There are days when you crave that same baked potato experience without having to leave home. That’s why I’m so excited to share this copycat Wendy’s Baked Potato recipe with you!
Table of Contents
How to make Wendy’s Baked Potato
Wendy’s Baked Potato is a classic menu item from Wendy’s that features a whole russet potato, baked until fluffy on the inside and served with its skin on.
Ingredients
For the basic baked potato:
- 4 large Idaho Russet potatoes (Wendy’s uses Idaho Russets for their unique texture)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for crisp skin)
- 1 tsp salt (optional, to season the skin)
Optional toppings (customize to your liking):
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Wendy’s-style chili or store-bought chili (if making the chili-cheese option)
- 4 strips Applewood smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp butter (for extra indulgence)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Wash and scrub: Thoroughly wash the Russet potatoes under cold water to remove dirt. Scrub the skin with a brush but don’t peel them, as the skins are integral to the baked potato’s texture. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Pierce the skin: Using a fork, poke each potato several times (about 6-8 pokes per potato). This ensures steam escapes during baking and prevents it from bursting.
Step 2: Season and Coat
- Rub each potato with olive oil to give the skin a crispy texture. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the surface for flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack to ensure even heat circulation around them. Bake for 50-60 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Test for doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the center—it should slide through easily.
Step 4: Add Toppings
- Once the potatoes are out of the oven, carefully slice each one open down the center (but don’t cut all the way through). Gently push the ends of the potato inward to fluff up the insides slightly.
- Add a dollop of butter and/or sour cream to the center and use a fork to mix it into the fluffy insides.
- Top with your favorite combinations: shredded cheddar cheese, chili, bacon crumbles, green onions, or anything else you love!
Tips for the Perfect Baked Potato
- Choose the right potatoes: Idaho Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, which makes them fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- Avoid microwaving: Although faster, microwaving doesn’t give you the same texture—potatoes baked in an oven will always have better results.
- For extra crispy skin: Bake your potatoes directly on the oven rack instead of a baking sheet and cook them for an additional 10 minutes.
- Keep toppings warm: If making chili or bacon as toppings, prepare them before the potatoes finish baking so everything comes together perfectly.
- Double the batch: If meal prepping, bake extra potatoes—they store well and can easily be reheated in the oven or microwave later.
What to serve with
Wendy’s Baked Potato is a versatile menu item that offers a hearty yet simple base for rich toppings.
- Grilled Chicken: A tender and juicy grilled chicken breast balances the richness of a loaded Wendy’s Baked Potato. Add a light marinade (like lemon and herb) for a refreshing pairing.
- Steak: Treat yourself to steak and potatoes—a classic combo! Serve a juicy ribeye or sirloin steak alongside your Wendy’s Baked Potato for a satisfying, hearty dinner.
- Pulled Pork: Pulled pork with BBQ sauce is a fantastic topping or side for your potato, turning it into a comforting Southern-style meal.
- Rotisserie Chicken or Turkey Breast: Serve slices of moist, flavorful chicken or turkey breast with a side salad for a healthy option.
Ingredients Substitutes
Craving Wendy’s signature baked potato, but don’t have all the exact ingredients? No worries—you can easily customize or substitute items with alternatives you likely have at home for a similar taste and texture.
1. Russet Potatoes
Why They’re Used: Russet potatoes are the go-to choice for Wendy’s baked potatoes because of their high starch content, which makes them fluffy inside and crispy on the outside after baking.
Substitutes:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are creamier and less starchy than Russets, giving a slightly denser texture. Great for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Sweet Potatoes: For a sweeter, vitamin-packed option, swap Russets for sweet potatoes. They’ll bake well, but expect a completely different flavour profile.
- Red Potatoes: These have thinner skins and a waxier texture. While they won’t fluff up as much, they’re still delicious when baked.
2. Olive Oil
Why It’s Used: Olive oil is brushed over the skin of the potatoes before baking to help achieve a crispy exterior.
Substitutes:
- Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: Both work equally well for crisping the potato skin and are usually pantry staples.
- Butter or Margarine: Melted butter gives a richer, slightly salted flavor to the skin.
- Cooking Spray: For a super-light option, spray the potatoes with a light coat of cooking spray instead of oil.
3. Salt
Why It’s Used: Salt adds flavor to the potato skin, elevating the taste when baked.
Substitutes:
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: These larger-grained salts work as an ideal alternative to table salt.
- Garlic Salt or Onion Salt: For a flavorful twist, swap plain salt with garlic or onion salt to infuse extra taste.
- Herb Salt: If you’re feeling fancy, use a herbed salt blend for added complexity.
4. Butter
Why It’s Used: Butter is a classic accompaniment to baked potatoes, adding creaminess and richness when mixed into the fluffy potato flesh.
Substitutes:
- Margarine: A great plant-based or budget-friendly option when butter isn’t available.
- Greek Yogurt: For a tangy, lower-fat alternative, substitute butter with plain Greek yogurt.
- Plant-Based Butter: Perfect for those who follow vegan or dairy-free diets—available in most grocery stores.
- Avocado or Coconut Oil: Healthy choices for adding creaminess, though coconut oil can slightly affect the flavor.
5. Sour Cream
Why It’s Used: Sour cream is one of the most popular toppings for baked potatoes because of its tangy, creamy texture.
Substitutes:
- Plain Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative that mimics the tanginess of sour cream, but with fewer calories and more protein.
- Cream Cheese: For an ultra-creamy option, use whipped cream cheese (or softened regular cream cheese).
- Cottage Cheese: Blend smooth for a protein-packed alternative to sour cream.
- Cashew Cream or Dairy-Free Sour Cream: Perfect for vegan or dairy-free diets.
6. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Why It’s Used: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully on a hot baked potato, adding savoury richness to the dish.
Substitutes:
- Other Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda if preferred.
- Vegan Cheese: If following a plant-based diet, choose a vegan shredded cheese that melts well (brands like Violife and Daiya work great!).
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a saltier and nuttier flavor, perfect for minimal toppings.
- Crumbled Feta: For a tangy and Mediterranean-inspired twist.
7. Bacon
Why It’s Used: Crispy, smoky bacon is a classic topping for baked potatoes—especially when making the loaded version.
Substitutes:
- Turkey Bacon: A leaner and lower-fat version with similar crunch and smokiness.
- Soy-Based or Vegan Bacon: Plant-based bacon options still provide a smoky flavor and crisp texture.
- Ham or Prosciutto: Thinly sliced and sautéed, these meats make a great flavor-packed substitute.
- Vegetarian Bacon Bits: Store-bought bacon-flavored bits work as quick, plant-based substitutes.
8. Chili
Why It’s Used: Adding chili transforms the baked potato into a hearty, meaty meal.
Substitutes:
Homemade Healthy Chili: Use ground turkey or lean beef in homemade chili to adapt the recipe for your preferences.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Chili: Swap regular chili for plant-based versions made with lentils, beans, tofu crumbles, or jackfruit.
- Canned Beans: In a pinch, warm and season canned beans (like black beans or chili beans) for a simple protein-packed alternative.
- Salsa: Use chunky salsa for a lighter, tomato-based alternative with all the bold flavors.
9. Green Onions
Why It’s Used: Green onions add a fresh, mild crunch and peppery flavor as a garnish.
Substitutes:
- Chives: A close cousin to green onions, chives offer a similar mild onion flavor.
- Red Onion: Minced or thinly sliced red onion provides more bite and vibrant color.
- Fresh Herbs: Try parsley, cilantro, or dill for a fresh garnish that complements the potato.
Final Thoughts
Wendy’s baked potato is versatile, and so is this recipe! Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like steamed broccoli and cheese, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.
More Wendy’s Recipes:
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