Name: Perfect Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 Russet potatoes; 2 tbls Olive oil; 2 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Black pepper; 2 tsp Garlic powder; Sour cream (green onions, butter (optional for serving))

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These baked potatoes come out with crisp, golden skin and a soft, fluffy center. Starting in the microwave speeds things up without compromising texture, and finishing them in the oven gives you that satisfying skin that’s perfect for cracking open and loading with butter, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.

Perfect Baked Potatoes by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Baked potatoes are one of those things that never go out of style. This method makes them weeknight-friendly but still gives you the texture you’d expect from an oven-baked version. They’re simple to prep and can swing from side dish to full meal depending on what you put on top.
If you’re short on time and want an even quicker version, check out my Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe. It’s fast and still gives you that crispy skin.

Why you’ll love these Perfect Baked Potatoes

Crispy Skin Without the Wait:
Starting the potato in the microwave softens the inside quickly, and the oven gives it that golden, slightly crunchy skin that’s perfect for slicing open and loading up.
Perfectly Fluffy Every Time:
This method helps avoid overbaked or uneven potatoes. The inside stays moist and soft without drying out, and there’s no need to wrap them in foil or babysit them.
Customizable for Any Topping:
Keep it classic with sour cream and chives, or go bold with baked beans and cheese, tuna mayo, or Sloppy Joe Baked Potato. I’ll be linking to all of those soon!

Overhead view of baked potatoes topped with sour cream and green onions, surrounded by small bowls of seasonings and green onions.

Let’s Get Crispy: Why I Always Start with the Microwave

I used to wait the full hour for oven-baked potatoes to cook, until I realized that the microwave isn’t cheating, it’s just smart. A few minutes gets the inside tender, then a blast in the oven gives you that skin that actually cracks when you press it. No soggy foil-wrapped potatoes here.

Ingredients Needed for the Perfect Baked Potatoes

Russet Potatoes: These are the best for baking because they’re high in starch and give a fluffy center. Skip waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They won’t give you the same texture.
Olive Oil: Brushed on the skin before baking, it helps create a crispy texture and adds flavor.
Salt and Pepper: A sprinkle before baking seasons the skin so it’s actually worth eating. I like coarse sea salt or kosher salt for a little crunch.
Garlic Powder: Optional, but gives the skin an extra layer of flavor.
Optional Toppings: Think butter, sour cream, green onions, shredded cheese, or check out the loaded topping recipes I’ll be linking to soon.

Ingredients for Perfect Baked Potatoes by Tessie's Table.

How to make Perfect Baked Potatoes

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Pricking a russet potato with a fork before cooking.

Wash and scrub the potatoes, then prick each potato all over with a fork to allow steam to escape.

Brushing olive oil over russet potatoes before seasoning.

Microwave for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then brush each potato with olive oil.

Seasoned russet potatoes on a white plate ready for baking

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Fluffy inside of a baked potato being loosened with a fork.

Bake in the oven at 425°F for 30 to 40 minutes until the skin is crisp. Top with your favorite toppings.

Variations

Garlic and Herb Baked Potatoes: Add dried parsley and a pinch of oregano to the skin before baking. It gives the potato a savory, herby flavor that pairs well with just butter or a drizzle of sour cream.
Baked Potato with Baked Beans and Cheese: Use this as your base, then pile on warm baked beans and shredded cheddar. It’s cozy, filling, and such a classic if you grew up in the UK. I’ll be linking my full Baked Beans and Cheese Baked Potato recipe soon.
Sloppy Joe Baked Potato: Top the finished potato with leftover sloppy joe mix and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s hearty and a great way to use up leftovers. Try my Sloppy Joe Baked Potato recipe and let me know what you think.
Mini Baked Potatoes: Use smaller russet or gold potatoes and reduce the bake time. These make great appetizers or meal prep sides for the week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Soup: Baked potatoes go so well with a cozy bowl of Soup. Try it with tomato soup, creamy mushroom, or even Chicken chili for a hearty combo that feels like comfort food without much effort.
As a Side to Grilled Meat: These are perfect alongside Garlic Butter Steak Bites, Chicken, or Sausage Casserole. They soak up juices from grilled mains and give you something carby and satisfying on the plate.
Build a Baked Potato Bar: Great for casual dinners or gatherings. Set out toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, tuna, baked beans, or bacon bits and let everyone build their own.
Topped with Turkey Meatballs: This is a great way to turn a side dish into a full meal. Spoon over some leftover Turkey Meatball Casserole and a sprinkle of cheese for a quick and filling dinner.
Tuna Mayo Baked Potato: Perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Scoop out the center slightly and fill with creamy tuna mayo and sweetcorn. My Tuna Mayo Baked Potato post (coming next week) will walk you through it.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store these Perfect Baked Potatoes?

Let the baked potatoes cool completely before storing. Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or pop in the microwave. If you want the skin to stay crisp, the oven or air fryer is a better choice.

Can I freeze these Perfect Baked Potatoes?

You can freeze baked potatoes, but the texture does change a little. Wrap them tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you’re freezing a batch, try to freeze them plain. No toppings or fillings.

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Baked potato filled with fluffy potato and topped with sour cream and green onions, served on a green plate next to a fork.

Tips & Tricks

Use the Microwave to Save Time: You’re not sacrificing texture here. Microwaving softens the inside, and baking finishes the outside. No one will know you didn’t bake them the full hour.
Don’t Wrap in Foil: Wrapping the potatoes in foil steams the skin and leaves it soft. If you want that classic crispy skin, leave them uncovered in the oven.
Prick the Skin First: This helps steam escape and prevents your potato from splitting open. It’s a simple step but makes a big difference in how evenly the potato cooks.
Use the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are best for baking because they’re starchy and fluffy. Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold won’t give you the same interior texture.
Test Doneness with a Fork: A perfectly baked potato should have a skin that gives a little resistance and a soft center you can easily poke through. If your fork glides in without much push, it’s ready.

More Potato Favorites

Looking for more meal inspiration?

Browse my Slow Cooker Meals or check out my Dinners for more yummy ideas.

FAQ

Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil before baking?
No, and actually it’s better not to. Wrapping in foil traps steam and gives you soft, leathery skin. Leaving them unwrapped lets the skin dry out and crisp up in the oven, which is exactly what you want.
Why use the microwave at all. Can I just bake them the full time?
You can bake them the traditional way for an hour, but starting with the microwave speeds things up and still gives you great texture. It’s especially helpful on busy nights.
Can I use this method for sweet potatoes?
Yes, the method works well for sweet potatoes too. Just microwave them for about 4 minutes to start, then bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on size. Keep in mind the skin won’t get quite as crisp as with russets.
How do I keep the skin crispy after baking?
Don’t wrap the potatoes or store them while hot. Let them cool completely before storing, and reheat them in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave to get the skin crisp again.
Is garlic powder necessary?
Not at all! It just adds an extra layer of flavor to the skin. You can skip it entirely, or try something else like smoked paprika or onion powder if you want a different flavor profile.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The air fryer or oven is your best bet for keeping the texture. Reheat at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but the skin will soften.
Do I need to flip the potato in the oven?
It’s not required, but flipping it halfway through can help the skin crisp up more evenly, especially if it’s resting on a tray instead of directly on the rack.
Can I prep them ahead of time?
Yes, you can microwave them earlier in the day and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready, oil and season them, then finish in the oven. It’s a great trick for weeknight dinners.
Can I bake multiple potatoes at once?
Absolutely. Just make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If your oven or microwave is small, you may need to rotate them or give them a little extra time.
How do I pick the best potato at the store?
Look for firm russet potatoes with no green spots, sprouts, or soft patches. Medium to large ones are best for stuffing or topping.