These crispy baked potatoes are the perfect side dish! With fluffy insides and a golden, crunchy skin, they are sure to please everyone at the table.
Who doesn’t love a potato that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside? I like to top mine with butter and a sprinkle of salt—simple but oh-so-yummy!
Making these baked potatoes is easy peasy! Just poke a few holes, rub them with oil, and bake. They turn out delicious every time, making me feel like a kitchen pro!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! Their starchy nature makes them ideal for achieving that crispy skin. If you don’t have russets, you could use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier interior.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. Canola oil or melted butter can be used as alternatives, but they’ll give a different taste.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: These are essential for flavoring. If you’re watching your salt intake, use a lower sodium salt or even season your potatoes with garlic powder for a twist.
Sour Cream: This adds a delightful creaminess. Greek yogurt is a great substitute, giving you similar texture and protein content while cutting down on fat. You can also add some herbs to it for extra flavor!
Fresh Chives: They’re perfect for garnish and add a mild onion flavor. If chives aren’t available, green onions or parsley can work in a pinch, bringing a fresh touch to your potatoes.
How Do I Get That Perfectly Crispy Skin on My Potatoes?
To achieve that coveted crispy skin, follow these simple steps:
- First, scrub the potatoes well. This ensures a clean skin, which contributes to crispiness.
- After drying, remember to prick the potatoes with a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting in the oven.
- Coat the skin generously with olive oil. This helps in achieving that golden-brown surface.
- Finally, bake them directly on the oven rack if you can! This allows for even air circulation, enhancing crunchiness. A baking sheet is good too, just don’t crowd them!
Patience is key here; don’t rush them out of the oven for perfectly crispy results!
How to Make Crispy Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 45-60 minutes to bake, for a total time of about 55-70 minutes. It’s simple and creates perfectly crispy baked potatoes that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot for baking your potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
While the oven is heating up, scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water to wash off any dirt. Once clean, pat them dry with a towel. This step is important because we want crispy skins!
3. Poke the Potatoes:
Using a fork, prick each potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape as they bake, preventing them from bursting in the oven.
4. Season the Potatoes:
Rub each potato with olive oil, making sure they’re well coated. Then, sprinkle sea salt and black pepper evenly over the skins to add flavor.
5. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack for that extra crispy skin, or you can put them on a baking sheet for easier handling. Bake them for about 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and a fork can easily pierce through.
6. Fluff the Insides:
Once baked, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, make a slit down the center of each potato and slightly squeeze the ends to fluff up the insides. This makes them light and airy!
7. Add Toppings:
Finally, top each potato with a generous dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives for a lovely garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy baked potatoes immediately while they’re still hot. Enjoy the delicious flavors and crispy texture!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy interior, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly; smaller potatoes will cook quicker, so check for doneness a bit earlier.
How Can I Make These Potatoes Extra Crispy?
If you want to maximize the crispiness, consider preheating your baking sheet in the oven before placing the potatoes on it. This helps create a nice crust on the bottom. Additionally, avoid wrapping the potatoes in foil, as this steams them instead of allowing them to bake. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding minced garlic or Parmesan cheese to the olive oil before rubbing it on the potatoes.
Can I Prepare the Potatoes in Advance?
Absolutely! You can scrub and prick the potatoes up to a day in advance. Store them in a cool, dry place without washing them until you’re ready to bake. Just keep in mind that they may need a few extra minutes in the oven if they are at room temperature.
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will keep the skins crispy!
