In this guide, ChopChop USA will walk you through how to make the BEST baked potato—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with flavor. Whether you're preparing a cozy side dish or building a hearty meal, a perfectly baked potato never disappoints. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and focuses on technique to deliver restaurant-quality results right from your home kitchen.
With a few pro tips and the right tools, you’ll get the ideal texture and taste every single time. Let’s get baking and bring new life to a humble classic—your baked potato game is about to level up.
Why You’ll Love It
Baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—simple, customizable, and totally satisfying. What makes this version the best is the combination of a seasoned, crispy skin and a soft, buttery interior. You can enjoy them plain, loaded with toppings, or paired with your favorite protein.
This recipe is foolproof and versatile: you’ll learn how to achieve that perfect golden skin and fluffy center without overcomplicating things. Plus, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can serve them as a side or make them the star of your plate. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to microwaved or foil-wrapped versions again.
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, scrubbed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
How to Make the BEST Baked Potato
Baked potatoes may seem simple, but getting them just right—crispy on the outside and soft, fluffy inside—takes the right technique. Follow these easy steps to master the ultimate baked potato every time.
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the potatoes under cold water until clean. Pat them completely dry. Dry skins = crispier results. Use the Titanium Cutting Board to keep your prep surface safe and clean, especially when handling wet ingredients.
Step 2: Season the Skins
Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the potatoes. This step ensures maximum flavor and helps the skin get crispy in the oven.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a Stainless Steel Frying Pan for easy cleanup. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and a knife slides easily into the center. Don’t wrap them in foil—you want that crisp skin!
Step 4: Slice and Fluff
Once baked, slice each potato open lengthwise using a Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife. Use a fork to gently fluff the insides. Be careful—hot steam will release! Add a pat of butter into the center and let it melt into every crevice.
Step 5: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Top with extra butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, chives—or whatever you love. The neutral base of the potato makes it easy to customize with any flavor combo you crave.
Tips for the Best Baked Potato
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for fluffier centers.
- Always scrub and dry thoroughly for crisp skin.
- Bake directly on the oven rack for even air circulation.
- Don’t skip seasoning the skin—it’s the best part!
- Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes before slicing open.
Pair This Baked Potato With
- Grilled steak or roast chicken
- Creamy mushroom sauce
- A crisp green salad
- Chili or bean stew for a hearty twist
- Garlic butter shrimp for a luxe option
More Potato Recipes to Try:
- Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
- Loaded Potato Skins
- Potato Gratin with Parmesan
- Air-Fried Spiced Potato Wedges
Upgrade Your Kitchen With ChopChop USA Tools
To make the BEST baked potato, great ingredients help—but so do reliable tools. At ChopChop USA, we offer kitchen gear that makes prepping, slicing, and cooking easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable. Whether you're a casual home cook or a daily meal-prep warrior, our tools bring efficiency and durability to your kitchen. Here's what you’ll need to perfect your potato game:
Titanium Cutting Board
The ChopChop USA Titanium Cutting Board is highly-rated is one of the Best Titanium Cutting Board For 2025. It is a premium prep surface built for durability, cleanliness, and performance. Whether you’re slicing raw potatoes or prepping herbs and toppings, this board provides a sturdy, non-slip base that’s resistant to scratches, odors, and stains. Its sleek titanium surface is gentle on your knives while holding up to daily wear.
Why You Need It:
It keeps your prep area hygienic and hassle-free, with easy cleanup and a long-lasting surface that doesn’t degrade over time.
Key Features:
- 100% pure titanium construction
- Scratch- and odor-resistant surface
- Lightweight and dishwasher-safe
Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife
From scoring potato skins to slicing through tender, hot baked potatoes, the Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife ensures every cut is clean and controlled. No more tearing or mashing—just smooth, precise slices that make your dish look and taste better. It also handles delicate ingredients like herbs and garlic butter with finesse, making prep easier and presentation flawless.
Why You Need It:
Precision slicing and control ensures a perfect presentation and better texture.
Key Features:
-
High-carbon steel blade
- Perfectly balanced handle
- Ergonomic design for safe use
- Durable, long-lasting edge
Stainless Steel Frying Pan
While it’s called a frying pan, the Stainless Steel Frying Pan is a powerhouse for baking too. Thanks to its oven-safe design and even heat distribution, it’s perfect for roasting potatoes directly in the oven. Plus, you can use it to sauté garlic, onions, or mushrooms for a flavorful topping—then transfer it straight from stove to table for easy serving.
Why You Need It:
It distributes heat evenly and is safe for oven-to-stovetop transitions.
Key Features:
- Pure Stainless Steel
- Oven- and stovetop-compatible
- Polished surface that resists sticking
- Easy to clean and built to last
Conclusion
Making the perfect baked potato is easier than you think—with the right ingredients, a few pro techniques, and quality tools, you’ll achieve crispy skin and fluffy centers every time. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side or turning them into a full meal, baked potatoes are endlessly satisfying.
At ChopChop USA, we’re committed to helping home cooks elevate everyday meals with better tools and smarter prep. Explore our kitchen essentials to upgrade your experience from prep to plate. Once you cook with gear that works for you—not against you—you’ll never go back.
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FAQs
1. Can I use foil to bake potatoes?
Avoid foil if you want crispy skin. Bake directly on the rack or a dry pan.
2. What type of potato is best?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture and thick skin.
3. Can I microwave baked potatoes?
You can, but the skin won’t get crispy. The oven yields the best texture.
4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them, cool, and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
5. What toppings go best with baked potatoes?
Sour cream, butter, shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onions, or chili all work beautifully.