How to Bake a Potato

By polloazul

Ingredients

• One russet potato per person
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Equipment
• A fork
• A baking sheet covered in foil

Details

Adapted from thekitchn.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat the Oven to 425°F - Turn on the oven while you're preparing the potatoes.

2. Scrub the Potatoes - Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry. You don't have to remove the eyes, but trim away any blemishes with a paring knife.

3. Season the Potatoes - Rub the potatoes all over with a little olive oil. It's easiest to use your hands, but a pastry brush also works fine. Generously sprinkle the potatoes on all sides with salt and pepper.

4. Prick with a Fork - Prick the potatoes in a few places with the tines of a fork. This allows steam to escape from the baking potato.

5. Bake the Potatoes - You can bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack, or you can place them a few inches apart on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake the potatoes for 50-60 minutes. Flip them over every 20 minutes or so and check them for doneness by piercing them with a fork. Potatoes are done when the skins are dry and the insides feel completely soft when pierced.

Additional Notes:

• To cut down the baking time, microwave the potatoes for 3-4 minutes in the microwave before baking.

• For softer skins, wrap the potatoes in foil before baking.