Cutting potatoes in half before baking is one of those simple technique upgrades that delivers on two fronts: faster cook time and crispier edges. These baked potato halves bake cut-side down so the flat surface gets golden and crispy while the inside steams to fluffy perfection, all in about 30 minutes. Choose same-sized potatoes, rub with olive oil and kosher salt, and let the oven do the work. This method works for russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams.

Can You Bake Potatoes Cut in Half?

Yes, and it’s actually a better method than baking them whole. Cutting potatoes in half before baking reduces cook time by roughly half and creates a flat cut surface that gets golden and crispy against the pan. The inside steams to fluffy perfection at the same time. Choose same-sized potatoes so every half finishes cooking at the same time, and you’re looking at perfectly done baked potato halves in about 30 minutes.

How to Make Crispy Baked Potato Halves

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 to 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. Drizzle each half with olive oil and season with kosher salt. Use your hands to rub the salt and oil all over the potato halves.

Cut Side Up or Cut Side Down?

Place the potato halves cut-side down on the baking sheet. The flat surface against the pan is what creates the crispy edges. Flip after baking to serve.

How Long to Bake Potato Halves in the Oven

Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a fork to poke through the skin to check for doneness. It should slide through with no resistance. If there’s pushback, return to the oven for another 5 minutes and test again.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy baked potato halves are as versatile as they are easy. Load them up with vegetarian chili or broccoli cheddar sauce for a hearty weeknight dinner, or keep it simple with butter, sour cream, and chives.

They also work beautifully stuffed with salmon for a more elevated meal. And if you’re meal prepping, baked potato halves keep in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheat easily in the microwave, making them one of the most practical things you can have ready to go.