Perfectly Baked Potato

This classic baked potato technique ensures a beautifully crispy skin and a fluffy, steaming interior that pairs wonderfully with our roasted cauliflower or broccoli! It's the ultimate comforting base for any hearty vegan meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a truly perfect baked potato is the two-step baking process. Baking them bare for the first 45 minutes draws out internal moisture to fluff the inside, while brushing them with oil and salt after they've expanded ensures the skin crisps up perfectly without burning. Take it further: If you want to elevate this meal, you can easily turn this into a creamy twice-baked stuffed potato, or drizzle a vegan cheese sauce right over the top!

Chef's Pro-Tips

• Don't foil them: Wrapping potatoes in aluminum foil traps steam and boils the potato, resulting in a soggy skin. Always bake them bare on the rack!
• Prick thoroughly: Never forget to pierce your potatoes with a fork before baking to let steam escape, otherwise they can literally explode in your oven.

Instructions

1. Prep oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Wash and pierce: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and dry them completely. Pierce each potato 5–6 times with a fork to let steam escape.
3. Initial bake: Place the bare potatoes directly on the center oven rack. Bake for 45 minutes.
4. Oil and salt: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Brush the outside of each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
5. Final crisp: Return the potatoes directly to the oven rack. Bake for another 20 minutes until the skin is incredibly crispy and a fork easily slides all the way into the center.
6. Serve: Cut a slit down the center, pinch the ends to fluff the inside, and top with your favorite roasted veggies or vegan butter!