How to bake potatoes in the oven?
We all know what it’s like to want a potato baked in the oven but not have the time or access to a stovetop. It’s not just our stomachs are hungry, but also our time is precious, we need easy recipes and instructions, and there are no kitchen tools that can produce the desired perfect oven-baked potato. The answer is simple: cook potatoes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight container for 45 minutes. You can use a metal or glass dish, plastic wrap, or just put the potatoes in a paper bag.
Soak the potatoes in water for about 45 minutes to an hour. You do this because if you don’t and you put them straight into a hot oven, they will dry out and it will be tough to peel your baked potatoes once they’re done.
If you have any burnt spots on your potatoes then you should cut those parts off before serving them.
Next place your potatoes (washed) in a baking dish that is big enough so the potatoes aren’t touching each other and cover with aluminum foil. Keep in mind that the foil should not be too tight because you want air flow to help cook the potato evenly. Now place your baking dish on a cookie sheet.
While your potatoes are in the oven, preheat to 350 degrees F.
Cook for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes you can start checking on them by carefully removing the foil and using tongs to remove the baked potato of your choice. Place it on a plate and use a knife or fork to carve it up and garnish it as you please. The foil technique is one of many great ways to bake a potato in an oven, but there are better ones out there, so keep exploring!
It’s possible that the potatoes will take longer than 45 minutes or less time than that. You will have to check on them periodically, but 45 minutes is the average time that it should take.
Be sure to place the potatoes in a dish that has a lid, so they don’t dry out while they’re cooking.
Since the baked potatoes are in foil in the oven you don’t have to worry about burning yourself. The foil should feel cool to the touch when you take it out of the oven, so if it’s warm or hot, then your potato may need more cooking time.
As soon as you pull them out of the oven put a paper towel or napkin on top and then close whatever you are using as a container. The paper towel will absorb the moisture coming off the potato, so it will stay hot longer for your enjoyment.
Remove the foil carefully to let out the steam, or you can go right ahead and remove it if there is not much steam. When removing the foil be sure to use long oven mitts because they will be hot.
The perfect baked potato should be golden brown, crispy on top and soft on the bottom. If you have any burnt spots on your potatoes then you should cut those parts off before serving them.
The baked potatoes should have a nice potato skin, but if it’s too dry, you can add butter and salt to them (with a fork) prior to serving.
You may have to practice a couple of times before you have your own trick for baking potatoes in the oven. Every oven is different and can affect the time that it takes for the potato to cook. You’ll get it soon enough!
Add butter, sour cream, bacon bits or cheese! Some people even like to use mayonnaise as a topping on their baked potatoes. There are so many ways you can use this trick to bake up some delicious baked potatoes! It’s also great because very little clean up is involved.
Read: Make a potato cake