Perfect Baked Potatoes

These Perfect Baked Potatoes are fluffy on the inside with a crisp, salty skin on the outside. Add your favorite toppings, serve it as a side, or enjoy this as a light meal that never disappoints.

These Perfect Baked Potatoes are addictively good. If you follow this recipe, you'll have fluffy potatoes that are covered in a briny skin that is super crisp. Cooking them uncovered in the oven allows moisture to evaporate, giving these spuds the texture we all love. Serve them as part of a larger meal or cover them with your favorite toppings and enjoy as is. This simple recipe is versatile and easy to follow.

Potatoes have so many benefits. They are filling, go great with almost any dish, and are a healthy way to get vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These Perfect Baked Potatoes are also gluten free and can work with most diets. They make a scrumptious addition to your table and you'll find yourself completely wowed by how delicious the crisp and salty skin is wrapped around the fluffy insides. Let's talk about the main ingredients you'll be using.

Video Tutorial

What you'll need

• Baking potatoes. Russet potatoes are best, as not all potato varieties are good for baking. You'll want to choose one with relatively high starch content and a skin that doesn't hold moisture.
• Salt + Water. We'll make a salty brine, and dip the potatoes in it. Doing so will add extra flavor to the potato skins. This is a trick I learned from America's Test Kitchen.
• Olive Oil. We'll brush the skins at the end to give them an extra crispy texture and golden color.
• Vegan Butter. I used store bought plant butter, but you can make vegan butter yourself.
• Salt + Pepper. Just a touch of each, right on top of the melting butter. YUM!

How to make it

1. Wash and pat the potatoes dry. Poke some holes around the potatoes with a fork.

2. In a shallow dish, mix 2 tablespoons of salt with ½ cup of water. Now submerge the potatoes in this salty brine.

3. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 50-70 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. To check if the potatoes and done, just use a toothpick and poke the potato. If it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready for the next step.

4. Brush the potatoes with some olive oil and then return them to the oven for about 10 minutes.

5. Take the potatoes out and slice them open (I keep one of my oven mitts on to hold the potato while cutting). Fluff the insides with a fork and top with a slice of vegan butter, salt, and freshly ground pepper.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Potatoes

• The brine is a must. The brine adds the perfect amount of salt all around the potato. This step is sure to give your baked potatoes just the right amount of flavor.
• Don't skip the oil. The step where you brush the potatoes with oil gives the skin extra crispiness and flavor. You can't resist not eating this skin!
• Vary the cooking time if necessary. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato you choose. Larger potatoes will need more, smaller ones less. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
• Don't use foil. Wrapping the potatoes in foil traps the water and steams them. This will keep the skin from getting crispy.

Add-ins and Substitutes

• Add fresh herbs. Chop some chives, dill, or rosemary and add to these potatoes for extra flavor.
• Try different cooking methods. Besides oven baking them, you could also use a convection oven or air fryer as alternatives. You'll still be able to enjoy the deliciously crispy skin with either one.
• Add cheese. Sprinkle vegan cheese on these hot baked potatoes after they've been fluffed. Give it time to melt for a gooey, cheesy treat.
• Substitute other seasonings. Vary the flavors so these Perfect Baked Potatoes work with all your dishes. Add cayenne pepper, garlic powder, curry powder, and others.

How to Store

These Perfect Baked Potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Allow them to cool and then place them in an airtight container for freshness.

What to Serve with it

• Toppings. Add some cashew sour cream, vegan cheese, and fresh chives for a delicious lunch or dinner. Or try this amazing Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce.
• Salad. A salad like this Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad or your favorite leafy greens would complement these Perfect Baked Potatoes nicely.
• Vegetables. Curried Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, or Roasted Tomato Pesto Vegetables can be served alongside this dish.
• Main dish. Serve this with Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Steaks, Eggplant "Meatballs," or Vegan Black Bean Burgers for a filling meal.

These Perfectly Baked Potatoes are fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside. You'll love the perfectly salted skin so much, this recipe will surely become a dinner table regular.

You'll also love these tasty vegan potato recipes:

• Potatoes and Green Beans
• Paprika Baked Potatoes
• Garlic Smashed Potatoes
• Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes