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Looking for how to bake a potato in the oven? It’s a little time consuming, but it’s one of the easiest recipes you can make and the results are spectacular. A good baked potato is fluffy and soft with a hint of sweetness. Crack the potato open and add butter, sour cream, cheese, or anything else you like. Here’s how you make one.
How Long Does it Take to Bake a Potato in the Oven?
Depending on the size of your potato, you should expect them to take about 50-60 minutes before they’re fully done. Don’t rush it. The last thing you want is a potato that’s still raw and hard on the inside.
While an oven works fine, modern pressure cookers can make them even faster and with the same results. Check out our review of the best pressure cookers. We compare Ninja, Instant Pot and Crock Pot to see which is the best.
What is the Best Potato to Bake in the Oven?
You can bake any potato, but russet potatoes are the best in the oven. They have thicker and sturdier skins that can hold up to the high heat. They also have soft, pillowy flesh that will taste lovely once they’re done baking. Another benefit is that the skin is it’s own serving dish once you cut the potato in half.
How to Bake a Potato in the Oven Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 russet potato per person (unless you’re really hungry!)
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Any other spices you like
Baked Potato Instructions
- 1 Preheat the oven to 425℉. Do this while you’re prepping so you don’t have to wait longer than necessary.
- 2 Scrub and clean the potatoes. Use running water and dry them with paper towels. It’s best to remove any blemishes with a knife. Some people remove the eyes, but this is a personal choice.
- 3 Rub the potatoes with oil and spices. It’s easiest to use your hands to rub on the oil. This will make the skin a little crispier. Liberally sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other spices you’d like.
- 4 Make steam holes with a fork. Just poke the potato with a fork a few times to make steam holes. This allows steam to escape while cooking.
- 5 Bake the potato. You can place the potato right on the oven rack, on a baking sheet, or wrap it in foil for a softer skin. Bake for about 50-60 minutes and turn them every 20 minutes for even cooking.
When do You Know Baked Potatoes are Done?
You’ll know the potato is done baking when the skin feels dry and it’s completely soft when poked with a fork. The fork should easily slide into the potato without any resistance.
Try it Yourself!
Now it’s your turn. As you can see, baking a potato at home is simple, and the humble potato is incredibly versatile. Give it a try and see how it turns out for you. We promise this is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever try. It’s time consuming, but requires almost no effort.