How To Bake a Potato Recipe
Introduction
Baking a potato to perfection is simple and rewarding. This classic method results in a crispy skin and a fluffy interior, making it a versatile side dish or a base for many toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes, scrubbed
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for rubbing
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Pierce each potato all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, then generously season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Place the potatoes on a baking sheet or on a heatproof rack set inside a baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 200° to 205°F (93° to 96°C).
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skin, rub the potatoes with a little coarse salt after oiling and before baking.
- Try topping baked potatoes with sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits for varied flavors.
- If short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes before baking to reduce overall cooking time.
Storage
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake potatoes without piercing them?
Piercing the potatoes allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting in the oven. It’s best to pierce them several times before baking.
How do I know when a baked potato is done?
The potato is done when a fork easily pierces it and the internal temperature reaches 200° to 205°F. The skin should be crispy and the inside soft and fluffy.
PrintHow To Bake a Potato Recipe
A simple and classic recipe for perfectly baked russet potatoes with a crispy skin and fluffy interior. This method involves coating the potatoes in olive oil and seasoning them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper before baking at a high temperature for about an hour until tender and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes, scrubbed
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for rubbing
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to begin warming up while you prepare the potatoes.
- Prepare the potatoes: Pierce each russet potato multiple times all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub each potato thoroughly with extra-virgin olive oil to help crisp the skins.
- Season the potatoes: Generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper all over the coated potatoes to enhance flavor.
- Arrange for baking: Place the prepared potatoes on a baking sheet or a heatproof rack inside a baking sheet for even heat distribution and a crispy exterior.
- Bake: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads between 200°F and 205°F, ensuring they are cooked through and tender inside.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for best results; their high starch content yields a fluffy interior.
- Piercing the potatoes prevents them from bursting during baking by allowing steam to escape.
- Rubbing with olive oil helps create a crispy and flavorful skin.
- Adjust salt and pepper amounts based on personal preference.
- For softer skins, wrap potatoes in foil before baking, but this will reduce crispiness.
- Check for doneness with a fork or thermometer rather than relying solely on time, as oven temperatures vary.
Keywords: baked potatoes, russet potatoes, crispy skin, oven-baked potatoes, simple side dish
