This guide for How Long to Bake a Potato at 450 will teach you the best way to create baked potatoes that are fluffy on the inside. With this guide, you’ll be a baked potato expert. Once cooked, these potatoes can be paired with any mains you’d like, such as BBQ chicken or ribs.
Following this guide for how long to bake a potato at 450 will yield a delicious potato every time. I’ve kept the seasoning simple, but you can feel free to adjust the flavor to your liking. Add your favorite baked potato toppings to this recipe, and enjoy!
Now that you’re a potato pro, you can try these other yummy potato recipes: Crockpot Funeral Potatoes, Garlic Parsley Potatoes, and Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus with Parmesan.
These steakhouse style baked potatoes with crispy skin and fluffy interior are one of my favorite sides to serve with my Bavette Steaks, Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak, or Picanha Steak.
If you are looking for other delicious potato recipes, try my Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, Easy Mexican Potatoes, or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes.
My classic Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes are always a hit as well!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy – This guide for how long to bake a potato at 450 requires less than 10 steps for the ultimate baked potatoes.
- Simple ingredients – You’ll only need three ingredients for this recipe.
- Customizable – I’ve noted simple seasoning, but you can include any seasoning or toppings you like.
- Perfect side every time – The recipe helps create delicious baked potatoes which have crispy potato skins and a fluffy interior that’s perfect for absorbing butter, sauces, etc.
Best Potatoes for Baking
When following this guide for how long to bake a potato at 450 degrees F, it’s essential to know the type of potato you pick matters. The best baked potatoes are made with options low in moisture and high in starch. I love using russet potatoes because they fit these qualities and give you a deliciously crispy skin once baked. Idaho potatoes are also a good choice when making baked potatoes. I would skip waxy options, like Yukon Gold, as they won’t create a fluffy inside once baked.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How Long To Bake a Potato at 450
When learning how long to bake a potato at 450, it’s essential to consider the size of the potato, as larger potatoes will take longer to bake. As a good rule of thumb, expect larger potatoes to take about 45-60 minutes to bake. A fork or knife is the best way to check for doneness when making a baked potato. Poke the potato with a fork, and if it slides in easily, it’s likely done and ready to serve.
Quick Overview
- Poke holes.
- Season potatoes.
- Bake.
Step by Step Instructions
Be sure to clean the potato skins well since this recipe doesn’t require peeling.
Check for doneness with a fork/knife before removing the potatoes from the oven.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place the washed & dried potatoes on the baking sheet. Using a fork, poke a few holes on the outside of the potato. Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes.
Step 2: Rub them thoroughly with the oil so the whole surface is coated.
Step 3: Generously season all sides of the potatoes with kosher salt. Do not skimp on the salt.
Step 4: Bake for 45-60 minutes or until a fork or knife can be easily inserted into the center. Cooking time varies depending on the size of the potatoes. The internal temperature will be around 210 °F. Remove from the oven and serve with your favorite toppings.
Topping Ideas
If you’re unsure what to add to these potatoes once you’ve followed the steps in this how long to bake a potato at 450 guide, you’re in luck. I’ve put together some ideas for what toppings to include. Here are a few options:
- Melted butter
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Baked beans
- Chili
- Bacon bits
- Guacamole
- Taco meat (plus lettuce, tomato, etc.)
Recipe Serving Suggestions
Garnish the potatoes in this how long to bake a potato at 450 recipe with a square of butter, chives, and additional salt and pepper. I love serving this baked potato recipe with saucy mains, so you can soak up any extra sauce with the potato. Here are a few ideas:
- Baked Tuscan Chicken
- Easy Tomato Basil Chicken
- Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops
- Dutch Oven Pork Chops
Expert Tips
- Use a scrub brush to wash the potatoes thoroughly. Since you’re leaving the potato skin on for this perfect baked potato recipe, you want to be sure the skin is cleaned thoroughly. Use a brush to remove dirt and debris before seasoning the potatoes and putting them in the oven.
- Do not skimp on the oil and salt. If you add a lot of oil and salt to the outside of the potato, you’ll create a really good baked potato. The oil helps create a crispy skin, while the salt absorbs extra moisture on the potato, aiding in a crispy potato outside.
- Use potatoes that are about the same size. When learning how to bake a potato at 450, it’s essential to know that potatoes of the same size are best. This step ensures the potatoes bake evenly, so you’re not left with undercooked and overcooked potatoes.
- Don’t wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil. To create the crispiest baked potatoes, avoid wrapping them in aluminum foil. If you wrap them in foil, you’ll steam the potatoes instead of baking them, creating soggy potatoes.
Additions & Variations
- Place a wire rack underneath the potatoes on top of the baking sheet for even crispier potatoes. Adding a wire rack on top of your baking tray is the best way to create a crispy outside. This step allows the high heat to reach the entire outside of the potatoes for the full bake time (including the underside), creating crispy skins. This method also ensures the potatoes cook more evenly, so it’s a win-win.
- Try it with a sweet potato. This guide for how long to bake a potato at 450 also works for sweet potatoes. You may need to adjust the cook time slightly, depending on the potatoes’ size. You can check for doneness the same way, with a fork or knife or by checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
Recipe FAQs
No, 450 is not too hot for baking potatoes. This temp will help create the perfect baked potato, as it allows the outside to crisp up nicely. For more details, follow the recipe card in this guide for how long to bake a potato at 450.
Yes, I recommend poking holes in the potatoes before baking them. These holes allow the steam to come out of the potatoes as they cook, creating perfectly baked potatoes. If you don’t poke holes, there is a potential for the steam to build up, causing the potatoes to explode in the oven.
No, I do not recommend wrapping the potatoes in foil. If you do bake potatoes in foil, they will steam instead of baking, leaving you with a soggy potato. Instead, line the baking tray with foil and leave the potato unwrapped.
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How Long To Bake a Potato at 450
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed & dried
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Morton kosher salt*
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place the washed & dried potatoes on the baking sheet. Using a fork, poke a few holes on the outside of the potato. Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes.4 large russet potatoes, washed & dried, 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Rub them thoroughly with the oil so the whole surface is coated.
- Generously season all sides of the potatoes with kosher salt. Do not skimp on the salt.Morton kosher salt*
- Bake for 45-60 minutes or until a fork or knife can be easily inserted into the center. Cooking time varies depending on the size of the potatoes. The internal temperature will be around 210 °F. Remove from the oven and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
- Use a scrub brush to wash the potatoes thoroughly. Since you’re leaving the potato skin on for this perfect baked potato recipe, you want to be sure the skin is cleaned thoroughly. Use a brush to remove dirt and debris before seasoning the potatoes and putting them in the oven.
- Do not skimp on the oil and salt. If you add a lot of oil and salt to the outside of the potato, you’ll create a really good baked potato. The oil helps create a crispy skin, while the salt absorbs extra moisture on the potato, aiding in a crispy potato outside.
- Use potatoes that are about the same size. When learning how to bake a potato at 450, it’s essential to know that potatoes of the same size are best. This step ensures the potatoes bake evenly, so you’re not left with undercooked and overcooked potatoes.
- Don’t wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil. To create the crispiest baked potatoes, avoid wrapping them in aluminum foil. If you wrap them in foil, you’ll steam the potatoes instead of baking them, creating soggy potatoes.
- Place a wire rack underneath the potatoes on top of the baking sheet for even crispier potatoes. Adding a wire rack on top of your baking tray is the best way to create a crispy outside. This step allows the high heat to reach the entire outside of the potatoes for the full bake time (including the underside), creating crispy skins. This method also ensures the potatoes cook more evenly, so it’s a win-win.
- Try it with a sweet potato. This guide for how long to bake a potato at 450 also works for sweet potatoes. You may need to adjust the cook time slightly, depending on the potatoes’ size. You can check for doneness the same way, with a fork or knife or by checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I am a 73 yr old woman who remembers how this was the only way to bake potatoes. You don’t know what you are missing if you take the time to do your potatoes in the oven. I still do my potatoes this way.
The skin is so crunchy and in my book can compete with chicken skin any day. Thank you for this post.
They are the best in the oven! Of course. I’m glad you enjoyed.