Halftime Baked Potatoes
Apr 27, 2023, Updated Jun 18, 2025
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My quick-and-easy trick to cut the baking time in half for baked potatoes is simple – hence the name Halftime Baked Potatoes. It’s super simple, and the result yields creamy, fluffy baked potatoes with extra crispy skin (my favorite part).
The key to these is choosing same-sized potatoes and slicing them lengthwise to create even pieces. Rub on olive oil and kosher salt and bake to perfection. This method also works for sweet potatoes and yams, too.
How to Bake Potatoes in Half the Time
Start by choosing potatoes that are similar in size. This will help ensure the cook time is the same for every potato half.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pro tip: Crinkle the parchment paper and smooth it back out onto the pan, so you can keep it from rolling up.
Wash and scrub your potatoes to remove excess dirt. Pat dry with a clean towel or let air dry.
Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Place cut-side up on the parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle each half with olive oil.
Season with kosher salt. Use your hands to rub the salt and oil all over the potato halves, then place cut-side down on the baking sheet.
Place the sheet pan in a preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a fork to poke through the skin to check for doneness.
Let cool for a few minutes and flip over with a spatula to have the potatoes cut-side up. They should have a crispy cut side that easily pierces with a fork.
Fluff the potatoes with a fork, just as you would an entire baked potato. Top potatoes with butter, sour cream or the toppings of your choice and serve!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Half Potatoes
Along with saving time in baking your potatoes, these potatoes baked in half the time are great for weeknight dinner prep. You can serve them with a topping of vegetarian chili or broccoli cheddar sauce that’s a classic from days gone by.
You also can serve them stuffed with salmon or save them for meal prep throughout the week. These bake potato halves keep in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheat easily in the microwave.
Halftime Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 russet, baking potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Place cut-side up on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on kosher salt.
- Use your hands to rub the salt and oil all over the potato halves, then place cut-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, using a fork to poke through the skin to check for doneness. Let cool for a few minutes, and flip over with a spatula.
Notes
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My family loved this!