Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these Crispy Baked Potatoes are a simple yet satisfying side dish or main course. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty roast or enjoying them with your favorite toppings as a standalone meal, these potatoes are a timeless favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile, easy to make, and delivers perfect results every time. The potatoes are seasoned simply, allowing their natural flavor to shine through, and they pair beautifully with a wide range of toppings and main dishes. Plus, they’re healthier than fried options, making them an excellent guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 medium-sized russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Season the Potatoes:
Using a fork, poke each potato several times to create small holes. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
Bake:
Place the potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the skins are crisp and a fork can easily pierce the center.
Serve:
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice them open, fluff the insides with a fork, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or butter.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 potatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Herb Lovers: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix for an herby twist.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a touch of heat.
Cheesy Delight: Add shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty topping.
Loaded Style: Top with sour cream, crumbled bacon, and green onions for a classic loaded baked potato.
Sweet Potato Option: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and equally delicious alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.
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FAQs
How do I make the skin extra crispy?
I recommend thoroughly drying the potatoes after washing them and coating them generously with olive oil before baking. This helps create a crispy, golden skin.
Can I bake these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them ahead and reheat them before serving. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
What toppings work best for baked potatoes?
I love using sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, chives, or even a dollop of chili for hearty toppings. You can customize them to your taste.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes are best for their fluffy interior and crispy skin, but Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes can also work well with slight texture differences.
Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
No, baking the potatoes directly on the sheet allows the skins to crisp up better. Foil can trap moisture, leading to softer skins.
Conclusion
Crispy baked potatoes are a simple yet delightful dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re dressing them up with gourmet toppings or enjoying them plain, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy perfectly crispy, fluffy potatoes every time.
📖 Recipe:
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Crispy Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Perfectly crispy baked potatoes are the ultimate side dish or main course. With golden, crunchy skins and fluffy interiors, they are easy to make and pair beautifully with any toppings. This recipe delivers healthier and flavorful results every time.
Ingredients
4 medium-sized russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then pat them dry.
- Poke holes in each potato with a fork. Coat with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, flipping halfway, until skins are crispy and insides are tender.
- Remove, cool slightly, slice open, and fluff. Garnish with parsley or chives, and serve with toppings of choice.
Notes
Thoroughly dry potatoes before seasoning for extra crispy skins.
Adjust seasonings to taste or add your favorite herbs for variation.
For loaded baked potatoes, top with sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, and green onions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal
