How to Bake Potatoes

Learn how to bake potatoes in the oven, and enjoy fluffy, flavorful baked potatoes every time you make them with this step-by-step guide! 

I am so excited to bring you another post in our All the Healthy Things “Just the Basics” series. These posts are focused on helping you master basics in the kitchen and, hopefully, inspiring you with a few new ideas along the way.

If you are new to cooking, or just need a refresher on the basics, these posts are designed to help you feel more confident in the kitchen. Once you have a handle on a few basic concepts and techniques, you can easily build upon them to create new and exciting recipes dishes without a second thought.

If you have ever wondered how some people just seem to know how to cook without a recipe or can quickly throw together a meal in a moment’s notice, it’s likely because they have a good grasp of the basics. I want that for you! It’s my hope that every just the basics post helps you feel more comfortable so that you can enjoy your time spent in the kitchen even more!

If you haven’t already be sure to check out the other how-to guides in the series.

Here are a few of our most popular posts: 

• How to Make Cashew Milk 
• How to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
• How to Make Easy Quick Pickled Onions

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Potatoes: We’re using medium Russet potatoes for this recipe.  

Sea Salt: Don’t skip this! It adds lots of flavors, creating restaurant-style baked potatoes. 

Olive Oil: This creates a crisp exterior and helps the salt cling to the potato skins. Be sure to choose a great-tasting oil that you love. 

Helpful Tools

1. Baking Sheet Pan
2. Parchment Paper
3. Fork Sharp Knife

How to Bake Potatoes in the Oven 

Step One: First, start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Step Two: Thoroughly clean your potatoes, removing any dirt or grit. This is also a good time to get rid of any eyes or dark spots. Run the potatoes under cool water, and use your hands to brush off any dirt on the skin. Once the potatoes have been rinsed, use a paper towel or kitchen towel to pat them dry, and remove any excess water. 

Step Three: Next, use a fork to prick the outer surface of the potatoes all over. Then, drizzle the potatoes with oil, and use your hand to rub it all over the skins. 

Step Four: Place the potatoes on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Then, sprinkle salt all over the skins. 

Step Five: Bake the potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes or until they’re completely tender. You should easily be able to stick a skewer or toothpick into the thickest part. 

Step Six: Remove the potatoes from the oven, and let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. Next, use a sharp knife to split the top, and give the potatoes a gentle squeeze inward. Add your favorite toppings, and enjoy warm! 

Topping Ideas and Serving Suggestions

The most common way to enjoy baked potatoes is topped with butter, salt, and pepper, but there are so many ways to enjoy this side! Some of my favorite topping combinations include: 

• Thinly sliced green onions, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper
• Shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, Greek yogurt, bacon bits, salt, and pepper
• You can also serve stuffed baked potatoes with fillings like chili, beef tips with peppers and onions, and BBQ chicken!

Otherwise, they pair wonderfully as a side with a variety of main courses such as: 

• Oven Baked Ribs
• Garlic Butter Salmon
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites
• Turkey Sloppy Joes
• Whole Roasted Chicken 

How to Store and Reheat Oven Baked Potatoes

I love to bake a few potatoes at a time for meal prep. Here’s how to store oven baked potatoes to keep them fresh:

• Let the potatoes cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. 
• There’s no need to split the potatoes down the center before storing them. We will do that when we’re ready to reheat. 
• Hold off on adding any toppings as well. 
• Reheat leftover potatoes in the microwave. To do so, split your potato down the center, and heat for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through. 
• Add your favorite toppings, and serve!

More Reader Favorite Potato Recipes

• Crispy Potato Skins
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Chipotle Potato Salad
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Whole30 Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
• Crispy Homemade Air Fryer French Fries

I hope you find this post on How to Bake Potatoes helpful! They’re delicious, flavorful, and so easy to make! If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.

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Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Jess Gaertner