Everything you need to know to make The Perfect Baked Potato in an oven every single time. They taste just like they were made at a restaurant!

Closeup on the top of a hot Baked Potato just out of the oven, covered in butter and ready to be eaten.

For most of my life I thought that that right way to make a Baked Potato was to microwave it for a bit, and then cook it the rest of the way in the oven. They came out fine that way – not great but fine. Then I learned how to make the Perfect Baked Potato and wow … what a difference. Fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, if you follow these directions you will serve your family baked potatoes that taste like they came from a restaurant. Give it a try … you won’t be sorry.

How to Bake a Potato in the Oven

Collage image showing the steps for making a steakhouse style Baked Potato.

Step 1: Wash but do not put holes in the potatoes.
Step 2: Dissolve salt in a large bowl filled with warm water.
Step 3: Add potatoes to the saltwater so they are completely submerged. Soak for a minimum of 2 hours. This is the secret step … the brining process must not be skipped. This is what gives you a fluffy delicious baked potato that really is the best you’ve ever tasted.
Step 4: Remove the potatoes from the saltwater, pat them dry, and then sprinkle the skins with Garlic Salt, and Pepper.

Closeup of The Perfect Baked Potato opened up and covered in melted butter, sitting on a wire rack next to other baked potatoes.

Step 5: Bake the potatoes directly on the wire rack in a 400 degree oven for 45-60 minutes (depending on the size of the potato.) When the potatoes skins are crispy but the insides of the potato seem soft when you press on the side, they are done. Take them out of the oven and split them open lengthwise. Fluff up the inside of the potato with a fork and then butter and season with salt and pepper to taste!  Now you can enjoy your steakhouse-style Baked Potato!

Expert Tips & FAQs

What kind of potato should I use?

You need a good starchy potato to make a steakhouse style Baked Potato. Pick a Russet or Idaho Potato – they are the best.

What kind of salt should I use for the brine?

We use Kosher Salt for the brine but any salt you have on hand will do.

Do I have to season the outside of the potato?

No. We used Garlic Salt to flavor the Potato Skin. We’ve also been known to use Seasoned Salt. The skin is especially yummy with a little butter after you’ve eaten the insides!

Overhead closeup of a perfect baked potato smothered in butter.

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The Perfect Baked Potato

Yield 4 servings
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours

Everything you need to know to make The Perfect Baked Potato in an oven every single time. They taste just like they were made at a restaurant!

Ingredients

  • 4 Medium Russet Potatoes
  • 1 cup Kosher Salt (or equivalent)
  • 2 tablespoons Garlic Salt
  • Salted Sweet Cream Butter
  • Salt & Pepper

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the salt in a large bowl filled with warm water.
  2. Wash but do not put holes in the potatoes.
  3. Add potatoes to the salt water so they are completely submerged.
  4. Soak for a minimum of 2 hours.
  5. Remove potatoes from the salt water, sprinkle skins with Garlic Salt and Pepper.
  6. Bake directly on the wire rack in a 400 degree oven for 45-60 minutes (depending on the size of the potato.)
  7. When potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are done.
  8. Take out of the oven, split open lengthwise. Fluff up the potato with a fork.
  9. Butter and season with salt and pepper to taste!

Did you Make this Recipe? Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @twosisterscrafting on Instagram so we can see it!