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There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly baked potato, and Cracker Barrel does it just right.
With its crispy, salted skin and soft, fluffy interior, this classic side dish is a staple at the beloved country-style restaurant.
But what if you could recreate that same delicious experience at home?
This copycat Cracker Barrel baked potato recipe brings the restaurant’s signature taste straight to your kitchen.
Whether you’re preparing a hearty family dinner or simply craving a satisfying side, this foolproof method ensures a perfectly baked potato every time.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked potato recipe isn’t just another side dish—it’s a game-changer.
Here’s why:
1. Simple Yet Flavorful
With just a few pantry staples, you can achieve the perfect balance of crispy, seasoned skin and a buttery, tender inside.
2. Just Like Cracker Barrel’s
This recipe follows the same technique used by the restaurant, so you can enjoy that familiar, comforting taste without leaving home.
3. Versatile & Customizable
Serve it as a simple side or load it up with cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives for a full meal. You can even tweak the seasonings to match your preferences.
4. Pairs Well with Everything
Whether you’re grilling a steak, roasting chicken, or making a cozy soup, this baked potato complements just about any dish.
5. Budget-Friendly & Easy to Make
No fancy ingredients or special equipment needed—just a baking sheet, an oven, and a few simple steps!
Ready to make the ultimate Cracker Barrel baked potato? Let’s get started!
Ingredients Needed
To recreate the Cracker Barrel-style baked potato at home, you only need a few simple ingredients.
These staples ensure a perfectly crispy skin and a soft, fluffy interior.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large Russet potatoes – The best choice for baking due to their high starch content.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter – Helps create that signature crispy skin.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt – Enhances the flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
Optional Toppings:
- Butter – For a rich, creamy bite.
- Sour cream – A classic topping that adds a tangy contrast.
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite variety.
- Bacon bits – For a smoky, salty crunch.
- Chives or green onions – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to bake the perfect Cracker Barrel-style potato!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes
For the best results, use Russet potatoes.
Their thick skin crisps up beautifully, while the starchy interior becomes soft and fluffy when baked.
Avoid waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they won’t yield the same texture.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
- Pat them completely dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial for crispy skin.
- Using a fork, pierce each potato several times on all sides to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 3: Season and Coat for the Perfect Skin
- Rub each potato with olive oil or melted butter, making sure to coat the entire surface.
- Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt to enhance flavor and texture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, turning them halfway through for even crispiness.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
- Insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the potato—if it slides in easily, they’re ready.
- The skin should feel firm and crisp, while the inside should be soft and fluffy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before slicing them open.
- Fluff the insides with a fork and top with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, or your favorite toppings.
Now, you’ve got the perfect Cracker Barrel-style baked potato, ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or a meal on its own!
Tips for the Best Baked Potato
Achieving the perfect baked potato isn’t just about tossing it in the oven.
A few simple tricks can take your Cracker Barrel-style baked potato to the next level!
1. Choose the Right Potato
Russet potatoes are the best choice because of their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior.
Their thick skin also crisps up beautifully.
2. Don’t Skip the Oil & Salt
Rubbing the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter ensures crispy skin, while coarse sea salt adds flavor and texture.
3. Bake Directly on the Oven Rack
For the crispiest skin, place the potatoes directly on the oven rack instead of a baking sheet.
If you prefer using a pan, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow heat to circulate evenly.
4. Avoid Wrapping in Foil
Foil traps steam, leading to soft, soggy skin.
If you want that signature Cracker Barrel crisp, bake your potatoes uncovered.
5. Don’t Overlook the Temperature
A high oven temperature of 425°F (220°C) is ideal for crispy skin and a perfectly tender interior.
6. Test for Doneness the Right Way
Instead of relying on time alone, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the potato.
If it slides in effortlessly, your potato is done!
7. Fluff the Inside for the Best Texture
Once baked, slice the potato open and gently press the sides inward to fluff up the interior before adding toppings.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about baked potatoes is how easily they can be customized.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a lighter option, here are some delicious variations to try!
1. Fully Loaded Baked Potato
- Top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and chives for the ultimate indulgence.
- Add a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
2. Cheesy Stuffed Baked Potato
- Scoop out some of the potato flesh, mix it with butter, shredded cheese, and a splash of cream, then stuff it back into the skin.
- Bake for an extra 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts.
3. BBQ Baked Potato
- Top your potato with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and shredded cheese for a smoky, Southern-style twist.
4. Broccoli & Cheese Baked Potato
- Add steamed broccoli and a generous drizzle of cheese sauce for a comforting, vegetarian-friendly option.
5. Tex-Mex Baked Potato
- Load it with black beans, salsa, shredded Mexican cheese, and guacamole for a Southwest-inspired flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning for extra spice.
6. Vegan & Dairy-Free Option
- Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of dairy butter.
- Top with cashew cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado slices for a plant-based alternative.
No matter how you top it, this Cracker Barrel baked potato recipe is the perfect blank canvas for endless delicious possibilities! Which variation will you try first? 😊
Conclusion
The Cracker Barrel baked potato recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
With its perfectly crispy skin and fluffy, tender interior, it’s easy to see why this dish is a fan favorite.
Whether you enjoy it as a side or loaded up with your favorite toppings for a full meal, this recipe brings the taste of Cracker Barrel straight to your kitchen.
What makes this baked potato even better is how customizable it is.
From cheesy stuffed potatoes to hearty BBQ versions, you can make this recipe your own and create endless delicious variations.
The best part? It’s quick, affordable, and guaranteed to be a hit every time!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a few Russet potatoes, heat up that oven, and start baking!
We’d love to hear how your Cracker Barrel-style baked potato turns out—feel free to leave a comment or share your toppings of choice!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these baked potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the potatoes for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through.
The result will be similar to oven-baked potatoes, with crispy skin and a fluffy interior.
2. How long will leftovers last?
Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While baked potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep them ahead of time by washing and seasoning the potatoes.
Store them in the fridge, and then bake them right before serving.
You can also bake them a day in advance and reheat them when needed.
4. How do I get crispy skin on my baked potato?
The secret to crispy skin is to coat the potatoes with oil or melted butter and season with coarse salt.
Don’t wrap them in foil, as this traps steam and prevents the skin from crisping up.
Bake them directly on the oven rack at a high temperature (425°F/220°C).
5. What should I serve with these baked potatoes?
Cracker Barrel-style baked potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with many meals.
Serve them alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken, BBQ ribs, or even a hearty salad.
For a complete meal, load them up with toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, or even chili for a filling, delicious option!
Cracker Barrel Baked Potato
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet or Oven Rack – for baking the potatoes
- 1 Fork – for pricking the potatoes
- 1 Paper Towel – for drying the potatoes
- 1 Knife (optional) – for slicing the potatoes open before serving
- 1 Basting Brush – for applying oil or butter to the potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Butter to taste
- Sour cream to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese to taste
- Bacon bits to taste
- Chives or green onions to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure the potatoes bake at the ideal temperature for a crispy skin.
Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water, scrubbing off any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, prick each potato several times (about 5-6 times) on all sides to allow steam to escape during baking.
Season the Potatoes:
- Rub each potato with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle them generously with 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt, making sure to coat them evenly.
Bake the Potatoes:
- Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 50–60 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Check for Doneness:
- To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the potato. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are ready.
Serve and Top:
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Slice them open, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, and chives.
Notes
- For Crispy Skin: Avoid wrapping the potatoes in foil, as it traps moisture and prevents the skin from getting crispy.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Optional Toppings: This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to load your potatoes with whatever toppings you like. Consider adding chili, steamed broccoli, or even pulled pork for a heartier dish.
