Salty, Crispy Skinned Oven Baked Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
These salty, crispy skinned oven baked potatoes are a perfect side dish that combines a crunchy exterior with a fluffy interior. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they bring a gourmet touch to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 medium/large russet potatoes (scrubbed well)
- 4 tablespoons cold pressed canola oil (or other neutral flavored oil)
- 4 tablespoons flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 °F.
- Step 2: Pierce each potato 3-4 times with the tines of a fork.
- Step 3: Coat each potato well in canola oil, then sprinkle heavily with flaked sea salt all over. You need to get a good crust of salt. Place the potatoes on a wire baking rack set in the middle of a baking tray.
- Step 4: Bake in the oven for 60-75 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Remove and cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Step 5: To serve, once warm, cut a slit lengthwise down the top of each potato, not cutting all the way through. Place your fingers on either side of the potato and gently push the ends toward each other to “pop” the center open, creating a classic restaurant-style baked potato.
- Step 6: Serve with butter and pepper, or your favorite toppings.
Tips & Variations
- Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to let the natural potato flavor shine through while helping the salt adhere and crisp the skin.
- For extra flavor, try sprinkling garlic powder or smoked paprika along with the sea salt before baking.
- If you don’t have a wire rack, place the potatoes directly on a baking sheet, but turning them halfway through baking helps crisp the skin evenly.
Storage
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350 °F for about 15-20 minutes to restore the crispy skin. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crispy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russet potatoes work best because of their starchy texture, which yields a fluffy interior and crisp skin. Other potatoes may not crisp up as well but can still be used if desired.
Why do I need to pierce the potatoes before baking?
Piercing allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting in the oven.
PrintSalty, Crispy Skinned Oven Baked Potatoes Recipe
This recipe guides you to create perfectly crispy-skinned, salty oven-baked russet potatoes that are tender on the inside and boast a flavorful crust. With a simple process of oiling, salting, and baking, you achieve a classic restaurant-style baked potato ideal for serving with butter and your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium/large russet potatoes (scrubbed well)
Seasoning and Oil
- 4 tablespoons cold pressed canola oil (or other neutral flavored oil)
- 4 tablespoons flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) to prepare it for baking the potatoes at the ideal temperature for crispy skin.
- Prepare the potatoes: Pierce each russet potato 3-4 times with the tines of a fork to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing bursting.
- Coat and salt the potatoes: Thoroughly coat each potato in cold-pressed canola oil ensuring entire surface coverage. Generously sprinkle flaked sea salt all over each potato, creating a thick crust for maximum flavor and crispiness. Place the potatoes on a wire baking rack set inside a baking tray to allow even air circulation.
- Bake the potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the oven for 60-75 minutes or until they are fork tender, which means a fork can easily pierce to the center, indicating they are fully cooked and soft inside.
- Cool and prepare to serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet to handle safely. Then, cut a slit lengthwise down the top of each potato, not cutting fully through. Use your fingers to gently press the ends of the potato toward each other to open the center, giving it the classic baked potato presentation.
- Serve: Serve warm with classic toppings like butter and freshly ground black pepper. Feel free to add any additional toppings like sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using a wire rack on the baking sheet helps air circulate around the potatoes for crispier skin.
- Piercing the potatoes prevents them from bursting by allowing steam to escape.
- Choose russet potatoes for their starchy texture and superior baking qualities.
- Adjust baking time depending on the size of the potatoes; larger ones may need more time.
- Flaked sea salt works best to form a crunchy crust rather than fine salt.
- Allow the potatoes to rest slightly after baking to cool enough for handling and to finish cooking through.
Keywords: baked potatoes, crispy skin potatoes, oven baked potatoes, salty potatoes, russet potatoes, side dish
