Name: Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; butter and sour cream for serving (optional)

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The Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe is one of those classic dishes that never loses its magic—golden, crunchy skins wrapped around fluffy, steaming interiors, all dressed up with your favorite toppings. What makes this version irresistible is how every bite bursts with savory flavor, thanks to a perfect blend of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and just the right amount of salt and pepper. Whether you’re sharing them at a family table or setting out a cozy baked potato bar, this easy, foolproof approach will quickly become your new go-to for a crowd-pleasing side you can make anytime.

Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of basic pantry staples, you can unlock restaurant-quality baked potatoes at home. Each ingredient in this Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe pulls its weight, adding crunch, color, or rich flavor to make the final dish pure comfort on a plate.

Russet potatoes (4 medium): The high starch content brings that coveted fluffy center and beautifully crisp skin.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the skins crisp up perfectly and adds wonderful depth of flavor.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Seasoning is everything; kosher salt’s coarser crystals add crunch and draw out the natural flavors.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild bite and complexity to the seasoned skin.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Brings gentle warmth and savoriness without overpowering the potato.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Provides a hint of earthy sweetness and a gorgeous golden color.
Butter and sour cream (optional): For serving—creamy, cool, rich toppings take these potatoes to the next level.

How to Make Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Potatoes

Start by heating your oven to 425°F—a high temperature is the secret weapon for irresistibly crispy skin. While the oven preheats, scrub your russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with a towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so really take your time here. If you have a few extra minutes, you can even soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly. This removes excess starch and helps create the shattering crunch this Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe is famous for.

Step 2: Poke, Oil, and Season

Using a fork, poke several holes around each potato. This allows steam to escape so your spuds don’t burst. Next, rub the potatoes all over with olive oil—the oil is what turns plain potato skin into crackling, golden bliss. Now, sprinkle each potato evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Massage the seasonings in so every nook and cranny is covered—this is where all the big flavor happens.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy Perfection

Place the seasoned potatoes directly on your oven rack if you want the ultimate 360-degree crisp, or use a baking sheet for easy cleanup. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins are visibly crisp and a fork glides through the center with no resistance. The aroma of toasty garlic and paprika filling your kitchen is a reward on its own.

Step 4: Slice, Fluff, and Serve

As soon as your potatoes have finished baking, slice them open lengthwise. Use a fork to gently fluff up the steamy interior, making a little cloud of soft potato ready to soak up toppings. Now comes the fun part: pile on butter, sour cream, or anything your heart desires and enjoy the irresistible contrast of crackling skin and tender middle in one perfect bite from this Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

The best garnishes bring out both flavor and texture. Classic toppers like a pat of creamy butter, a dollop of cool sour cream, sliced chives, or crispy bacon bits are always winners. For a lighter twist, sprinkle on fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra color pop. Thanks to the bold flavor in this Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe, you can keep it simple or completely load them up.

Side Dishes

While these potatoes shine on their own, they’re a fantastic canvas for all sorts of pairings. Serve them alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or veggie burgers. For a weeknight dinner, round out your plate with a crisp green salad or a helping of sautéed seasonal vegetables. Their versatility is a huge part of why this recipe is such a staple.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe into the star of the table by serving them as a build-your-own potato bar! Set out bowls of toppings—think shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, roasted veggies, or even chili—for a fun and interactive meal. For appetizers, slice finished potatoes into wedges and top with a drizzle of ranch or spicy sauce. There are no limits to how creative you can get!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (good luck—they disappear fast), let the baked potatoes cool completely before storing. Wrap each one in foil or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to four days, perfect for grab-and-go lunches or weeknight dinners.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these crispy spuds, but for the best results, skip the toppings and freeze the potatoes plain. Once cooled, wrap each potato tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you need a quick side, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The skin may be slightly less crisp, but the flavor remains spot-on from your Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe.

Reheating

To bring those skins back to life, reheat chilled or thawed potatoes in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until the outside is hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you crave crunchy skin, as it tends to soften the crust. A quick blast in the air fryer also works beautifully for restoring texture.

FAQs

How can I make the skins extra crispy?

For skins that really snap when you bite in, soak the raw potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning. This removes excess starch, which can help the skins crisp up even more during baking.

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Russet potatoes are the top pick thanks to their high starch and fluffy texture, but you can try Yukon Golds for a slightly creamier center and thinner skin. Smaller potatoes will cook faster, so adjust your baking time as needed.

Should I wrap potatoes in foil before baking?

For truly crispy skins, skip the foil. Baking directly on the rack or a sheet allows the skin to really dry out and crunch up. Foil traps moisture, resulting in a softer, less crispy shell.

Is this Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! Just skip the butter and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives. The base recipe is already both vegan and gluten-free, so it’s a great dish for sharing with everyone.

Why do I need to poke holes in the potatoes?

Poking holes helps steam escape during baking. This simple step prevents your potatoes from bursting in the oven and also helps give you evenly cooked, fluffy insides every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and fluffy center of this Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe—whether you enjoy it as a cozy side or dress it up for a main event. If you haven’t tried baking potatoes this way, give it a shot tonight and watch these golden beauties become a star on your table. Happy cooking!

Crispy Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy these crispy baked potatoes as a delightful side dish or a comforting snack. With a perfectly seasoned, crunchy skin and fluffy interior, these potatoes are a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and versatile with various toppings, they are a must-have for any potato lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika

Serving:

butter and sour cream for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Prepare the potatoes: Pat the potatoes dry, poke holes, rub with oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Bake: Place potatoes on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, turning halfway through.
Serve: Slice open, fluff with a fork, and serve hot with desired toppings.