Perfect Baked Potato Recipe

Preheat the oven to 450 ̊F. If you have a wire rack, set it over a baking sheet to promote even cooking all around the potato.

Scrub the potatoes clean under running water then dry thoroughly with a towel. Poke holes in the potato all over, about 5-6 times with a fork.

Rub the potato skins with a little olive oil and sprinkle generously all over with kosher salt.

Set the potatoes on a rack or baking sheet, keeping the potatoes at least an inch apart, and bake for 45-60 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes, or until easily pierced with a fork. They should reach 210 ̊F in the center on an instant-read thermometer.

To serve, use a knife to cut a slit down the center of your potato (don’t cut all the way through) and push in the sides of the potato to open up the potato and fluff the center. Add a tablespoon of butter to melt into the center of the hot potato. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or serve with desired toppings.