Baked potatoes are a classic and versatile dish. They can be served alongside any meat, seafood, or salad.
Although potato baking is simple, it can be difficult to get that crispy skin and soft interior. It is important to select the right potato variety and to pay attention to how long they are cooked.
The Best Potato For Baking Potatoes
The Russet potato is generally the best choice for baking. Russets are high in starch and have thick skins that can be crisped up quickly. When cooked, they produce a light and flaky interior.
King Edward potatoes make a great option for baking. This variety is well-known for its fluffy interior.
Opt for potatoes with an oblong shape. They are easier to heat and take less time to melt butter. Sweet potatoes bake well and take on an earthy taste in the oven.
How To Bake Potatoes?
The size of the potatoes will affect how long they take to cook. A potato that is the same size as your palm will cook for about an hour at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
After 45 minutes, check on the potato and insert a fork into its middle. If the fork slides in and out smoothly without resistance, it is done. If it doesn’t, bake the potato again and repeat the fork test every fifteen minutes.
A quick tip: To speed up the baking process, microwave up to four potatoes at once on high for approximately four to five minutes.
How Do You Bake Potatoes In An Oven?
Here are step by step instructions for baked potato in oven:
- Preheat your oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rinse potatoes under running water. Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the potatoes.
- Make holes in the potatoes with a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting open during baking.
- Rub the potato skins with a little olive oil, canola, or butter. To get crispy skin, you can wait until the end of the baking time to finish this step.
- To get crispier potatoes, place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes to one hour. The potato will be ready when a fork can be inserted into it.
Tips For The Best Baked Potatoes
For consistent results, follow these tips for baking potatoes.
- Wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil before baking if you don’t prefer crispy skin. This will preserve their flavor while keeping the exterior soft and moist.
- You want crisp skin so dry them well after you rinse them.
- Place the potatoes on a wire rack or bake them directly on the oven rack to ensure even cooking.
- To get crispy skin, you should wait until the potatoes are finished cooking to coat them in oil and seasoning.
- Experts advise that potatoes be cut as soon after they are finished to preserve their interior. That way they don’t retain too much water and don’t become dense.
Insider’s Takeaway
Baking with King Edward or Russet potatoes is a great option. Whatever potato you choose to bake, wash and dry them thoroughly.
Bake them for around an hour. But, if you have five minutes to spare before baking, you can shorten the baking time by microwaving your potatoes.
A fork test is the best method to determine if your potatoes have been cooked. If your potatoes resist a fork, bake them for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.