How to Bake Potatoes

Ah, that American classic. It's easy as anything, but it does take a little time. Baked potatoes go great when accompanied by steaks, meat loaf and other dishes. This recipe makes as many potatoes as you want!

Difficulty:
Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

  • 1 large russet potato per person
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Toppings: butter, sour cream, chopped chives
  • Groceries
  • Paper towels
  • Vegetable Brushes
  • Common Nails
  • Forks
    • 1

      Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

    • 2

      Scrub potatoes under warm water using a vegetable brush.

    • 3

      With a fork, poke holes about 1/2 inch deep in each potato. (You only need to do this three or four times.)

    • 4

      Place the potatoes on the oven's middle rack, spaced evenly. Do not wrap them in foil.

    • 5

      Bake about 1 hour. Smaller potatoes may take less time. Larger potatoes may take more time. You want the potato nice and soft.

    • 6

      After about 40 minutes, poke the potatoes with a fork to test their progress.

    • 7

      When tender, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven, cut lengthwise and serve immediately.

    • 8

      Top potatoes with salt and pepper, plus butter, sour cream, chopped chives or other toppings of your choice.

Comments

View all 11 Comments
  • al_lently Jan 06, 2007
    Can you help me find those potato-specific nails you mentioned? We've been looking and haven't had any luck.
  • al_lently Jan 06, 2007
    Can you help me find those potato-specific nails you mentioned? We've been looking and haven't had any luck.
  • butterbee Jan 02, 2007
    just perfect, Thank you
  • butterbee Jan 02, 2007
    just perfect, Thank you
  • Feb 14, 2006
    If you're going to use a nail to speed the baking of a potato, don't use galvanized nails! They can emit harmful chemicals when heated. It's best to use nails specially made for this purpose, which can be found in kitchen and gourmet shops.
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