The baked potato is a humble dish that has been gracing American dinner tables for generations. Yet, despite its simplicity, the perfect baked potato remains a sought-after culinary achievement.
According to the Idaho Potato Commission, baked potatoes are the 2nd most popular healthy potato preparation among Americans (mashed is the first).1 But achieving that ideal combination of crispy skin and fluffy interior can be surprisingly elusive.
Fear not, potato lovers! We’ve compiled the top 10 tips to elevate your spud game.
1. Choose the Right Potato
Russet potatoes reign supreme for baking. Their high starch content and thick skin make them ideal for achieving that perfect contrast between crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
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2. Scrub-a-Dub-Dub
Thoroughly wash your potatoes under cool running water, using a brush to remove any dirt or debris. This step ensures a clean, grit-free eating experience.
3. Poke for Perfection
Use a fork to prick the potato skin several times. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing a potentially messy explosion in your oven.
4. Oil Up for Crispy Skin
Lightly coat the potato skin with olive oil or melted butter. This helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior while adding a subtle flavor boost.
5. Salt: The Secret Weapon
Sprinkle coarse salt over the oiled skin. This not only enhances flavor but also draws out moisture, contributing to a crispier skin.
6. Ditch the Foil
Contrary to popular belief, wrapping potatoes in foil actually steams them, resulting in softer skins. For optimal crispiness, bake your potatoes directly on the oven rack.
7. Temperature Matters
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high heat helps create that perfect crispy skin while ensuring the inside cooks evenly.
8. Timing is Everything
Bake medium-sized potatoes for about 50-60 minutes. For larger spuds, you may need to extend the cooking time. The potato is done when a knife easily pierces the center.
9. Let Them Rest
After removing from the oven, let your potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the interior to finish cooking and makes them easier to handle.
10. Fluff for the Finish
Cut a cross on top of the potato and gently squeeze the sides to create a fluffy interior. This step ensures your toppings can mingle with the potato’s soft center.
No Oven? No Problem! Microwave Method
Don’t let the lack of an oven stop you from enjoying a delicious “baked” potato.
While microwaving won’t give you the same crispy skin, it’s a quick and convenient alternative that still results in a fluffy interior. Here’s how to make a microwave “baked” potato:
- Choose and prepare your potato as you would for oven baking (wash, dry, and prick with a fork).
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Turn the potato over and microwave for another 3-5 minutes, depending on its size.
- Check for doneness by piercing with a fork. If it’s not soft all the way through, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals.
- Let the potato rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking.
- Cut open, fluff the interior, and add your favorite toppings.
Remember, microwave cooking times may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the potato’s size. A medium-sized potato typically takes 8-10 minutes total.
While you won’t get the crispy skin of an oven-baked potato, this method is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re short on time.
Source:
1. The Idaho Potato Commission
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.