Learning how to make baked potatoes is a skill everyone can use. In this recipe, we make them with slightly crispy skin and the perfect fluffy interior!
Adjust the rack in your oven to the middle position and preheat oven to 450°F.
Rinse and scrub each potato. Dry each potato thoroughly with a clean towel.
Pierce each potato with a fork or sharp knife four (4) times on each side. This will allow steam to escape during the baking.
Rub the outside of the potato with bacon fat, olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter then sprinkle the potatoes all over in kosher or sea salt before baking.
Don't wrap your potato, you'll be "steaming, not baking" it for the desired crispy skin and light fluffy insides.
Bake for 45-55 minutes (depending on size) on a rack lined baking sheet until the outside is crisp and the potato gives a little when lightly squeezed.
Carefully cut each potato open and add your favorite seasonings and toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, etc.