How To Bake A Potato

Prepare Potatoes

• To achieve the juiciest, softest, and tastiest baked potato, it is important to choose the right potatoes. Though russet potatoes are the first and best option for baking, you can try with other potato varieties as well. Make sure that the potatoes do not have any bruises, discolored spots, or sprouts.
• The larger the potato, the more time it will take to bake. For baking multiple potatoes, pick up ones that are of the same size.
• After you have picked up the potatoes, cleaning them comes as the next obvious step. You wouldn’t want your baked potatoes to turn crispy whilst the dirt and grime clung onto them, right! Hence, wash them thoroughly under clean running water to get rid of all dirt and debris, scrubbing the outer skins as well.
• Place your washed potatoes on dry paper towels to absorb the water.
• Prick each potato at 5-6 places with a fork or toothpick to ensure that the heat reaches the insides of the potatoes. Also, make sure that the holes pricked are evenly distributed to guarantee even baking.
• Rub some olive oil with your hands on the outside of each potato and place them on a baking tray, spread out evenly.
• Sprinkle some salt evenly on each potato. Flip them over and sprinkle again for even distribution.

Baking Potatoes In Oven

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the baking tray in the center rack of the oven.
• Allow the potatoes to bake for an hour.
• Remove the potatoes and test whether they are done. Gently squeeze one of the potatoes with an oven mitt to check whether it is tender or not.
• In case the potatoes are still hard, put them back for baking for another 15 minutes. Continue baking until they are ready.
• When fully done, remove them from the oven and allow them to stand for 5 minutes.
• Slice open the potatoes and enjoy!

Baking Potatoes In Microwave

• Place a paper towel over a ceramic plate and place your pricked potatoes on it.
• Bake your potatoes in the microwave on HIGH for 5-6 minutes if the potatoes are large. Similarly, for medium potatoes, bake them on HIGH for 4 minutes. Smaller ones require just about 3 minutes baking time on HIGH.
• Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to stand for couple of minutes. The steam trapped in the potatoes will help them to finish from inside.
• Open up the potatoes and start digging into them!