Prick the skins with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake the potatoes until they have a crispy skin and a tender inside.

Potato Perfection

Baked Potato Tips

Prick the Potatoes

Pricking the skin creates small openings, acting as a steam escape route during the baking process. This simple step prevents the potatoes from turning into mini steam bombs in your oven.

High Temperature Baking

These potatoes are baked at 400°F. This high temperature ensures a crispy potato skin and a tender and fluffy inside.

Baked potatoes on a baking sheet with a pad of butter in the center.

Optional Toppings

Now, here’s where the magic happens – toppings! Load up your baked potato with a variety of choices. The possibilities are endless, catering to every palate. Better yet? Make up a baked potato bar! Here are some of the classic toppings you could include:

  • sour cream
  • chives
  • chopped onions
  • bacon bits
  • cheddar cheese
  • cheese sauce
  • chili
  • sauteed or steamed veggies
  • jalapenos
  • Green onions
  • Salsa

Serving Suggestions

Baked potatoes aren’t just a sidekick – they can steal the spotlight as the main course. Pair them with a crisp lemon parmesan kale salad for a balanced and satisfying meal! Add them to your holiday dinner menu alongside Maple Glazed Ham and Texas Roadhouse Rolls!

A baked Potato with a pad of buttter.

Baked Potato

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Potatoes are a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. With just a little oil and salt, a baked potato is a healthy side dish or light lunch. Baked to fork-tender, these baked potatoes need to be on the menu for your family dinner night!
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Ingredients

  • 8 russet potatoes, washed
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Wash potatoes and pat dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, pierce 8-10 holes around the surface of each potato.
  • Coat each potato with canola oil and salt.
  • Place the coated potatoes on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Remove baked potatoes from the oven and let cool before serving.
Course: Side Dish
Keyword: Baked Potatoes
Servings: 8
Author: Amanda Rettke–goodrealfood.com

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