Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a comforting and versatile dish, known for their crispy skin and fluffy, tender interior. They can be made simply by baking whole potatoes in the oven until the insides are soft and the skins are golden brown. Often served with classic toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives, baked potatoes can also be loaded with heartier additions such as bacon, chili, or vegetables to turn them into a full meal. Whether served as a side dish or a main, baked potatoes are a satisfying, customizable comfort food that’s easy to prepare.
In this blog post, you will learn how to make baked potatoes.
How to Make Baked Potatoes
Take the potatoes and wash them in your sink. Make sure to fully pat them dry after washing. Take a knife and poke small slices into the potato to allow air to circulate during baking. Rub a small amount of extra virgin olive oil onto each potato, season with salt and pepper, then wrap each potato individually in a piece of aluminum foil. Place into the oven on one of the top racks and bake in the oven for an hour. Remove from the oven and take off the tin foil wraps. Slice open each potato and put the toppings that you would like onto the potatoes. See my list below for inspiration of what toppings to use!
How do I Know When My Baked Potatoes are Finished?
To know when baked potatoes are finished baking, you can check for the following signs:
- Softness: Gently squeeze the potato with an oven mitt. A fully baked potato will give slightly under pressure and feel soft throughout.
- Fork Test: Insert a fork or skewer into the center of the potato. It should slide in easily without resistance. If it’s tough to pierce, the potato needs more time.
- Crisp Skin: The skin should be golden brown and crisp, while the inside remains fluffy.
- Internal Temperature: For precise results, the internal temperature should be around 205°F to 210°F (96°C to 99°C) when using a thermometer.
Consequently, these signs will ensure your baked potatoes are cooked through and tender.
What are the Best Potatoes to Use?
The best potatoes for baked potatoes are those that have a high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior when baked. Here are the top varieties:
- Russet Potatoes: The classic choice for baked potatoes. Their high starch content and thick skin create the perfect crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: While not as fluffy as Russets, they have a creamy texture and a slightly buttery flavour, making them an excellent option for a different style of baked potato.
- Maris Piper: Popular in the UK, these are a versatile potato variety with a floury texture, great for baking and getting that light, airy interior.
- Rooster Potatoes: A red-skinned potato with a fluffy interior, they bake well and provide a slightly different texture from Russets, with a more robust flavour.
For the crispiest skins and fluffiest insides, Russet potatoes are the top choice, but Yukon Gold and Rooster varieties can offer a more flavourful and creamy result.
Baked Potato Toppings
Baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be topped with a wide variety of ingredients to suit different tastes. Here are some popular baked potato toppings:
- Classic:
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper
- Cheese & Dairy:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Greek yogurt (as a sour cream substitute)
- Protein:
- Bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon
- Grilled chicken or pulled pork
- Chili (beef or vegetarian)
- Ground beef or taco filling
- Vegetables:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted red peppers
- Spinach
- Avocado slices
- Sauces & Condiments:
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Hot sauce
- Additional Flavours:
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Caramelized onions
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, thyme)
- Garlic butter
- Guacamole
In conclusion, these toppings allow you to customize your baked potato, from simple and comforting to hearty and indulgent meals.
Interested in Other Ways to Make Potatoes? Click on the links below for recipe inspiration!
Ingredients
Potatoes: The star of the dish, with varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold being ideal for baking. As a result, they become fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside after baking.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: olive oil is used to coat the potatoes, helping to create a crispy, golden-brown skin while adding a subtle, rich flavour.
Salt: salt enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes and seasons the crispy skin, therefore making it more flavourful.
Black Pepper: black pepper adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish, complementing the simplicity of the baked potato.
Sour Cream (Optional): sour cream is a creamy and tangy topping that balances the savoury flavours of the potato and adds richness to every bite.
Tips
- Because the potatoes are individually wrapped, you do not need to place them onto a lined tray in the oven. You can place them directly onto the wire.
Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 8 medium potatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional 2 c. of sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉/200℃/Gas Mark 6.
- Take the potatoes and wash them in your sink and then dry them off. With your knife, poke slices into the sides of the potatoes to allow air to enter them during the baking process. Cover the potatoes in a very thin coating of extra virgin olive oil.
- Rip off 8 sheets of aluminum foil and place a potato onto each of their respective sheets and fold them around the potato ending with the folded edge facing upwards.
- Place the wrapped potatoes into the oven on one of the top shelves and bake for an hour until they are soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool. Serve with shredded cheese, butter, or sour cream!
Notes
In this blog post, you learned how to make delicious, homemade baked potatoes.