Baked Potatoes Cooked to Perfection
Baked Potatoes were a staple in our home growing up. I remember many a times at the sink before Sunday dinner scrubbing down potatoes and wrapping them in foil. There was nothing like the smell of hot potatoes in the oven. I liked to softly squish my potato while it was still in the foil to make mashing it easier. Then of course I would load on the butter and sour cream and salt and pepper. It was the perfect side dish for whatever meat our dad was grilling up that day. This recipe may seem a little basic. However, sometimes it is good to get back to the basics! Not all baked potato recipes are created equal. You know how sometimes when you make homemade baked potatoes they end up kind of gummy? We have evolved from the foil cooking method to make our potatoes more light and fluffy and less saturated. Follow this simple method and never have that problem again! This recipe produces potatoes with crispy, salty outsides and soft, fluffy insides. It is the best baked potato recipe.
How Long To Bake a Potato
A good rule of thumb is about an hour at 350 degrees for a perfect baked Idaho potato. However, if you’re baking more than four at a time, you’ll need to increase the baking time. I usually increase it by about 5-10 minutes for every two additional potatoes.
Foil vs. No Foil
Baked Potatoes without foil
Baking a potato without foil is generally considered the best method for several reasons: Overall, baking a potato without foil yields a delicious, crispy-skinned potato with enhanced natural flavors and a faster cooking time. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic baked potato that’s full of flavor and texture!
Baked Potatoes in Foil
If you prefer a softer skin and a more “steamed” potato taste, wrapping your potatoes in foil may be your preferred choice. To bake a foil-wrapped potato at 350°F, it will take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. Because it is wrapped it will take a bit longer to cook, but it allows the potato to bake more evenly and thoroughly. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center; it should go through easily when fully cooked. Enjoy your perfectly baked potato with a fluffy interior and deliciously soft skin!
Ideas for Potato Toppings
Now, once you have your Perfect Baked Potatoes, you’re going to need some toppings to go with it! I’ll give you some of my favorite ideas. If you have other ideas let us know in the comments below!
Simple: butter, salt, pepper, and chives Loaded: sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, green onions, salt, and pepper Tex Mex: salsa, cheddar cheese, black beans, guacamole and sour cream Chili Cheese Potato: chili and cheddar cheese Broccoli Cheddar Potato: broccoli and melted cheese
Potatoes are Good For You!
Don’t let the low-carb craze scare you away from a perfect baked potato at dinner. They’re actually very good for you! Here’s why:
Potatoes have more potassium than a banana. They’re high in fiber, so potatoes in your diet can help lower cholesterol. It can also decrease your risk of heart disease. Potatoes are also chock full of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Plus, they’re quite delicious!
Ways To Cook Baked Potatoes
In the Microwave – If you are short on time, you can definitely cook a (almost) perfect baked potato in the microwave. Unfortunately, I can’t promise the same crispy outside and fluffy inside. This is because the microwave will steam the potatoes rather than baking them. First, poke holes all over the potato with a fork. Then, cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes. In the Instant Pot – One of my favorite ways to cook potatoes when I am pressed for time is by “baking” potatoes in the Instant Pot! This method is great if you need your oven for another dish. However, this method comes with the same caveat as the microwave method. The texture will not be as perfect as it is from the oven. First, put a cup of water and the trivet into the Instant Pot. Next, poke holes all over the potatoes and place on the trivet. Then, cook on manual on high pressure for 14 minutes. Finally, once the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 20-30 minutes. Then, add your toppings and enjoy your perfectly tender baked potato! In the Air Fryer – Potatoes cooked in the air fryer are fast, crispy, and delicious! See our post for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes! You can achieve similar results as an oven baked potato but in less time.
Baked Potato Recipes
Baked potatoes are versatile and can be used in various delicious recipes and dishes. Here are some more ways to enjoy them:
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes: Top them with sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, and any other favorite toppings for a hearty and satisfying meal. Want a twist on a classic? Try our BBQ twice baked potatoes! Potato Skins: Scoop out the insides, leaving a thin layer of potato, then fill them with cheese, bacon, and other toppings before baking until crispy. You can also try our broccoli cheese stuffed potato skins! Potato Salad: Dice baked potatoes use them in our famous Potato Salad Recipe! You won’t regret it! Hash Browns: Cube or shred baked potatoes and cook them in a skillet with oil or butter until crispy and golden brown. Potato Soup: Use baked potatoes as a base for a creamy and comforting potato soup with added vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Our Baked Potato Soup is the perfect recipe for this method! Potato Casseroles: Layer sliced baked potatoes with cheese, cream, and seasonings to create a tasty and comforting potato casserole. Potato Breakfast Burritos: Stuff baked potatoes into tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast toppings for a hearty breakfast burrito. Shepherd’s Pie: Use baked potatoes as a topping for a classic shepherd’s pie with seasoned ground meat and vegetables. Potato Gnocchi: Mash baked potatoes and combine them with flour and egg to make homemade gnocchi.
Frequently Asked Baked Potato Questions
READ NEXT: Best Potato Recipes
More Potato Side Dishes
Potatoes are so versatile and go well with many meats and vegetables. After you’ve tried our Perfect Baked Potatoes, venture out to our other favorites!
Pesto Potatoes – These diced potatoes are coated in pesto and roasted to perfection. So easy and packed with flavor! Roasted Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts – Another easy side dish! The bacon adds a tasty dimension – a must try! Roasted Red Caesar Potatoes – Red pepper, Caesar salad dressing, and Parmesan cheese flakes give these potatoes a unique Italian zest. Grilled Foil Ranch Potatoes – These potatoes are great in the summer. Throw them on the grill at your next BBQ. The packets can be loaded with bacon, ham, onions, peppers, or cheese. Additionally, the clean-up is so easy! Parmesan Baked Potato Halves – This is one of the most popular recipes on our site. The potato halves are cooked in butter and Parmesan cheese giving the potatoes a crispy, flavorful topping. More Delicious Potato Recipes – Here is a full list of our most popular potato recipes as chosen by YOU, our readers!
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Rösti
Greek Fries
Smashed Potatoes
Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
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