The Classic Baked Potato is a timeless comfort food—crispy on the outside, fluffy and steamy on the inside, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side dish or loading it up as a main course, a perfectly baked potato is a blank canvas for flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can achieve that golden, crackly skin and tender interior that makes this dish so satisfying. From butter and sour cream to chili, cheese, or even smoked fish, the baked potato adapts to every craving and occasion.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 2 large floury potatoes (Russet, Maris Piper, or King Edward)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional toppings:
- Salted butter
- Sour cream
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Crumbled bacon
- Smoked mackerel or trout
- Horseradish or mustard
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to achieving that crisp, golden skin. - Prep the Potatoes:
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water, scrubbing off any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Using a fork, prick each potato several times all over—this allows steam to escape during baking and prevents them from bursting. - Oil and Season:
Pour a little olive oil into your hands and rub it all over the potatoes. This helps the skins crisp up beautifully. Sprinkle generously with sea salt, pressing it gently into the skin so it sticks. - Bake the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around them, ensuring even cooking. Bake for 1¼ to 1½ hours, depending on the size of the potatoes. They’re done when the skins are crisp and the potatoes give slightly when squeezed. - Split and Fluff:
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit across the top of each potato. Gently squeeze the ends to open them up and fluff the insides with a fork. - Add Toppings:
Now comes the fun part—toppings! Start with a generous knob of salted butter and let it melt into the fluffy interior. Add sour cream, shredded cheese, or any of your favorite toppings. For a gourmet twist, mix the scooped-out potato flesh with flaked smoked fish, herbs, mustard, and cheese, then return it to the skins and broil until golden and bubbling.
Tips & Variations:
- Crispier Skin: For extra crunch, bake the potatoes uncovered and avoid wrapping them in foil.
- Make it a Meal: Load your potato with chili, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted veggies for a filling main dish.
- Double-Bake: Scoop out the flesh, mix with your favorite fillings, and return to the skins. Top with cheese and bake again until golden.
- Storage: Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
Whether you’re keeping it simple with butter and salt or going all out with gourmet toppings, the baked potato is a humble dish that never fails to satisfy. Want to try a cheesy twice-baked version or a loaded Tex-Mex twist next? I’ve got ideas for that too 🥔🧈✨ Let’s keep the comfort food coming!