how to make a baked potato

Each day, thousands of people search "how to bake potatoes." So please, do not be embarrassed to be here, you aredefinitely not alone. Though the only kitchen skill you might need is how to set your oven's timer, there are still a lot of ways you can go wrong. Here are our top baked potato tips for perfect results every time:

The Best Types Of Baking Potatoes

Russet potatoes make the best baked potatoes because of their thick skin and starchy, fluffy interior (once baked, of course). Leave the waxy potatoes for halving and roasting with some rosemary.

Why You Need To Scrub Them

Those russets you're about to eat came from the ground and are probably still covered in a considerable amount of dirt. Give 'em a rinse, people!

The Key To Crispy Skin

Dry skin = crispy baked skin, and you definitely want to eat the skin. It's got all the flavor. After you give the potatoes a good scrub down, make sure to dry them thoroughly with a clean dish towel. Moisture will result in soggy sadness.

You'll also want to coat them with olive oil. Not only does it help the skin crisp up even more but it makes it taste better. Rub the potatoes all over (you want them slick!) before baking, then season generously. Without enough salt, they'll taste boring and plain.

Poking Holes

When you don't pierce the potato before baking, it'll likely explode in the oven—literally. It will also creepily whistle! (We're still trying to get to the bottom of this.) Pricking it all over with a fork or paring knife helps steam escape and avoid both of the above (not ideal) situations.

How Long To Bake Potatoes In The Oven

A baked potato takes patience—most likely an hour and a half! Turning up the temperature in an effort to cook the potatoes more quickly won't work. The outside will cook too quickly and you'll have a sad, hard, semi-raw middle.

Storing Leftovers

Baked potatoes taste best straight from the oven. But if you want to make them ahead of time, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Do not store it in foil as experts warn that this has been linked to botulism.

To reheat the potato, take it out of the refrigerate and let it get back to room temperature. Then bake at 350° until it's warmed through, about 15 minutes.

Baked Potato Variations

Now you're armed with our best know-how. How you top your baked potato is a different story and entirely up to you. Personally, I love filling it with spinach-artichoke dip. 😈 But if you prefer buffalo-chicken, you do you.

What is a twice baked potato?

A twice baked potato is simple in its genius and deliciousness. Essentially they are baked potatoes that are halved and scooped out slightly. The scooped out potato flesh is mashed and mixed with things like sour cream, butter and scallions and that filling is then stuffed back into the potato skins. Sprinkle them with cheese and bake until melty. It will have you questioning which type of potato reigns supreme.

Have you made this recipe? Leave a comment below to let us know how it went.

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 0 hours 5 mins

Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins

russet potatoes, scrubbed

Extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

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Preheat oven to 350°. Pierce potatoes all over with a fork. Rub with oil and season generously with salt and pepper, then place on a baking sheet.
Bake until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

Parker Feierbach

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Lauren Miyashiro Food Director Lauren Miyashiro is a contributing recipe developer at Delish, and our former Food Director.

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