Extra Crispy Oven Baked Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious side dish to complement your weeknight meals, oven-cooked potatoes are the perfect solution. The crispy, golden texture combined with the fluffy interior makes them a favorite in many households. Whether you’re serving them with steak, roasted chicken, or grilled vegetables, this extra crispy oven-baked potatoes recipe will quickly become a go-to for your dinner routine.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make perfectly crispy baked potatoes in the oven, how to season them, and provide you with tips on creating a variety of potato variations to keep things exciting. You’ll be able to create baked seasoned potatoes that are full of flavor and texture, ideal for those busy weeknights when you want a comforting dish that doesn’t require hours of preparation.

Why Oven Baked Potatoes?

There are countless ways to cook potatoes, but baking them in the oven is a reliable method that guarantees great results every time. Oven-baked potatoes are versatile, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation. They offer a healthier alternative to fried potatoes while still delivering the crispy exterior and tender interior that everyone loves.

The best part is that you can easily customize your oven-baked potatoes with different seasonings and toppings. Whether you prefer a simple salt-and-pepper finish or a complex blend of spices, the possibilities are endless.

Ingredients for Extra Crispy Oven Baked Potatoes

To get started with this oven-baked recipe, you’ll need the following basic ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes (russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their high starch content, which makes them extra fluffy inside)
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for coating)
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a savory flavor)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of smoky sweetness)
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional, for added fragrance)

Preparing the Potatoes

Wash and Scrub the Potatoes: Start by thoroughly washing and scrubbing your russet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Since the skin is where much of the crispiness comes from, you want to make sure the skin is clean and free from any impurities.
Preheat the Oven: Before you start cutting and seasoning the potatoes, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature will help achieve the perfect crispy texture on the outside while ensuring the potatoes cook through.
Halve the Potatoes: For this recipe, you’ll be halving your potatoes to ensure they cook more quickly and evenly. Slice each potato in half lengthwise, which will expose the fluffy, starchy interior to the heat. Halved baked potatoes are the perfect balance between a crispy skin and a soft, creamy center.

Seasoning the Potatoes

Once you’ve halved the potatoes, it’s time to season them to perfection.

Coat with Oil: Drizzle your olive oil (or vegetable oil) evenly over the cut sides of the potatoes. The oil will help create that golden-brown crispiness. Use a brush or your hands to ensure each cut surface is covered. The oil also allows the seasonings to stick better to the potatoes.
Seasoning Mix: Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper over the cut sides of the potatoes. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or any seasoning blend you enjoy. For example, if you prefer baked seasoned potatoes with a smoky twist, paprika is an excellent choice. The seasoning not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the golden brown color and crispiness.
Add Fresh Herbs (Optional): If you want to elevate the flavor profile, sprinkle fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme over the potatoes. Fresh herbs impart a fragrant, earthy aroma that makes the baked potatoes even more mouthwatering.

Baking the Potatoes

Now that the potatoes are seasoned and ready, it’s time to bake them to perfection.

Place the Potatoes Cut-Side Down: Arrange the halved potatoes, cut-side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This placement helps the cut sides crisp up beautifully while the skins stay tender. Make sure there’s some space between each potato so that they cook evenly.
Bake at High Heat: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and your oven, so it’s always a good idea to check them around the 30-minute mark.
Check for Crispiness: To ensure that your oven-baked potatoes have reached the desired level of crispiness, gently flip one potato over with tongs or a spatula. If the bottom is golden and crispy, they are ready. If not, return them to the oven for a few more minutes.
Serve Hot: Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. Serve them immediately as a side dish, or top them with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, or chives.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Oven Baked Potatoes

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the potatoes are spaced out enough on the baking sheet. If they are too close together, the moisture from the potatoes can cause them to steam instead of crisping up.
Dry the Potatoes: After washing the potatoes, dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Excess moisture can interfere with the crisping process.
Use the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for baking. Their high starch content leads to a light, fluffy interior, while their thick skin crisps up nicely when baked.
Use High Heat: The higher the temperature, the crispier your potatoes will be. If you want to achieve extra crispiness, bake the potatoes at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Flip Halfway: To ensure both sides of the potatoes are crispy, flip them halfway through the baking process.

Variations of Oven Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes: For an extra indulgent option, scoop out the soft, baked potato flesh, mix it with sour cream, cheese, butter, and seasonings, then spoon it back into the skins and bake again until golden brown.
Loaded Baked Potatoes: Once your oven-baked potatoes are ready, top them with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, and even a little chili for a filling and flavorful meal.
Garlic Herb Potatoes: If you love garlic, you can add freshly minced garlic or garlic powder to your seasoning mix. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley work beautifully with garlic for a savory, aromatic flavor.
Spicy Baked Potatoes: For a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix. These spicy baked potatoes are perfect for those who like a little kick in their food.
Vegan Baked Potatoes: Skip the butter and cheese and use olive oil or avocado for a dairy-free version. Top with your favorite plant-based toppings like vegan sour cream, nutritional yeast, or sautéed vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works

This extra crispy oven-baked potatoes recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy and tender. The oil and high heat create a golden crust, while the natural starches in the potatoes yield a soft and fluffy interior. By halving the potatoes, the cooking process is faster, and the surface area exposed to the heat results in an extra crispy texture. This simple yet effective recipe is adaptable to all tastes and preferences, making it a great option for a wide range of meals.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to prepare crispy and delicious potatoes, this extra crispy oven-baked potatoes recipe is sure to impress. Whether you’re making baked seasoned potatoes as a side dish for dinner or whipping up a batch for a weekend feast, this recipe will have you enjoying perfectly baked potatoes every time. With the flexibility to customize the seasoning, these oven-baked crispy potatoes are sure to become one of your favorite oven-only recipes.