The perfect baked potato should be crispy on the outside but soft inside. You can crack it open and enjoy it steaming.
While baking potatoes in the oven can take a little longer than microwaving, it is still relatively easy. After you’ve finished your work, you can simply walk in and throw some potatoes in the oven. Then, go about your day until the potatoes are ready to be eaten. You should also set a timer. Here are the steps to making a perfectly baked potato in oven every time.
Which Is The Best Potato To Bake Potatoes?
Russets are the best for baking in an oven. They have thicker skins, and their starchy interior has a sweet taste and fluffy texture when baked. Also, russets can be as large as 6 to 8 ounces. One potato per person is enough to make a great side dish or main meal.
How Long Do You Need To Wash A Potato Before Cooking It?
Yes, it is essential to scrub potatoes under running water. Use a vegetable brush for this purpose. After that, dry them. The eyes don’t have been removed, but you can trim any blemishes using a paring knife.
How Long Do I Cook A Baked Potato For?
It takes between 50 and 60 minutes to heat up at 425degF (220degC).
What Is The Best Way To Store Baked Potatoes?
You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight plastic container for up to three days. For potatoes to be reheated, heat them in an oven at 325 degrees F.
How To Bake A Potato?
We’ll show you how to make the perfect baked potato, starting with choosing the right potato and how long to bake it.
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 50 minutes up to 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 russet potato per person
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Equipment
- A fork
- A baking pan covered with foil
Instructions
- Turn the oven on to 425oF. Place a rack in the central oven. While you’re cooking the potatoes, heat the oven to 425oF.
- Clean the potatoes. Rinse the potatoes under running water. Dry the potatoes. The eyes don’t have been removed, but you can trim off any blemishes by using paring knives.
- Oil the potatoes. Lightly oil the potatoes. Drizzle olive oil all over the potatoes. Although it is easiest to use your fingers, a pastry brush works well as well.
- Season potatoes. Add salt to all sides.
- Rub the potatoes with a fork. Scatter the potato with the tines from a fork. This allows steam to escape the baking potato.
- Bake the potatoes. The potatoes can be baked directly on the oven rack. Or, you can place them just a few inches apart on an aluminum foil-lined baking pan. Bake the potatoes in the oven for 50-60 minutes. You can flip them once every 20 minutes. After that, you can check their doneness by using a fork to poke them. The potatoes are done when their skins have dried and their insides feel fully soft when pierced.
Recipe Notes
- Before baking, microwave the potatoes for three to four minutes in the microwave.
- You can make the potatoes soften by wrapping them in foil before baking.
- You can brine potatoes for extra-crispy skins. Stir in 2 tablespoons of kosher Salt to 1/2 cup of water until it dissolves. Let each potato soak in the brine. Drain the brine, and then bake on the rack according to the instructions. After 10 minutes, brush the pan with oil.
