A baked potato is considered to be excellent when it has a crispy outside and an interior that is light and fluffy.
It’s simple to make the ideal baked potato. Simply adhere to these seven tips, and the results will speak for themselves.
1. Select The Correct Potato
All potatoes are not created equal. It is ideal to use large Russet potatoes for making baked potatoes. They are the star of baking potatoes because they contain more starch. Once baked, they have a distinctive creamy interior that endures well, and their generous size is ideal for adding extra toppings like sour cream, cheese, and bacon.
2. Refrain From Microwaving
If you use a microwave, you might be wondering why you shouldn’t stop producing “baked” potatoes in it since it only takes a small amount of time compared to traditional baking.
You can find out the answer by taking a bite out of a roasted potato! Compared to baked potatoes cooked in the oven, potatoes that are par-baked in the microwave have a lower quality in terms of the texture of the skin and a less-than-ideal center.
3. Avoid Using Foil At All Costs
You might notice that a large baked potato ordered at a chain restaurant comes in its foil packet. Due to the vast quantity provided, these potatoes are manufactured in that manner and were probably cooked on a grill.
Potatoes are steamed rather than baked when they are wrapped in aluminum foil. When making the ideal baked potato in your home oven, there is no need for foil.
4. Cook It Straight On The Rack In The Oven
The worst part of any home-cooked meal must be the dishes, right? When baking your potato, there’s no need to dirty a baking dish or sheet pan. Using just one causes the potato’s skin to become mushy and traps moisture at the bottom of the potato. Put your oven rack in the center of the oven and arrange the potatoes on it.
5. Before Baking, Add Oil And Salt
You may acquire the desired crispy skin by combining oil and salt.
You must oil and salt your baked potatoes before placing them in the oven if you want the crispy exterior that you find in high-end restaurants.
Pierce your potato four times with a fork or knife after washing it in cool water. Sprinkle Kosher salt on either side of the potato after rubbing olive oil all over it.
6. How To Tell When They Are Baked To Perfection
Most Russet potatoes will be ready to eat in 60 minutes with the oven set to 350 degrees F. To ensure you have the ideal baked potato, you may need to change the cooking time based on the size of your potatoes and the state of your oven.
Use an oven mitt to gently squeeze the ends of each potato to see whether it is finished cooking. The potato is prepared if it gives slightly when pressed. They need to bake longer if they feel firm or exhibit any resistance when lightly squeezed.
7. How You Cut Your Baked Potato Matters
Take it a step further and learn how to cut open your perfectly baked potato once you have mastered the actual baking of the potato.
Gently massage the potato with your hands to separate the insides from the skin before cutting it open. I know this may sound strange, but it truly affects your potato’s interior texture. If not, your interior will become compact and confined, much like when you steam potatoes.
After massaging, start your potato’s center and cut approximately 3/4 inch from each end. Gently squeeze the potato open by pushing in and down with your thumb and forefinger to get the core to protrude upward.
