With just a few simple ingredients, these Crispy Baked Potatoes turn out just like the ones you’d find at your favorite steakhouse—crisp and salty on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside. They’re the perfect side dish to pair with nearly any meal, from grilled steak to roasted chicken.
Why You’ll Love These Potatoes
These baked potatoes are:
- Incredibly easy to make with only 3 ingredients
- Restaurant-quality, with a crispy skin and fluffy interior
- Totally customizable with your favorite toppings
- A great side for any meal, all year round
Rave Reviews from Readers
“My Mother made these potatoes when I was a kid. I’m 77 now and yes, they are the best baked potatoes ever. These days we love them with butter, cheese, and sour cream—or even with pulled pork. Thank you for putting this recipe on Pinterest!” – Pam
Ingredients
You only need 3 ingredients to make the crispiest baked potato ever:
- 1 Russet potato – the best choice for baking due to its starchy texture
- ½ tablespoon olive oil – helps create that golden, crispy skin
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt – adds the perfect savory crust
And of course, finish them off with your favorite toppings: butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives, and more!
How to Make Crispy Baked Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potato thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry using a paper towel—removing moisture helps crisp the skin.
- Pierce the potato all over with a fork. This lets steam escape during baking so it won’t burst.
- Brush the entire surface with olive oil.
- Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
- Bake directly on a baking sheet for 1 hour, or until a knife or toothpick slides in easily. If your potato is smaller, start checking around 45 minutes.
- Slice open, pinch the sides to fluff up the inside, and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Tips for Extra-Crispy Potatoes
- Dry them thoroughly after washing—this is key to that crisp skin!
- Don’t skip the fork piercings—they prevent your potatoes from exploding in the oven.
- Bake directly on a tray rather than wrapping in foil; foil will steam the skin instead of crisping it.
Topping Ideas
You can go as classic or as creative as you like! Here are a few favorites:
- Butter, salt & pepper
- Sour cream and shredded cheese
- Bacon bits and scallions
- Chili and cheddar (turns it into a full meal!)
- Ranch dressing and crispy onions
Storage Tips
These baked potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored:
- In the fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- To reheat: Place in the oven at 400°F until heated through. Note that the skin may not be as crisp after refrigerating.
- Not freezer-friendly: Freezing changes the texture, so it’s not recommended.
Recipe Recap
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 1 (easily multiplied for more)
Ingredients:
- 1 russet potato
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- Toppings of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub and dry the potato well.
- Prick all over with a fork, coat in olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until very tender.
- Slice open, fluff the insides, and add toppings. Enjoy hot!
Make These Tonight!
Whether you’re serving steak, chicken, or something straight off the grill, these Crispy Baked Potatoes are the perfect side. They’re simple, satisfying, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Love potato recipes? Don’t miss our:
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Malt Vinegar Smashed Potatoes