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Baked potatoes are one of the ultimate comfort foods. Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, there’s no better side to a great steak. They’re also a fantastic base for other foods, such as chili and all those delicious toppings like bacon! Plus, they’re nutritious, with just 300 calories for the largest of baked potatoes and a good amount of fiber.
However, achieving a perfect baked potato isn’t as simple as it sounds. Here are 4 essential tips to ensure your baked potato turns out perfect every time:
1. Prepare the Potato
Start with a good scrub. Potatoes grow in the ground, and they often have dirt on them – dirt that no one wants to eat. While some baked potatoes come prewashed, it’s best not to trust this to a factory or store. Scrub them well with a vegetable brush if you have one.
Once cleaned, for that crispy skin, rub the potatoes generously with oil, either olive or vegetable oil. Afterward, season them well with salt. Potatoes are naturally bland, so even if you’re planning to top them with sour cream or butter, it’s important to add flavor before baking.
2. Prick the Potato
Pricking your potatoes is essential! This allows steam to escape while baking and prevents the potatoes from bursting open, which can make a mess and ruin dinner. It also helps to reduce cooking time since heat can penetrate the potato more easily.
However, avoid pricking the foil around the potato. If you do, some of the foil will get stuck to the skin, and you don’t want that surprise when someone bites into the potato.
3. Get Rid of the Foil
Many people wrap their potatoes in foil to bake them, but this isn’t necessary and can sometimes result in soggy skin. Instead, let the potato bake directly on the oven rack to achieve that perfect crispy skin.
4. Know Your Baking Time
Depending on the size of the potato and your oven, baking time can vary. Typically, large potatoes should be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes. However, you can test them by gently squeezing the potato. If it’s soft and gives under pressure, it’s ready to enjoy!
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