The Salt-Baked Potato is a timeless side dish that transforms the humble spud into a crispy-skinned, fluffy-centered delight. By baking potatoes on a bed of salt, moisture is drawn out, resulting in a perfectly textured interior and a flavorful, seasoned crust. This method, rooted in traditional cooking techniques, offers a straightforward approach to achieving restaurant-quality baked potatoes at home.
Salt Baked Potato
Tom Jackson
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Side Dish
Cuisine
American
Servings
4
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 40 minutes
Calories
253
Try this recipe for a delicious, new way to create a classic baked potato with a savory rosemary butter sauce!
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes
- 1 head of garlic
- Fresh rosemary
-
2 1/2 cups Kosher salt
- 4 tbsp soft unsalted butter
-
Olive Oil
-
Grill Tri-Tip Seasoning
Directions
Preheat the Oven or Grill
Set to 450°F (232°C) to preheat.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Pour a generous layer of kosher salt into a baking dish, enough to cover the bottom.
Prepare the Potatoes
Scrub 4 large russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Arrange the Potatoes
Place the potatoes on the bed of salt in the baking dish, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Optionally, sprinkle additional salt over the top of the potatoes for extra seasoning.
Bake the Potatoes
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Raise temp to 500 degrees. Pull rosemary and garlic.
Baste potatoes with olive oil.
Return to heat and bake another 20 minutes.
Serve
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
Brush off any excess salt from the skins.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, or chives.

Recipe Note
What You'll Love About This Recipe
Crispy Skin: The salt crust ensures a delectably crispy exterior.
Fluffy Interior: Retained moisture results in a soft, fluffy inside.
Simple Ingredients: Requires only potatoes and salt, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: While russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy nature, other varieties like Yukon Gold can also be used, though the texture may vary.
Q: Is the potato overly salty?
A: The salt primarily affects the skin, creating a flavorful crust. The interior remains mildly seasoned.
Q: Can I reuse the salt?
A: It's not recommended to reuse the salt as it absorbs moisture and impurities during baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q: Can I add herbs or spices?
A: Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the salt bed can infuse the potatoes with additional flavor.
Q: Can I cook these indoors?
We rate these as a 5 out of 5. Perfect for indoor or outdoor cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 7.82 oz
- per serving
- Calories
- 253
- Carbs
- 35 grams
- Protein
- 4 grams
- Fat
- 11 grams
- Sodium
- 3504 milligrams