Few dishes capture comfort quite like a perfectly baked potato — crispy skin, fluffy inside, and that golden pool of melted butter soaking into every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and timeless. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, a whole baked potato with butter proves that sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest ones.
This guide walks you through how to make the perfect baked potato — crispy on the outside, light and tender on the inside, and absolutely delicious with butter and a sprinkle of salt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The baked potato is a kitchen classic for a reason:
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It requires just a few pantry ingredients.
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It’s budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
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It pairs well with almost any main course.
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And it’s endlessly customizable — butter today, cheese and sour cream tomorrow!
But the real magic comes from baking the potato whole, skin and all, for that restaurant-style texture that’s both rustic and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make the perfect baked potato:
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4 large Russet potatoes (the best for baking)
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2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
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1–2 teaspoons sea salt (coarse salt works best)
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½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
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Butter, for serving
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Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits
Pro Tip: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking because their high starch content makes them light and fluffy inside.