Baked potato is one of the many side dishes you can match with various lunch or dinner meals. Not only is it easy to do, it’s also delicious. You can serve it with poultry and meats and you can add cheese or bacon bits with it. So now, let’s learn how to cook baked potatoes the perfect way.
The best baked potato comes in a white and fluffy texture inside while the skin is golden crispy. Basically, you can use any kind of potatoes for baking. However, to achieve the desired texture, it’s best that you get the baking-type potatoes like the Russet. Also, it would be better to get the mature ones with an even brown tone. Don’t pick those potatoes with some greenish spots on it. While you’re at it, make sure to choose potatoes that are of the same size and shape. This way, you’re sure that they will all cook at the same time. Your potatoes will also cook evenly given the same sizes and shapes. Once you’re done grocery shopping, it’s time to learn how to cook baked potatoes!
- It’s always best to preheat your oven, so as we prepare your potatoes, make sure to preheat the oven and adjust your rack to the middle position.
- Now, rinse your potato under running water while you scrub each and everyone. Skins are eaten on baked potatoes so make sure they are clean.
- Once rinsed, let them dry thoroughly. You may use a clean kitchen towel to help dry them up.
- Now, pierce your potato with a sharp knife four times on each side, leaving about an inch of space in between. This helps steam to escape so you potato stays in shape.
- If you want a soft skin, rub the skin of your potatoes with butter or olive oil.
- If you want a tasty baked potato, you may also roll your potatoes on a small plate with salt. This will add flavor to your skin. However, you can omit this step if you don’t want to add salt to your baked potatoes. You can simply use dips and sauces later on for flavor.
- Now, it’s time to place them on racks of oven to start baking.
- For a couple of medium sized potatoes weighing about 5 ounces each, bake them for 45 minutes at 400 F or 60 minutes at 350 F. You can also check doneness with a meat thermometer. Your potatoes are done if the internal temperature reaches 210 F.