With crisp exteriors and a creamy center, these baked yellow potatoes are the perfect side dish any night of the week.
There are LOTS of potato recipes out there, but sometimes simple is best. Whether you’re prepping for a big steak dinner or just need a hearty main dish, this easy baked potato recipe never fails.
I use yellow or gold potatoes for their creamy texture and naturally buttery taste. They have a thin skin, which crisps beautifully in a hot oven. No foil-wrapped potato needed here—just a simple method and a few key ingredients.
This is one of my favorite ways to serve potatoes. It’s the perfect side dish to just about anything. Once you try this method, it might become your go-to way to bake golden potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 yellow or gold potatoes (large Yukon Gold potatoes work great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional for serving:
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- Bacon bits
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh herbs
- Garlic powder
- Chili
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This is the go-to temperature for a perfect baked potato with a crisp exterior and soft center.
- Scrub and dry your potatoes. Drying them well helps the skins to crisp.
- Using a fork, poke each potato a few times to prevent steam from building up inside.
- Rub each potato with olive oil or avocado oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
- Place directly on the oven rack or you can use a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake until fork-tender. Cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes, but 45 to 60 minutes is typical.
- To serve, use a knife to cut lengthwise and gently squeeze to fluff the creamy interior. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, fresh herbs or even freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Potatoes Recipe
- Want more flavor? Try sprinkling on a little garlic powder or onion powder in addition to the kosher salt before baking.
- Use baby Yukon Gold potatoes for mini versions—great for snacks or sides. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly (less time for smaller potatoes). They’re done when you can easily prick them with a fork.
- Avoid russet potatoes or sweet potatoes for this specific recipe. They have a thick skin or different texture.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer for that crisp exteriors magic.
Why This Recipe Works
Baking at 375°F strikes a balance—not too high temperature, not a lower temperature that dries them out. It’s a great way to get that perfectly soft center and golden skin.
This recipe is one of the easiest ways to prepare a hearty, wholesome side. It’s also the perfect oven method for anyone who wants versatile sides without a lot of fuss.
Plus, it’s fun to make your own version—everyone has their own way of dressing up a potato. From fresh garlic to bacon bits, there’s no wrong answer here.
Whether you’re channeling Martha Stewart vibes or trying a TikTok – make trend, this clean, prick, oil, salt, bake method gives an amazing result!
FAQs
- What’s the best kind of potato to use? While russet potatoes are the traditional go-to for baked potatoes, I prefer yellow potatoes or large Yukon Gold potatoes for their soft, flavorful creamy center and thin, crispable skin. Regardless of the type of potato, the clean, prick, oil, salt, bake method is a winner!
- How do I check to make sure baked potatoes are done? If the potatoes are done, they are pierced easily with a knife or fork.
- Can I use russet or red potatoes? You can, but they behave differently. Russet potatoes have a thick skin and a fluffier, starchier inside. Red potatoes are waxier and better for boiling or roasting.
- What if I want to roast instead of bake? Chop the potatoes into two-inch chunks and roast at a higher temperature (around 425°F) with herbs like fresh rosemary or parsley.
- Can I use this recipe for sweet potatoes? You can, but the cooking time and texture will vary. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweeter and softer, and usually larger, so will require more baking time depending on their size.
- How do I reheat leftover potatoes? Reheat in an air fryer or hot oven to restore the crispy skin. You can microwave them, but microwaved potatoes tend to lose texture.
- Are baked potatoes healthy? They’re nutritious in moderation. Depending on toppings, they fit into a balanced calorie diet.
You’ll find this potatoes recipe comes out perfect every single time. Just three key ingredients—potatoes, olive oil, and kosher salt—and a bit of heat make magic. One of my ultimate favorite foods and I hope your family enjoys it too!
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Perfect Baked Gold Potatoes Recipe (How to Make them Easy!)
Ingredients
- 4 yellow or gold potatoes large Yukon Gold potatoes work great
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This is the go-to temperature for a perfect baked potato with a crisp exterior and soft center.
- Scrub and dry your potatoes. Drying them well helps the skins to crisp.
- Using a fork, poke each potato a few times to prevent steam from building up inside.
- Rub each potato with olive oil or avocado oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
- Place directly on the oven rack or you can use a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake until fork-tender. Cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes, but 45 to 60 minutes is typical.
- To serve, use a knife to cut lengthwise and gently squeeze to fluff the creamy interior. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, fresh herbs or even freshly grated parmesan cheese.
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