These steakhouse baked potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. With a fluffy inside and a crispy skin, they’re super enjoyable when topped with butter and fresh herbs!
On a cozy night, nothing beats enjoying these potatoes with a juicy steak. I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on mine—because why not make it even better? 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are my go-to for baked potatoes. Their starchy texture makes them fluffy inside. If you can’t find russets, Yukon gold potatoes can be a tasty alternative, offering a creamier flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps crisp the skin. You could use avocado oil for a different taste or even melted butter if you prefer that flavor.
Kosher Salt: This gives the skin a lovely salty crunch. If you’re out of kosher salt, sea salt works too, just use a tad less as it’s finer.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to switch it up with Monterey Jack or a cheese blend if you want something different.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for a healthier option, still giving you that creamy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Bake Potatoes for the Perfect Texture?
The key to getting that perfect baked potato is all about the prep and cooking time. You want a crispy skin and fluffy interior, and here’s how to achieve that.
- First, scrub your potatoes well to clean them thoroughly, as you’ll be eating the skin too!
- Prick them several times with a fork. This is crucial—if you skip this step, your potatoes might explode in the oven.
- Rub olive oil and sprinkle kosher salt over the potatoes to get that delicious, crispy skin.
- Place them directly on the oven rack; this allows hot air to circulate and crisps up all sides.
- Bake until fork-tender, about 45-60 minutes, checking for doneness with a fork.
Let them cool a few minutes before cutting. This helps keep the steam in, ensuring a fluffy inside even after cutting!
Best Steakhouse Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and 45-60 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll be looking at around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to have these delicious steakhouse baked potatoes ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot temperature is perfect for creating that crispy skin on your potatoes!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Scrub your russet potatoes under cold water to get rid of any dirt. Once they’re clean, pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Prick and Season:
Using a fork, prick each potato several times. This allows steam to escape while they bake. Then, rub each potato with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle them generously with kosher salt to give them lots of flavor!
4. Bake the Potatoes:
Now, place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 45-60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins are crispy and a fork goes in easily.
5. Slice and Fill:
Once the potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, cut a slit along the top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to open them up a little.
6. Add Toppings:
Time to make them delicious! Top each baked potato with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crumbled bacon. If you like, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top too! Finish with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot steakhouse baked potatoes right away and enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
While russet potatoes are the best choice for that fluffy interior and crispy skin, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness with a fork!
How Can I Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them until hot.
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the potatoes a day in advance. Just let them cool completely after baking, then store in the fridge. When ready to serve, warm them in the oven again before adding your toppings.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor. Cream cheese, mixed with a bit of milk to loosen it up, is another great alternative!
