Description
This Vegetarian Baked Potato recipe offers a simple and delicious way to prepare perfectly crispy-skinned russet potatoes with tender interiors. Baked at 400°F, these potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or smoked paprika. They can be topped with a variety of vegetarian-friendly toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, black beans, salsa, guacamole, roasted veggies, and chives, making it a versatile and satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika (optional)
Toppings
- Sour cream or vegan alternative
- Shredded cheese
- Black beans
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Roasted veggies
- Chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes evenly.
- Clean the potatoes. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water using a vegetable brush and pat them dry with a clean towel to remove any dirt and debris.
- Prick the potatoes. Use a fork to pierce each potato 5–6 times. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
- Season the potatoes. Rub each potato with olive oil to coat the skin and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and optionally garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Prepare for baking. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to bake.
- Bake the potatoes. Bake for 45–60 minutes, flipping the potatoes once halfway through baking. The potatoes are done when fork-tender and the skin is crisp and golden brown.
- Cool and slice. Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Slice a cross on the top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to open up the interior.
- Add toppings and serve. Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, black beans, salsa, guacamole, roasted veggies, and chives. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, rub the potatoes again with olive oil halfway through baking after flipping.
- You can bake these potatoes ahead of time and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Using a fork to prick the potatoes prevents steam buildup and reduces the risk of bursting in the oven.
- If short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes before baking to reduce overall cooking time.