With so many delicious ways to prepare the humble potato, baked potatoes are at the top of the list for me. This post will cover How to Bake a Potato in the Oven to get the best results.
I know, I know you are probably thinking isn't it just as simple as tossing a potato in the oven and baking it? Sure, you can just bake a potato and it turn out good. However, if you want a great baked potato, I have a few tricks I have learned through the years that make the BEST baked potato.
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There are 2 ways that you will typically see baked potatoes prepared. The first is wrapped in foil. The second is not wrapped. The major difference in the two is that a potato wrapped in foil is steamed. A potato that is not wrapped in foil becomes a beautifully baked potato. You will certainly notice the difference if you compare the two side by side.
The steamed potato will have a lot more moisture and a denser texture, while the unwrapped potato will have a drier and fluffier texture. Which is what you want when making a baked potato. Baking a potato without foil just produces a better overall texture and flavor.
Now for the skin. I have always, since I was a kid, loved eating potato skins. As an adult, I've learned that the skin of a baked potato must ALWAYS be oiled and salted. The oil helps to crisp it up and hold the salt on. Trust me friends, this is the best way to prepare baked potatoes.
And if you're looking for a delicious way to take your baked potatoes to the next level, check out my Twice Baked Potatoes recipe.
Now as far as toppings go, the sky is the limit. There are so many different toppings that you can use. I personally love topping my baked potato with butter, cheese, sour cream and bacon. Now if we are making baked potatoes as the main dish, my favorite is hands down this Taco Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe.
What Are the Best Potatoes for Baking?
You can make baked potatoes with any type of potato, but the best potatoes for baking are Russets, also known as Idaho potatoes. These potatoes will give you a nice fluffy texture when baked.
How To Bake a Potato in the Oven
The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Clean and Pierce- Clean and scrub the potatoes so that there isn't and dirt. Dry the potatoes and pierce the potato all over 5-6 times.
Season- Lightly coat in oil and sprinkle with salt.
Baked- Place in preheated oven and bake until done.
Easy peasy! Baking potatoes really is just as simple as that. The high temperature and oil help to create the best, crispiest potato skin you will ever have on a baked potato. The salt seasons the potato skin, making it super tasty!
How Can You Tell When a Baked Potato is Done?
After 45-50 minutes you can check if the potato is done by gently squeezing the potato. If the potato is soft, it is done. If it is hard to squeeze, continue baking. The bigger the potato, the longer it will take to bake.
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📖 Recipe
How to Bake a Potato in the Oven
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons oil any neutral tasting oil
- As Needed salt
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 450° F. Wash, scrub if needed, and dry the potatoes.
- Place the potatoes on a foil or parchment lined baking sheet. Using a fork pierce each potato 5-6 times all over the potato.
- Rub a little oil over each potato and sprinkle with salt.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check the potatoes by giving them a squeeze. They are done when they are soft and easy to squeeze. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
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Choose a Russet potato
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Make sure all of the potatoes are similar in size. This ensures all of the potatoes will cook at the same time.
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Pierce with a fork all over the potato to release the steam.
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Coat the potato in oil and salt before baking for the tastiest potato skin.
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