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I love making these Easy Baked Potatoes because they are so simple and go with almost anything. The outside is crispy while the inside stays soft and fluffy. They work as a side dish or as the base for a full meal with toppings. It is a steady, dependable recipe that fits into any dinner plan.
👉 I often pair these with my Beef Enchilada Soup.
Easy baked potatoes are made with russet potatoes, olive oil, and garlic salt, then roasted until crisp outside and fluffy inside. Baking at 400 degrees creates evenly cooked potatoes with simple flavor. This method works well for serving as a side dish or topping with favorite ingredients. It is a practical recipe that fits into weeknight or weekend meals.
Why you’ll love this recipe…
This is a reliable baked potato recipe without extra steps. The oil helps crisp the skin, and the garlic salt keeps flavor simple. They are easy to customize and can be served with many different dishes.
⏰ Total Time: 1 hour
🍂 Perfect For: Side dishes, simple dinners
🛒 Key Ingredients: Russet potatoes, olive oil
🍽️ Servings: 4
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Refrigerator friendly
👉 Slow Cooker Beef Stew is another meal that pairs well with these baked potatoes.
Made With Love,
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Need for Easy Baked Potatoes
- Full Ingredients List
- Swaps & Substitutions
- About What This Costs
- How to Make Easy Baked Potatoes
- Easy Baked Potatoes Variations
- Tips and Tricks
- Recipe FAQs – Easy Baked Potatoes
- Serving Suggestions
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- How I Use the Leftovers
- More Great Side Dish Recipes
- Easy Baked Potatoes Recipe
What You’ll Need for Easy Baked Potatoes
- Russet potatoes: Bake evenly and hold their shape well.
- Olive oil: Helps the skin turn crisp.
- Garlic salt: Adds simple seasoning to the outside.
👉 For a yummy comfort-style dinner, you are going to love my Ham, Broccoli, and Rice Skillet.
Full Ingredients List
- 5–10 medium Russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons garlic salt
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.
Swaps & Substitutions
- Use kosher salt instead of garlic salt if preferred.
- Add black pepper before baking.
- Brush with melted butter instead of olive oil.
About What This Costs
Estimated total cost: $4–7
Servings: 4
Estimated cost per serving: About $1–1.75
This estimate is based on average US grocery prices and may vary depending on location, store, and seasonal pricing.
How to Make Easy Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Line a baking dish with aluminum foil.
Step 2: Wash the potatoes and place them into the baking dish.
Step 3: Coat each potato with olive oil and garlic salt.
Step 4: Bake at 400 degrees for 45–65 minutes, until soft when tested with a fork.
Step 5: Let cool slightly before serving with toppings.
🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!
Easy Baked Potatoes Variations
- Slice open and add shredded cheese and sour cream.
- Top with cooked bacon and green onions.
- Spoon chili over the top for a full meal.
👉 I also love topping my baked potatoes with Beef Enchilada Soup.
My Pro TipS
Tips and Tricks
- Choose similar-sized potatoes for even baking.
- Bake directly on foil for easier cleanup.
- Baking long enough keeps the center fluffy.
- Letting them rest briefly makes them easier to handle.
Recipe FAQs – Easy Baked Potatoes
Yes, they reheat well in the oven.
A fork should slide easily into the center.
Yes, refrigerate and reheat as needed.
👉 My Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is another practical weeknight option.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with butter and sour cream.
- Top with shredded cheese and bacon.
- Pair with soup or stew.
👉 Chicken Taco Rice is another easy dinner to rotate through the week.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for best texture.
- Reheat: Warm in oven or microwave until heated through.
👉 Try pairing with my Lentil Stew for another hearty dinner.
How I Use the Leftovers
- Slice and pan-fry for breakfast.
- Dice and add to soups.
- Mash and reheat as a quick side.
More Great Side Dish Recipes
Oven Baked
Easy One Hour Dinner Rolls
Appetizers
Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks
All Recipes
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
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Easy Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 5-10 medium Russet potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp garlic salt
Instructions
- Line a baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Wash potatoes and place in dish.
- Coat with olive oil and garlic salt.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 45–65 minutes until soft.
- Let cool slightly and serve with toppings.
Video
Notes
- Choose evenly sized potatoes for consistent baking.
- Bake until fork tender in the center.
- Reheat in oven for best texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
