How to Make a Baked Potato 10x Better

One of the best things about waffled baked potatoes is that they’re incredibly customizable. Sarah Krafft serves hers with a combination of salt, pepper, sour cream, spicy chili crunch, and a drizzle of honey.

This blend offers the perfect mix of salty, sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, giving each bite a delicious complexity.

Want more topping inspiration? Here are some other ideas to take your waffled baked potato to the next level:

Bacon and Chives: Bacon adds a smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the potato. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a hint of freshness.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both are excellent for adding a cool, creamy contrast to the crispy texture of the potato. Greek yogurt provides a slightly tangy flavor, while sour cream is a classic choice.
Cheese Galore: For cheese lovers, go beyond a simple sprinkle. Try sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Spicy Add-Ons: If you like heat, add sriracha, spicy mayo, or chili flakes on top. The spicy flavors are fantastic with the potato’s richness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A slight drizzle of honey or maple syrup gives a hint of sweetness that balances the savory toppings. It’s an unexpected but delightful addition.
Whipped Goat Cheese: One Instagram user pointed out that a dollop of whipped goat cheese could elevate this dish to a gourmet appetizer-level treat. Its creamy, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of the potato.

How to Make the Perfect Baked Potato—And Take It to the Next Level!

Potatoes are one of the most versatile and comforting foods out there. They can transform into creamy mashed potatoes, crispy fries, roasted bites, and classic baked potatoes.

This humble vegetable shines in many forms, bringing warmth and satisfaction. Among these variations, the baked potato stands out for its simplicity and comfort—it’s cozy, filling, and endlessly customizable.

The classic baked potato requires just a few easy steps:

Scrub the potato clean.
Poke it a few times with a fork.
Bake it at 400°F for around an hour.

Once it’s done, you can make the toppings as simple or fancy as you want. Butter, cheese, sour cream, and chives are classic options, while chili, pulled pork, or even sautéed veggies can turn it into a hearty meal.

But what if there was a way to elevate this classic comfort food? Content creator Sarah Krafft recently shared a clever hack for taking the baked potato to new heights—by turning it into a waffle. Here’s how to make this easy, delicious, and crispy twist on the traditional baked potato.

The Waffled Baked Potato: A Crispy Upgrade

In her popular Instagram video, Krafft demonstrates a quick and straightforward technique to create a waffled baked potato. All you need is a baked potato, a waffle iron, and tasty toppings. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Start with a Baked Potato: Once you have a baked potato fresh out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Then, slice it in half to create two pieces.

2. Waffle It: Place each half in a greased waffle iron. Close the lid and let it cook for about a minute. The heat will press the potato, creating those distinctive waffle ridges that add extra crunch.

3. Add Cheese: Open the waffle iron slightly and sprinkle cheese on top of each potato half. Close the lid again, allowing the cheese to melt and crisp up. Be patient here—the cheese needs to get golden and crispy before you open the waffle iron fully; otherwise, it might stick.

4. Enjoy the Crunch: When the cheese is crispy and the potato is golden, open the waffle iron and carefully remove your waffled baked potato. You’ll get a combination of crispy cheese on top, tender potato in the middle, and a golden, crunchy skin on the bottom. It’s like a potato pancake but even easier to make.

Topping Ideas to Make It Even Better

This blend offers the perfect mix of salty, sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, giving each bite a delicious complexity.

Want more topping inspiration? Here are some other ideas to take your waffled baked potato to the next level:

Bacon and Chives: Bacon adds a smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the potato. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a hint of freshness.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both are excellent for adding an incredible, creamy contrast to the crispy texture of the potato. Greek yogurt provides a slightly tangy flavor, while sour cream is a classic choice.
Cheese Galore: For cheese lovers, go beyond a simple sprinkle. Try sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Spicy Add-Ons: If you like heat, add sriracha, spicy mayo, or chili flakes on top. Spicy flavors are fantastic with the richness of the potato.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A slight drizzle of honey or maple syrup gives a hint of sweetness that balances the savory toppings. It’s an unexpected but delightful addition.
Whipped Goat Cheese: One Instagram user pointed out that a dollop of whipped goat cheese could elevate this dish to a gourmet appetizer-level treat. Its creamy, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of the potato.

Why the Waffled Baked Potato Works So Well

Turning a baked potato into a waffled creation is brilliant for several reasons. First, the waffle iron creates a delightful, crispy texture thanks to the heat and pressure. The ridges also help hold your toppings, so every bite has a bit of everything.

Another significant aspect is the versatility. Waffled baked potatoes are a side dish, a main course, or a fun appetizer. Serve them with a salad for a light meal, or put out a few toppings and let everyone customize their waffled potato.

Plus, this method only takes a few minutes once the baked potato is ready, so it’s quick enough for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks. And if you’re already a fan of potato pancakes or hash browns, you’ll love how easy these waffled potatoes are to make.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic waffled baked potato, here are some fun variations to keep things interesting:

Tex-Mex Style: Top your waffled potato with black beans, salsa, avocado, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you’re in the mood for extra spice.
Breakfast Waffle Potato: Crack an egg over the potato in the waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until the egg is set. Serve with bacon bits and chives for a delicious breakfast treat.
Pizza Potato: Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on top of the waffled potato and add shredded mozzarella and mini pepperonis. Close the waffle iron until the cheese melts, and enjoy a pizza-inspired treat.
Herb and Garlic: Brush the potato halves with garlic butter before placing them in the waffle iron. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for flavor.

Is This the Ultimate Potato Dish?

The waffled baked potato is a simple yet genius way to enjoy potatoes in a new form. It combines the crispy, golden qualities of hash browns with baked potatoes’ comforting, fluffy texture, all in a fun, easy-to-eat shape.

This hack has quickly gained popularity, with fans raving about how the combination of crispy edges and soft centers makes it the ultimate comfort food.

And let’s remember the endless toppings. Whether you like classic flavors or prefer to experiment with sweet and spicy combinations, waffled baked potatoes can be customized to suit any craving.

If you’re ready to experiment with baked potatoes, grab a waffle iron and start experimenting. This dish will impress family and friends and might even become your new favorite way to eat potatoes. Who knew a simple baked potato could be transformed into something so extraordinary?

So, try the waffled baked potato next time you’re in the mood for comfort food. It might become your go-to snack or side dish, proving once again that potatoes are the ultimate shapeshifters in the kitchen!