Classic Baked Potato

Name: Classic Baked Potato
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 4 tbsp butter, for serving; 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving; 2 tbsp chopped chives, for serving

4 servings5 min prep60 min cookEasy

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Classic Baked Potato

Story updated September 18, 2026

Baking whole potatoes is a simple technique that became widespread as potatoes spread through Europe and later the Americas after the 16th and 17th centuries; the baked potato became an American steakhouse and diner staple by the 20th century.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp butter, for serving
1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
2 tbsp chopped chives, for serving

Instructions

1Preheat the oven to 425 F and pierce each potato several times with a fork.
2Rub the potatoes all over with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt.
3Place directly on the oven rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch drips, and bake for 50-60 minutes, until a knife slides in easily.
4Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes, then slice open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork.
5Top with butter, sour cream, and chives before serving.

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