Baked Potato

Here’s the classic way to make a perfect Baked Potato 🥔 — fluffy inside, crispy skin, and ready for all the toppings!

🥘 Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes (best for baking)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)

• 1 teaspoon coarse salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, chives

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep Oven & Potatoes

   • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

   • Scrub potatoes clean, then dry with a towel.

   • Pierce each potato with a fork 6–8 times (so steam can escape).

2. Season Skins

   • Rub potatoes with olive oil or butter.

   • Sprinkle with salt and pepper (this makes the skin crispy and flavorful).

3. Bake

   • Place directly on the oven rack (with a tray underneath to catch drips) or on a baking sheet.

   • Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on size, until skins are crisp and a fork slides in easily.

4. Serve

   • Cut a slit across the top, squeeze the sides to fluff the inside.

   • Add butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, or chives.