Is there anything better than a good potato recipe?Whether they're mashed, smashed, or fried—potatoes are one of the best comfort foods you can make. And one the easiest ways to prepare them is simply baking them in the oven.With a crispy skin and fluffy interior, baked potatoes only need a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt to turn them into a delicious side dish for steak or chicken. But don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Sprinkle yourpotato with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and sour cream, or turn your potato into an entire meal! Ree Drummond's Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoesarea game day winner and the steak- and creamed spinach-stuffed Steakhouse Baked Potatoes may just be the best dinnerever.
When it comes to making baked potatoes in the oven, the process is simple. All you need is the right type of potato (russet is best) and some oil (for that crispy skin). They'll bake in the oven—without any foil we might add—in just about an hour. And while some people use the microwave to "bake"potatoes, the oven will cook your potatoes more evenly, so they come out perfect every time. Once you have the method down, you can get as creative as you like. Try BLT Baked Potatoes, Twice Baked Potatoes, or even Baked Sweet Potatoes.
Is it better to bake a potato at 350 or 400 degrees?
To get a nice,fluffy interior and the crispiestskin, bake your potatoes at 400 degrees. It'll take about an hour.
Is it faster to bake a potato in foil?
Technically, it could decrease the cook time a little bit, but it's not worth it. Trust us! Wrapping potatoes in foil produces a soggy potato because the foil holds in moisture and steams the potato. This recipe cooks the potatoes on a baking sheet (or even directly on the oven rack) for evenly cooked potatoes with perfectly crisp skin.
What type of potato is best for baking?
You can really bake any kind of potato, but the best potatoes for baking are those that are low in moisture and high in starch, like a russet or an Idaho potato. Waxier potatoes like Yukon golds or red-skinned potatoes won’t result in a fluffy center when baked.
Should I poke holes in potatoes before baking?
Yes! Pricking the potatoes with a fork creates tiny holes that allows steam to escape. This prevents your potato from bursting open in the oven (and making a mess!).
How long should you bake a potato for?
Depending on the size, 50 minutes to 1 hour at 400 degrees should do the trick and result in perfectly fluffy flesh with crispy skin.
How can you tell if a baked potato is done?
Once your timer goes off, you can check to see if your potato is done by piercing it with a paring knife—it should slide in easily. You can also give the potato a squeeze (with oven mitts on!) to feel if it’s soft.
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- Yields:
- 4 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Cook Time:
- 1 hr
- Total Time:
- 1 hr 5 mins
Ingredients
- 4
baking potatoes (such as russets)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp.
canola oil
Directions
- Step1Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them, then prick them all over with a fork.
- Step2Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Rub them all over with the canola oil and bake until they are cooked thoroughly and soft in the center, about 1 hour.
Tip:Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days—they won't be quite as crisp on the outside, but they'll still be good!
