Baked Potatoes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
Total Time: 50–65 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Side Dish
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Notes After Making
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Ingredients
Baked Potatoes
- 3 large russet potatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for coating
- Sea salt, for seasoning
For Serving
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cooked bacon
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a fork to poke several holes into each potato.
- Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Rub the skins generously with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with sea salt.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skins are crisp.
- Remove from the oven and carefully slice each potato open lengthwise.
- Fluff the insides with a fork and add your desired toppings.
- Serve immediately.
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Jessica’s Notes
Best served with:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Crispy chopped bacon
- Butter
- Chives or green onions
- Chili
- Pulled pork
Prep Ahead:
- Potatoes can be baked several hours ahead and reheated before serving.
- Baked potatoes can also be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days before reheating.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Store toppings separately.
Freezer-Friendly:
- Baked potatoes can be frozen, although the texture may be slightly softer after thawing.
- Wrap cooled potatoes individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Oven — crispy skin, fluffy inside:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- If the potato is refrigerated, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes if possible.
- Place it directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or 20–30 minutes for a very large potato, until heated through.
- For extra-crispy skin, lightly rub the outside with a little oil and a pinch of salt before reheating.
Microwave — fastest:
- Cut the potato in half or poke a few holes with a fork.
- Cover with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave at 50–70% power for 2–4 minutes, turning halfway through.
- This keeps the inside moist, although the skin will not stay crisp.
Microwave + Air Fryer/Convection Oven — best of both worlds:
- Microwave the potato for 1–2 minutes to warm the center.
- Transfer to an air fryer or convection oven set to 375°F.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the potato is heated through.
Variations:
- Add chili for a hearty meal.
- Top with pulled pork and barbecue sauce.
- Make loaded baked potatoes with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
