If you have ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you know their baked potato is no ordinary side dish. The Outback Steakhouse baked potato recipe delivers a gloriously crispy, salt-crusted skin with a fluffy, steaming interior that rivals anything you can order at the restaurant.
Now you can recreate that iconic Outback baked potato experience right in your own kitchen – no reservation required.
With just three humble ingredients and a straightforward baking method, this Outback baked potato recipe produces a showstopping side dish worthy of any steak night. Once you try it, you will never bake a potato the same way again.
What Does Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato Taste Like?
The Outback Steakhouse loaded baked potato experience is all about contrast. The outer skin is shatteringly crisp, generously seasoned with coarse kosher salt that delivers a bold, savory crunch in every bite.
Break through that crust and you are greeted by a cloud-like, pillowy interior – light, steamy, and mildly earthy in the best possible way. The natural starchy sweetness of the russet potato shines through, beautifully balanced by the salty shell.
Finish it with cold, creamy sour cream, a pat of melting butter, and fresh chives, and you have a side dish that is rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting.
Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato Recipe Ingredients List
Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato
For the Potatoes:
- 3 large russet potatoes (about ½ pound / 225g each)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2–3 tablespoons kosher salt
Optional Toppings:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Kitchen Tools / Utensils List
- Oven
- Baking sheet or oven rack
- Small bowl
- Paper towels
- Clean kitchen towel or oven mitts
- Fork
- Sharp knife
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 3
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is fully heated before the potatoes go in. Starting with a properly preheated oven helps the potatoes cook evenly and develop that signature crispy, salty skin.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub each large russet potato thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them completely dry with a clean towel. Do not pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife – keeping the skin intact helps trap the natural moisture inside for a light and fluffy texture.
Step 3: Coat with Oil
Pour 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into a small bowl for each potato. Using a paper towel, rub the oil evenly over the entire surface of each potato until fully coated. This layer of oil helps the kosher salt adhere and also keeps the inside soft and fluffy while baking.
Step 4: Add the Salt Crust
Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt generously over all sides of each oiled potato. Make sure every potato is well coated, as this creates the delicious salty crust that makes it taste just like the restaurant-style version.
Step 5: Bake the Potatoes
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for about 60 minutes. Each potato should be tender when gently squeezed with a towel or oven mitt, and the skin should look crisp with a lightly browned bottom.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Slice each one open lengthwise, fluff the inside with a fork, and top generously with butter, sour cream, and chopped chives – or any toppings you love – before serving hot.
Customization & Serving Pairing Ideas for Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato
The Outback baked potato is beloved not just for its crispy salt crust, but also for how incredibly versatile it is as a side or even a standalone meal. Whether you are recreating a full Outback Steakhouse loaded baked potato recipe spread at home or putting your own creative spin on things, these seven ideas will inspire you.
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Here are seven delicious ideas:
1. Classic Loaded Baked Potato
Go all-in with the full steakhouse experience. Pile on shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, sour cream, butter, and a generous sprinkle of fresh chives. This is the gold standard loaded version and it never disappoints.
2. Broccoli and Cheddar
Steam or roast florets of broccoli and spoon them over the fluffed potato along with a generous drizzle of creamy cheddar cheese sauce. It is a hearty, vegetarian-friendly option that turns this side into a full meal.
3. Pulled Pork or Brisket Topper
Leftover barbecue? Pile smoky pulled pork or sliced brisket right over the top, finished with a spoonful of coleslaw and a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce. This is a crowd-pleasing, filling combination perfect for game day.
4. Greek-Style Baked Potato
Skip the sour cream and instead top with Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil. Finish with fresh dill for a bright Mediterranean twist.
5. Pair it Alongside Steak
The most iconic pairing – serve your crispy Outback-style baked potato alongside a grilled ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon, just as the restaurant does. The rich, buttery potato perfectly complements the savory char of a well-seasoned steak.
6. Tex-Mex Style
Top with seasoned black beans, pico de gallo, shredded pepper jack cheese, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens everything up and makes it feel like an entirely new dish.
7. Mushroom and Swiss Cream Topping
Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter with garlic until golden, then spoon them over the potato with melted Swiss cheese and a touch of fresh thyme. It is an elegant, savory topping that feels gourmet with minimal effort.
Expert Cooking Tips for the Best Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato Recipe
Mastering the Outback Steakhouse baked potato recipe at home comes down to a few simple but critical techniques that professional cooks swear by. These are the same principles that give restaurant-style baked potatoes their unbeatable crispy skin and perfectly fluffy interior.
Follow these expert tips for perfect results every time:
1. Always Choose Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes have a high starch content and thick skin that is uniquely suited to baking. Other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes have a waxier texture and thinner skin that will not deliver that same fluffy, airy interior and crispy crust the Outback version is famous for.
2. Dry Your Potatoes Thoroughly
After washing, make absolutely sure each potato is completely dry before applying the oil. Any lingering moisture trapped under the oil will steam the skin rather than crisp it, giving you a soft, pale exterior instead of that gorgeous crunchy shell.
3. Do Not Pierce the Skin
This is the step that surprises most home cooks. Unlike many conventional baked potato recipes, the Outback baked potato method skips piercing entirely. Keeping the skin intact traps steam inside, which is what creates that light, cloud-like interior texture that steakhouse potatoes are known for.
4. Use Kosher Salt – Not Table Salt
Kosher salt has larger, coarser crystals that cling to the oiled skin and create a visible, crunchy salt crust. Table salt is too fine – it dissolves into the oil and disappears without giving you that satisfying textural contrast on the exterior.
5. Bake Directly on the Oven Rack
Placing the potatoes directly on the oven rack (rather than on a solid baking sheet) allows hot air to circulate completely around every surface. This ensures even, all-around crisping – including the bottom – for a uniformly crunchy skin.
6. Do Not Open the Oven Door Repeatedly
Every time you open the oven, you release heat and interrupt the baking process. Trust the 60-minute cook time. To check for doneness, give the potato a gentle squeeze with an oven mitt – it should yield slightly and feel soft all the way through.
7. Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow your baked potatoes to rest for 3 to 5 minutes after pulling them from the oven before slicing. This short rest lets the steam redistribute inside, making the interior even fluffier and easier to fluff with a fork when you open it up.
Storage & Reheating Guidance
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place directly on the oven rack at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until the skin crisps back up. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the skin significantly. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best results.
Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato Recipe
If you have ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you know their baked potato is no ordinary side dish. The Outback Steakhouse baked potato recipe delivers a gloriously crispy, salt-crusted skin with a fluffy, steaming interior that rivals anything you can order at the restaurant.
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2–3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is fully heated before the potatoes go in. Starting with a properly preheated oven helps the potatoes cook evenly and develop that signature crispy, salty skin.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub each large russet potato thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them completely dry with a clean towel. Do not pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife – keeping the skin intact helps trap the natural moisture inside for a light and fluffy texture.
Step 3: Coat with Oil
Pour 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into a small bowl for each potato. Using a paper towel, rub the oil evenly over the entire surface of each potato until fully coated. This layer of oil helps the kosher salt adhere and also keeps the inside soft and fluffy while baking.
Step 4: Add the Salt Crust
Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt generously over all sides of each oiled potato. Make sure every potato is well coated, as this creates the delicious salty crust that makes it taste just like the restaurant-style version.
Step 5: Bake the Potatoes
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for about 60 minutes. Each potato should be tender when gently squeezed with a towel or oven mitt, and the skin should look crisp with a lightly browned bottom.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice each one open lengthwise, fluff the inside with a fork, and top generously with butter, sour cream, and chopped chives – or any toppings you love – before serving hot.
Notes
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place directly on the oven rack at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until the skin crisps back up. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the skin significantly. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best results.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 340
Common Queries and FAQs
When you give this Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
What makes Outback Steakhouse baked potatoes different from regular baked potatoes?
The Outback Steakhouse baked potato stands apart because of its signature preparation method. The potato is coated in vegetable oil and then heavily seasoned with coarse kosher salt before baking, which creates a bold, crunchy salt crust on the outside. Additionally, the skin is never pierced, which traps moisture inside and produces an exceptionally light and fluffy interior. The combination of that crispy, salty shell and pillowy center is what sets it apart from a standard home-baked potato.
What temperature does Outback Steakhouse bake their potatoes at?
Outback Steakhouse bakes their potatoes at 350°F (175°C). While many home recipes call for higher temperatures like 400°F or 425°F, the lower and slower approach used in this recipe allows the potato to cook through evenly while developing a perfectly crispy exterior without burning the salt crust.
Why should you not pierce a baked potato before baking?
Not piercing the potato keeps the skin fully intact, which acts as a natural seal that traps steam inside the potato as it bakes. This steam is what transforms the interior into that signature light, airy, fluffy texture. Piercing the potato releases that steam, which can result in a denser, less tender inside. For the Outback-style result, skipping the fork entirely is essential.
What kind of potato does Outback Steakhouse use?
Outback Steakhouse uses large russet potatoes, also commonly known as Idaho potatoes. Russets are the ideal choice for baking because of their high starch and low moisture content, which gives baked potatoes their classic fluffy interior. Their thick, sturdy skin also holds up beautifully to the oil and salt coating and develops a satisfying crispy crust during baking.
Can I make Outback-style baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F rather than in the microwave to help restore the crispiness of the skin. Hold off on adding toppings like sour cream, butter, or chives until just before serving.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for the Outback baked potato recipe?
You can substitute olive oil, and it will still produce a delicious result. However, vegetable oil has a more neutral flavor and a higher smoke point, which is why it is preferred in this recipe. Olive oil will impart a slightly richer flavor to the skin and works particularly well if you enjoy that taste profile.
How do I know when a baked potato is fully cooked?
The most reliable test is to gently squeeze the potato using a folded kitchen towel or oven mitt – if it yields easily and feels soft throughout with no firm spots, it is done. You can also insert a thin skewer or paring knife into the center; if it slides in without resistance, the potato is fully cooked. The total baking time at 350°F is approximately 60 minutes for a large russet potato.
The Outback Steakhouse baked potato recipe is living proof that the most unforgettable restaurant dishes are often the simplest ones done exceptionally well. With just russet potatoes, vegetable oil, and kosher salt – plus a few expert techniques – you can recreate that iconic crispy, salty crust and cloud-like interior right in your own oven.
Whether you serve it loaded with all the classic toppings or keep it deliciously simple, this is a side dish that will earn a permanent place in your cooking rotation. Give it a try tonight and taste the steakhouse difference for yourself.
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