A simple baked potato is the easiest side dish you can make. I learned recently that a double bake will give them a thick, crunchy skin, so that's what we're trying today. But if you're feeling lazy, a single bake is perfectly fine too. Ready in about an hour!
Looking for more potato recipes? Try my potato salad next!
About This Recipe
I always wondered how restaurants and steakhouses were able to make some of the crunchiest baked potatoes. Every baked potato I've ever made came out pretty limp, though the inside was creamy and fluffy, the skin just did not live up to my expectations.
Recently, I discovered two tricks for crisping up the skin. First, you need to bake the potato twice. The first bake cooks the inside. Then you let it rest for a bit. Then do another bake to crisp up the skin. The idea is that after the first bake, some of the moisture will go into the skin, and when you bake it again, it should crisp it up.
The second trick is to bake the potato directly on the oven rack. This will allow air circulation all around the potato so that it crisps up evenly, not just on one side.
Key Ingredients
Russet Potatoes: The gold standard for baked potatoes is Russet potatoes! They have a thicker skin than other potatoes. Thicker skin = more crunch!
Oil: Because we are baking on high heat, I recommend a neutral oil like canola or vegetable.
Salt: This will help dry out the skin, which makes it crispier.
Instructions
STEP 1: Scrub the potatoes under running water, and dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
STEP 2: Use a fork or toothpick to poke holes around the potato (this prevents pressure from building up).
STEP 3: Rub the potatoes all over with oil and salt.
STEP 4: Place the potatoes directly on the baking rack and bake at 450°F for 60 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
STEP 5: Remove the potatoes and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Brush with another layer of oil and salt. In the meantime, increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Return the potatoes to the oven for another 10-15 minutes.
Best Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 3-4 large Russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon oil (or bacon grease)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Scrubs the potatoes under tap water and dry thoroughly.
- Grease the outside of the potatoes with bacon grease (or olive oil). Rub them with salt.
- Poke 5–6 holes around each potato using a fork or toothpick.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 60 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to rest for 10 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F.
- Brush the potatoes with another layer of oil and salt. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes OR air-fry at 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Enjoy as is or add your favorite toppings!
Shirley
Delicious! My family loved them!