Step into the holiday spirit with this easy Baked Potato recipe that’s fluffy on the inside and crispy brown on the outside!

Baked Potato or Jacket Potato is a holiday favourite in many parts of the world. Not only is it easy to make, but the fluffy inside with the crisp potato skin also makes this a family favourite. After all, it's potatoes, and who doesn't love them? Pair it with a dollop of butter or a heavy helping of gravy and some Eggless Pumpkin Bread. You can’t go wrong.
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Baked Potato and me
Baked Potatoes was Akanksha's choice when I participated in Blogging Marathon with Alphabets. I did not think that the girls will like it but as usual, they proved me wrong.
I loved the simplicity of the dish: a warm baked potato with butter and gravy does taste yummy. I was never keen on potatoes but this was the turning point. I started enjoying the tuber.
Serve these oven-roasted potatoes with whole-wheat rosemary bread, Gravy, and Casserole. Dessert can be a Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe or Pecan Pie with ice cream on the side. Wash it all down with some Cranberry Sangria~A mocktail. Wow, I am in love with this menu maybe it needs just a soup or a starter! Join me for dinner!
Why MSK Baked Potato Recipe
- Delicious
- Baked
- Gluten-free
- Easy
- Crisp skin
- Soft and fluffy inside
Ingredients
I followed the directions in The Kitchn and used these ingredients. For exact measures please check the recipe card.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Butter/Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Substitutes:
- The potatoes recommended are russet potatoes but since I do not get them in my place I use any local variety. They work fine.
- If you want to avoid butter, that is, make vegan potatoes then use oil. I prefer to use olive oil (not extra virgin oil), rice bran oil or even sunflower oil. These are odourless and tasteless.
- I have used table salt. You can try coarse salt. Next time I plan to use Himalayan rock salt.
Method:
- Soak the potatoes. The potatoes need a good scrubbing soaking makes the job easier and quicker. (I want to work less).
- Start by preheating the oven at 230C or 450F. The hot oven will give you crisp skins.
- Line a baking pan with foil. This will catch any spills, and voila! No scrubbing of the pan is needed. When you're done, just remove the foil. (the parchment may burn).
- Scrub the potatoes and remove all the blemishes if the potato has eyes remove them.
- Poke holes all around the potato with a fork. This helps the steam to escape and you will not have accidents.
- Rub some butter on the skin and then season liberally with salt.
- Transfer to the hot oven and bake.
- The potatoes are done in 40-60 minutes depending on the size of the potato. If you can easily pierce the baked potato with a fork, they're done.
- Remove from the oven to the waiting plate, hey use oven mitts.
How to serve:
- Transfer to a plate and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Slice the top and using a fork fluff the insides. Top with butter, pepper, cream cheese or/and gravy.
- Enjoy!!
How to store:
- Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- When using warm them in the oven at 150C for about 5 minutes or thoroughly heated up.

This is an old post that I am updating with newer pictures and write up as a part of the group Foodies_RedoingOld Post.
For Your Questions:
Protips:
- The cooking time for the potatoes will vary. You will need anything from 45-60 minutes. Just test with your fork. Bigger potatoes will take longer to bake.
- Apply salt liberally on the skin. As you eat the salty skin you need nt season the inside of the potato.
- Decide if you want crisp skins on your baked potato. If yes, do not cover the potatoes with a foil. The reason is the foil traps the steam causing the skin to shrivel and become soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I set the oven to bake potatoes?

Bake potatoes at 220C or 425F for 45-60 minutes.
Can I wrap potatoes in foil before baking?

Yes, you can foil-wrap the potatoes before baking. But the steam gets trapped in the foil and the potato skins will not be crisp.
Why are potatoes baked in aluminium foil?

Aluminium foil heats fast and traps the heat this results in quicker baked potatoes. The potatoes stay hotter in the foil for a longer period. But remember that since the steam from the potatoes is trapped in the foil the potato skins will not be crisp. If you are looking for soft and steamed skin then please go ahead.
What is the best thing to put on a baked potato?

The traditional toppings for baked potato are cream cheese, butter, sour cream and green onion. But, you can also try Indian curry like this Restaurant Style Cauliflower Gravy Recipe, Vegan Lebanese Chickpea Stew. Mexican toppings like Guacamole, Ranch dressing, Homemade Chipotle Sauce. Cheese, roasted vegetables, salads, Vegan Tofu Steaks.
Okay, so what sides do I serve with a baked potato?

If you are doing chicken, use grilled chicken, roasts, steak. For your vegetarian friends how about some coleslaw, Low-Fat Broccoli Salad, The Ultimate Vegetarian Chilli Recipe, The Ultimate Dinner Vegan Fajita Recipe.
Some other Holiday Recipes

Baked Potato Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Fork
- Foil
Ingredients
- 1 potato per person
- 1 tablespoon Butter or oil
- Salt
- Black Pepper powder
Instructions
- Soak the potatoes and scrub the potatoes.
- Preheat the oven at 230C or 450F.
- Line a baking pan with foil.
- Scrub the potatoes remove all the blemishes. If the potato has eyes remove them too.
- Poke holes all around the potato with a fork.
- Rub some butter/oil on the skin and then season liberally with salt.
- Transfer to the hot oven and bake.
- The potatoes are done in 40-60 minutes depending on the size of the potato. The test is you should be able to pierce the baked potato with a fork.
- Remove from the oven to the waiting plate, hey use oven mitts.
Notes
- The cooking time for the potatoes will vary. You will need anything from 45-60 minutes. Just test with your fork. Bigger potatoes will take longer to bake.
- Apply salt liberally on the skin. As you eat the salty skin you need not season the inside of the potato.
- Decide do you want crisp skins on your baked potato? If yes do not cover the potatoes with foil. The reason is the foil traps the steam causing the skin to shrivel and become soft.
Nutritional Disclaimer: I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Please check with your nutritionist for your dietary needs and restrictions. Ultimately you are responsible for your decisions.


KP says
Baked potato is a delicious item.A good choice.
manjula says
wow this baked potatoes looks scrumptious and yumm., Loving it !!
Chef Mireille says
Baked potatoes are very common here but I've never seen it with cream cheese on top. Sour cream or cheddar cheese is usually more common
Pavani says
Baked potato is probably one of the most eaten dish here in US.
Your version looks delicious.
pumpkinfarmfood says
i planned alphabet J with this recipe earlier jacket potato...but the calories in it stopped me...i can watch this picture for hours together there are memories attached...yours looks beautiful
Suma Gandlur says
Lovely choice. Baked potato with cheese is my kids' favorite. 🙂
cookingwithsapana says
I am always in for potatoes and these baked ones are looking superb!
Srivalli says
I am yet to try this Archana, now I am seriously tempted
Sowmya says
love this any day for breakfast... simple and elegant!!
Sowmya
Preeti Garg says
This baked potatoes specially top with cream cheese look fabulous .
Kalyani says
winters and baked potatoes... yummy combo...
Priya says
Omg,ur baked potatoes are just torturing me..Wish i make some for lunch rite now..
Vaishali Sabnani says
Archana, no need to scoop. Just cut it criss cross, dump a chunk of butter and then the cream cheese..ooooh..my mouth is watering...while in London, I made these very often and relished these to the core..totally addictive..and thanks for reminding me this recipe.looks vey inviting.
themadscientistskitchen says
Okay will do that next time. The girls loved it so did my father did not offer it to FIL as his sugar was swinging up and down.
Sandhya Karandikar says
Winter special in our house along with onion and sweet potatoes. Who can resist these baked potatoes.?
themadscientistskitchen says
Now you ar emaking me drool Sandhya.
harini says
I initially had this in my list but changed in the last min. This is so popular at home!
themadscientistskitchen says
I would have loved to see what you will do with it Harini. Thanks anyway
pinksocks says
Oooooh the Sin. Love love love the pics.
themadscientistskitchen says
Thanks it was sin.
foodiliciousnan says
Nice! used to be so tempted when reading about this thing in my childhood novels. Will try once Sept BM is over! That cheese running down the sides...mmmm...
Janani says
I so love this recipe on Friday night is best for making this relax in front of tv and enjoy this sinful potatoes so yumm.
Chitz says
Wow, perfect.. Makes me drool & crave for some right away.. Perfect getaway !
Sreevalli K Emani says
Tempting dish... I remember my husband ordering a garden potato & we both just gobbled it greedily..
Gayathri Kumar says
Looking absolutely delicious Archana...
PJ says
My daughter saw this and has 'ordered' me to make them! Surely gona try. Nice one Archana...
nayana says
love the baked pototoes, I though sprinkle little pepper powder over them with amul butter....
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Love the oozing cream cheese on top! That would have made it extra rich. i have had them with sour cream, but not with cream cheese.
veena says
totally addictive and that cream cheese....drooling here
saras says
Delicious baked potatoes..looks awesome..
Shobha Keshwani says
Baked potato is my favourite. You have baked it perfectly. It can even be relished on fasting days without any toppings
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Shobha.
Renu says
Baked potatoes are very common here and goes well as a side with many dishes. I like your idea of topping it up with some Indian curry, would be so good.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Kalyani says
The little one has slowly warmed up to potatoes, these Baked potatoes would be a good way to appease the new tastebuds... they look so festive, and great click (and composition too)
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Kalyani I do hope the elder one too likes it.
Seema Sriram says
I love the simplicity of baked potatoes yet how warm and hearty they are for dinner. Eho doesn't like a humble potato!
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Mayuri Patel says
Baked Potato or Jacket Potato is a family favourite. When the kids were at home, I use to make it once a week with different toppings. That way kids would enjoy other veggies and salad too.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Mina Joshi says
Baked potato or Jacket potato as we call it in UK looks delicious. This is my all time comfort food where I top it with baked beans, sweet corn and cheese. yum
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Mina.
Neha says
Using olive oil in this baked potato recipe is a good vegan option. I would love to have them with sour cream. . The tip on how to prevent shriveling of potato skin will be helpful in my next attempt. Great post!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Neha.
Priya Vj says
I loved baked potatoes with warm tomato soup . Tastes so flavorful and absolutely filling on chill nights.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀