This is a step by step guide on how to make a baked potato, a steakhouse-style baked potato. This is the best-baked potato recipe and it will show you how to get that fluffy inside and the crispy, salty, potato skin you love on the outside.
Background of the Potato:
Here's a little background on potatoes is you're at all interested. If not, just scroll to the recipe card. Potatoes are the 4th largest food crop following rice, wheat, and corn. It's believed that the Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8000 BC to 5000 BC.
I grew up in Idaho on a farm and most years we had potatoes in our fields. Idaho Potatoes have been an inexpensive staple in my diet my entire life.
I love potatoes because they're one of the most diverse vegetables and can be made dozens and dozens of ways.
Did you know there is even an Idaho Potato Council? Yes friends, in Idaho, potatoes are kind of a big deal. I look forward to sharing some of my family's favorite potato recipes with you!
History of Potatoes In Idaho
Potatoes first came to Idaho by way of Mormon Pioneers. The Mormon Pioneers migrated north from Utah and potatoes are one of the first crops planted.
Potatoes thrive particularly well in Eastern and Southern Idaho because of the Volcanic Ash Soil.
Potatoes love to be well watered but planted in soil that drains really well. The soil in much of Idaho is ideal conditions for growing potatoes.
From this almost accidental beginning, Idaho farmers set out and on a path to dominate the Potato markets in the United States.
There are more than 200 potatoes sold in the United State. Russet Burbank Potatoes are the most popular. Steakhouse Baked potatoes are usually the Russett variety of potatoes and French fries are made out of Russett Potatoes too. They are the most inexpensive and widely used variety of potato.
I guess you can say, I love potato recipes.
Some of our other favorite potato side dishes:
When I'm baking potatoes, I always like to throw in a few extra because there are oodles potato recipes. Some of our favorites are Cheesy Potato Casserole, Classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, and Herb Roasted Potatoes.
What is the best potato for baked potatoes?
Russett potatoes are the best potatoes for baked potatoes. They make those crispy skins and fluffy insides we all love. Russet Potatoes are known for their soft and fluffy insides (this is usually the potato french fries are made out of) and their thicker outer skin, perfect for getting those crispy skins. These two things combined make the best baked potatoes.
Russet potatoes come in a wide range of sizes. They are as small as 4 ounces and also are grown huge. (Most of the huge ones go to french fry factories) In the grocery store, if you buy the baker's potatoes, you're on the right track. There are also bags of potatoes that are sold in 5-pound bags. They will also work great. They are just going to be smaller and probably closer to the serving size for kids.
When you're buying potatoes, look for potatoes with an even coloring of brown skin. You will also want to find potatoes that are similar in size so they will all cook evenly and be done at about the same time.
Here are some common questions when making baked potatoes so I thought I'd get them answered right away.
What temp to cook baked potatoes?
Bake potato cooking temp is 400-425 degrees. It takes a large Russet potato about 45 minutes to become tender, but the exact timing will depend on how large the potato is. Err on the side of cooking the potatoes faster.
How to know if a baked potato is done?
- To test a baked potato and ensure it's done, Poke the potato with a fork. If the potato lifts off the baking sheet with your fork, it's not done. When a potato is done there will be no resistance when pulling a fork out of the potato.
How long to bake potatoes at 425?
- Small red potatoes or fingerling potatoes will bake faster than a large Russet potato. Small potatoes will bake in about 30 minutes, however, if you're looking for crispy skin on those, you may need to bake for 45 minutes.
- How long to bake Russet Potatoes? You'll need to bake for at least 40 minutes. just poke a fork in them to determine if they're done. If they're done, the fork will slide out. (Since there are varying times to make a baked potato, be sure to start your potatoes ahead of time, you can always turn the oven on warm and keep the potatoes warm until you need them. It's really hard to rush baking them faster.)
How to Reheat potatoes:
You can reheat a baked potato in the microwave. It works best to cut it into 1 " chunks before heating it. Put the potato on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1 min at a time. Heat in 30-60 second intervals until the desired temperature is reached.
How to Bake Potatoes in the Oven:
If you're looking for salty, crispy skin on your potatoes, you'll get a perfect crispy baked potato by cooking it in the oven.
- Wash your potato-use a vegetable scrubber or your hands to really scrub the outside of the potato. Pay special attention to the "eyes" of the potato to make sure there isn't any dirt in there. If there are some bruises or soft spots on your potatoes, be sure to use a pairing knife and cut it off. (this won't make a difference in the taste of your potato, as long as you cut back the potato until it's white again, it won't affect the taste.)
- Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Use a fork to poke several holes in your potatoes. 6-10 fork pokes in each potato. (The steam from the inside of the potato can make the skin burst. It makes a terrible mess in your oven) Also, hooray, no need to wrap your potato in aluminum foil. This oven-baked method really makes the potato skins nice and crispy.
- Drizzle a little cooking oil on it. (I like to use avocado oil. It has a higher smoking point and doesn't have a distinct taste to it. Olive oil is a good substitution if you don't have avocado oil)
- Sprinkle it with sea salt. (you can also use kosher salt but sea salt is preferred)
- Bake uncovered on a baking sheet for about 50-60 minutes at 400 degrees. 45 minutes if your potatoes are smaller. (You can also bake it at 350 degrees if desired but that will increase the baking time. 400 degrees really gets the potato skins nice and crisp.
- You will know you have perfectly baked potatoes when you can stick a fork in the potato--all the way to the middle of the potato-and there isn't resistance when you pull it out. (If you squeeze the potato, you should feel that the inside are soft.)
- Take the potatoes out of the oven. Use a knife and slit them down the center. Use a fork to make the insides light and fluffy.
- Enjoy your potato topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits. YUM!
How to Make the Best Steakhouse Style Baked Potato
Cooking baked potatoes, or this could even be considered roasting baked potatoes, is easy and with just a few tips and tricks. You will be able to replicate the best-baked potato you've ever eaten in a fancy steakhouse.
Cooking Baked potatoes in the oven is the easiest way to get the fluffy, flaky inside and the chewy potato skin you're looking for.
Baking whole potatoes in the oven is the best way to get the perfect baked and is also the perfect start to so many other potato recipes.
Best Baked Potato Toppings:
Baked potato bars are a hit for parties or large gatherings. Here are some ideas other than the traditional toppings.
- Chili
- Nacho Cheese
- Sauteed Onion and peppers
- Taco meat and toppings
- Ranch Dressing with cheese and bacon bits
- Guacamole
- Salsa
Also, here's a little pro tip for you. Make homemade bacon bits ahead of time. Use the left over oil from the bacon to cover the outsides of the baked potatoes. THIS is the best way to make crispy skin potatoes. Haha, total game-changer!
Baked Potato Oven Method
Ingredients
- 4 large Potatoes, Russett Burbank Variety (or as many as you need)
- 3 Tablespoons Avocado oil (Olive oil, canola oil, or any vegetable oil will work)
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Find potatoes that are free from any bruises or large blemishes.
- Wash the potatoes off. Using your hands, rub the potato under water and rub briskly until all the dirt is off. You can also use a scrub brush to get into the "eyes" of the potato.
- Use a fork and poke holes, about a 1/2" deep into the skins of the potato. When the potato bakes, there is steam that builds up and needs to escape. If you don't poke the potato, your potatoes might explode due to built up steam inside while cooking.
- Put the potatoes in a large ziplock bag. Pour 3-4 Tablespoons of cooking oil (I like to use Avocado Oil) onto the potatoes. Seal the bag and roll the potatoes around inside the bag until all the potatoes are covered in oil.
- Pour to potatoes onto a 9 by 13" baking dish. You can also use a cookie sheet with parchment or aluminum foil on it.
- All the baked potato seasoning you will need is to Sprinkle Sea Salt on the potatoes, be sure to cover all sides of the potato.
How to Cook Baked Potatoes In the Oven--Perfect Oven Baked Potato
- Bake in a 400-degree oven for 50-60 minutes. You will know when the potatoes are done baking when you can stick a fork in the potato and it's soft inside. You won't be able to pick the potato up or feel any hard, uncooked inside.
How to Microwave Baked Potato
- Microwave the baked potatoes on a paper plate or directly on the microwave turntable. If cooking two or more potatoes, an additional 5 minutes. Check the potatoes. When done, the potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork or paring knife all the way to the center. Continue to microwave in 1-minute bursts as needed until the potatoes are cooked through
- Let the potatoes cool for about 5 minutes until you don't risk burning yourself. Make a slice down the top of the potato and using 2 forks, fluff the inside of the potato.
- Serve with your favorite baked potato toppings.
Crockpot Baked Potato
- Prick the potatoes with a fork several times, then rub potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and wrap tightly in foil. Place the potatoes into a slow cooker, cover, and cook on High for 4 1/2 to 5 hours, or on Low for 7 1/2 to 8 hours until tender
Video
Nutrition
Here are some other potato recipes we love!
- Potato Casserole or Funeral Potatoes
- Cheesy Potato Casserole or Funeral Potatoes
- Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
- The Most Amazing Classic Scalloped Potatoes
- Fingerling Potatoes with Parmesan and Rosemary
- Cheesy Hash Browns with Bacon and Ham
- Slow Cooker Hams and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
- Smashed Potatoes
- Creamy Potato and Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Loaded Baked Potato Skins Recipe
- Creamy Potato and Broccoli Cheese Soup
- 3 Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
- Melting Potatoes
- Herb Roasted Potatoes
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I hope you enjoyed this step by step guide on how to make a Baked Potato, a steakhouse-style baked potato. If you want to know how to cook the best-baked potato in the oven, the best potato recipe, fluffy inside and the crispy, salty, potato skin you love on the outside. Be sure to check out my other potato recipes!
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