Baked potato is a potato cooked whole—usually in an oven—until the inside becomes soft and fluffy and the skin crisp. It’s commonly served with toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon, or chili.
Basic oven method
- Heat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scrub and dry a russet potato.
- Poke holes with a fork.
- Rub with oil and salt.
- Bake 45–60 minutes until tender.
Popular toppings
- Butter + salt
- Sour cream + chives
- Cheddar cheese + bacon
- Broccoli + cheese
- Chili
Microwave shortcut
- Microwave 5–7 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Finish in the oven for crisp skin if desired.
