I tested 12 different techniques to bring you the best baked potato method: a crispy, well-seasoned skin that stays crisp and a fluffy, tender interior. I use one unusual ingredient that transforms the result.
What defines the perfect baked potato?
For me it’s:
- Crispy, crunchy skin that stays crisp even a few minutes after coming out of the oven.
- Flavourful skin — the skin should be as tasty as the flesh, not something to leave behind.
- Fluffy, tender interior that’s easy to mash with salted butter.
- Reasonable timing. Using a microwave to kick-start the cooking and a very hot oven to finish, this method delivers perfect results in about one hour. If you don’t have a microwave, there’s an alternative oven-only method in the notes.
This approach checked every box during my tests and replaced my old way of baking potatoes.
📋 What you need
- Baking potatoes — choose potatoes labeled for baking, or large floury varieties such as Maris Piper, King Edward or Russet.
- Beef dripping — it gives the skin a superb crispness and flavour and helps salt and pepper stick. For a vegetarian alternative, use sunflower oil.
- Salt and pepper — simple seasoning makes a big difference to the skin.
📺 How to make them
Full recipe details are in the recipe card below.
- Prick the potato several times, then microwave on high for 5 minutes to begin cooking the interior and speed the process.
- Brush the potato with melted beef dripping (or oil), then roll it in salt and pepper.
- Bake directly on the oven rack in a very hot oven for 55 minutes to develop a thick, crunchy, flavourful skin while keeping the inside fluffy.
👩🍳PRO TIP — Always prick the potato before cooking to release steam and avoid explosions.
Wrap or protect your hands with a clean tea-towel and gently squeeze the potato. A cooked potato will give under pressure, indicating the interior is soft and tender.
🍽️ What to serve it with
- Creamy coleslaw
- Sausage and bean casseroles
- Filled with tuna mayo or cheese
- Topped with crispy bacon
- Retro coronation chicken filling
- Alongside rich casseroles such as steak Diane
Look at that potato perfection 😋
🍲 More fantastic Potato recipes
Sides
Fondant Potatoes
Sides
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Roast Dinner
The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes
Sides
The Best Mashed Potatoes
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Sautéed Potatoes with Garlic
Sides
Greek Potato Hash
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The Best Baked Potato Method
5 mins
1 hr
1 hr 5 mins
Ingredients
- 1 baking potato (about 280g / 10oz)
- 1 tsp beef dripping, melted (or sunflower oil)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F (fan).
- Prick the potato several times with a fork.
- Place the potato on a plate and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the microwave and brush the skin all over with the melted beef dripping (or oil).
- Roll the potato in the salt and pepper to coat evenly.
- Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 55 minutes.
- Serve as a side or split open and add your favourite fillings.
Notes
Baking more than one potato? Add 2 minutes extra microwave time per additional potato, then bake for 55 minutes in the oven as directed. Space potatoes apart on the rack so air can circulate.
No microwave? Prick the potatoes, coat in beef dripping (you can spread it cold), salt and pepper, then bake on a shallow tray at 180°C / 350°F for about 2 hours for the crispiest skin.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide.
Some links on the original site may be affiliate links, which can generate a small commission at no extra cost to you. Nutrition info is approximate.