How to Make a Perfect Baked Potato

Just add butter for classic baked potato.

Making a great baked potato is a lost art. Real baked potatoes are delicious, requiring very little in the way of added fats and seasonings, and are extremely easy to make. But you do need to allow plenty of time for it to cook. If you have the time and are willing to do it right, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how good a baked potato can be. Some great baked potato toppings include salsa, butter, sour cream, bacon, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, guacamole, cheese and chives.

Things You'll Need

• Coarse-ground salt
• Cooking oil
• Medium russet potato
• Fork
• Toppings

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Wash the potato thoroughly. Use lukewarm water and wash the entire surface of the potato, scrubbing away dirt and loose material.

2. Perforate the potato skin with a fork. Punch holes about every inch or so to allow steam to vent. If you skip this step, the potato can explode in the oven.

3. Dry the potato with a clean towel.

4. Rub the potato skin with a light coating of oil. Liberally sprinkle salt on the skin.

5. Place the potato directly on the oven rack and bake about 90 minutes.

6. Test for doneness. The baked potato is fully cooked when a fork pierce through to the center with minimal pressure.

7. Split the potato in half and serve with the toppings of your choice, salt and pepper.

Tips & Warnings

• Some great baked potato toppings include salsa, butter, sour cream, bacon, ranch dressing, blue cheese, blue cheese dressing, guacamole, cheese, chives and anything else that sounds good to you.

• Don't cover your baked potato with foil while it's in the oven.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish