Baked potatoes

Baked potatoes are a simple, comforting dish made by cooking whole potatoes in an oven until their skins are crisp and their insides are fluffy. They are typically made with starchy potato varieties like Russets and are often served with toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives. This method of preparation is believed to have originated in Europe, particularly in the UK and Ireland, where potatoes became a staple crop.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

A medium-sized baked potato is primarily a source of complex carbohydrates and provides a good amount of dietary fiber, especially when the skin is eaten. It is also rich in potassium and vitamin C, with a plain, medium potato containing roughly 160-170 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	161 kcal
Protein	4.3 g
Carbs	37 g
Fat	0.2 g
Fiber	3.8 g
Sugar	2.5 g
Sodium	17 mg
Potassium	926 mg
Vitamin C	28 mg
Vitamin B6	0.5 mg
Magnesium	50 mg
Phosphorus	121 mg
Folate	48 mcg
Niacin (B3)	2.6 mg
Iron	1.9 mg

Per 1 medium baked potato (173 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The baked potato is a global culinary chameleon, serving as a blank canvas that adapts to countless local flavors, from a classic British 'jacket potato' to loaded American versions. Nutritionally, its skin is a powerhouse, containing a significant portion of its fiber and nutrients, making eating the skin a key part of its health profile.