A traditional and cozy side dish that goes well with almost anything is baked potatoes. Whether paired with a juicy steak or grilled chicken or enjoyed on their own as a loaded meal, there’s something magical about the combination of crispy skin and a soft, fluffy interior. The best part? Baked potatoes are incredibly simple to make in your oven, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make baked potatoes in the oven every time.
Choosing The Right Potatoes
The key to a great baked potato begins with choosing the right kind of potato. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are ideal because of their starchy nature, which makes the interior light and fluffy. Their thick skins also crisp up beautifully in the oven. Pick medium-to-large potatoes that are firm to the touch, devoid of soft areas or imperfections, and medium in size.
Prepping The Potatoes
Once you’ve chosen your potatoes, it’s time to prep them for baking. First, give the potatoes a good wash under running water. Scrub any dirt or debris from the skin using a vegetable brush. Even though you won’t peel the potatoes, it’s important to ensure they’re clean since the skin will become part of the delicious experience.
Use a fresh kitchen towel to pat the potatoes dry after washing. Drying them ensures that the skin will crisp up nicely during baking. Next, using a fork, pierce each potato several times—about 4-5 times should suffice. This step is crucial to prevent potatoes from exploding in the oven by releasing steam.
Seasoning The Potatoes
One of the secrets to a perfect baked potato lies in seasoning. While some people prefer to bake potatoes without any seasoning and add toppings later, seasoning them before they go into the oven helps to elevate the flavor. Rub the potatoes generously with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring that the skin is fully coated. This not only helps the skin crisp up but also adds richness.
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Once coated in oil or butter, sprinkle the potatoes with coarse salt. The best salts are sea salt or kosher salt, which adds a tasty, salty crunch to the skin. For more flavor, add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or garlic powder.
Baking The Potatoes
The oven should be 400°F or 200°C. Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the middle oven rack—no need for a baking sheet. Positioning them directly on the rack ensures that air circulates around the entire potato, helping to achieve that perfect combination of a crisp exterior and fluffy interior. If you’re worried about drips, place a sheet of foil on the rack below.
The potatoes should be baked for fifty to sixty minutes. The size of your potatoes will affect how long they take to cook, but as a general rule, you should start checking for doneness at about 45 minutes. To check if potatoes are done, insert a knife or fork into the middle and remove it easily.
Serving And Topping
Once the potatoes are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before handling. To serve, cut a slit down the center of each potato with a sharp knife. Then, gently squeeze the ends together to fluff up the insides.
Baked potatoes are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. You may go all out with toppings like bacon pieces, shredded cheese, or even chili, or you can keep it simple with butter, sour cream, and chives. For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and add a sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Conclusion
Baking the perfect potato in your oven is all about balancing texture and flavor. With a crispy, well-seasoned skin and a fluffy, tender interior, a perfectly baked potato is a simple yet satisfying dish. This traditional comfort food is likely to please whether you’re eating it as a side dish or stuffing it full of toppings for a full meal. Your family and friends will always rave about your baked potatoes if you follow these guidelines.
