Oven Baked Potatoes

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Oven Baked Potatoes are one of those comfort foods that never go out of style. With a perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interior, they make the ultimate side dish for just about any meal. Whether you’re dressing them up with butter and sour cream or keeping things simple with a sprinkle of salt, these golden beauties always deliver.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own potatoes from scratch. It takes just a few basic ingredients and a little oven time to bring out the rich, earthy flavor of the potato. They’re hearty, affordable, and endlessly customizable. Plus, they leave your kitchen smelling amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is about as low-effort as it gets with maximum reward. No need for fancy tools or ingredients. Oven baked potatoes are naturally gluten-free, and they suit a wide variety of diets. They can be loaded up for a full meal or kept plain and simple as a humble side. And if you’re making a big dinner, they hold up beautifully when made ahead of time.

What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Oven Baking?

For that classic fluffy texture, Russet potatoes are the go-to. Their starchy nature creates that pillowy inside when baked properly. Yukon Golds are a close second if you prefer a creamier texture and thinner skin. Avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes or fingerlings, which don’t bake up with the same airy interior.

Ingredients for the Oven Baked Potatoes

Choosing the right ingredients makes a world of difference. This recipe keeps it minimal but mighty.

Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content makes them ideal for a crispy skin and fluffy inside.

Olive Oil: Helps the skin crisp up beautifully and adds a touch of richness.

Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and aids in drawing moisture from the skin for extra crispiness.

Black Pepper (optional): Adds a subtle kick of spice.

How To Make the Oven Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash your potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt, then pat them dry. Use a fork to poke holes around each potato to allow steam to escape.

Step 2: Season and Oil

Rub each potato with olive oil until coated all over. Sprinkle with kosher salt, and if desired, a pinch of black pepper. This step ensures crispy, flavorful skin.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. They should be fork-tender inside with a crisp skin.

Step 4: Let Them Rest

Once baked, let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes before slicing open. This helps the steam settle and keeps the inside moist and fluffy.

How to Serve and Store Oven Baked Potatoes

These baked potatoes are a dinner table workhorse. Serve them straight out of the oven with butter, sour cream, chives, or shredded cheese for a classic combo. Want a full meal? Pile on some chili or roasted veggies.

This recipe feeds about 4 people, depending on serving size. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crisp.

What to Serve With Oven Baked Potatoes?

Grilled Steak

The robust flavors of grilled steak pair perfectly with the simple fluffiness of a baked potato.

Roast Chicken

A crispy-skinned roast chicken next to a buttery baked potato is a timeless comfort meal.

Chili

Top your potato with a hearty scoop of chili for a filling and flavorful meal.

BBQ Ribs

The smoky sweetness of BBQ ribs complements the neutral base of a baked potato.

Garden Salad

Balance the warm, dense potato with a light and crisp salad for a fresh side.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Add earthy depth with garlicky mushrooms spooned over the top.

Broccoli and Cheese Sauce

A classic combo that turns your spud into a full-on indulgence.

Fried Eggs

Perfect for brunch vibes—top your potato with a runny fried egg for breakfast-for-dinner delight.

Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?

If you love these oven baked potatoes, you’ll definitely want to check out:

• Cajun Potato Soup for something creamy with a spicy twist.
• Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions for a crispy skillet-style version.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes when you want everything baked together.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn if you need a sweet and savory pairing.
• Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes for a healthy, hearty dinner idea.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how you served yours. Did you load them up or keep it simple?

I always love seeing how you personalize these recipes. Don’t hesitate to drop questions either—we’re all here to make dinner easier and more delicious.

Explore beautifully curated comforting dishes and healthy family meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite go-to meal.

Conclusion

Oven baked potatoes are a simple pleasure that fits into any meal plan. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and completely customizable, they bring comfort and satisfaction to the table every time. Once you master the basics, you’ll want to bake them again and again, especially because they pair with just about anything you have planned for dinner.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?