How To Roast Potatoes In The Oven
Ingredients
Directions
Serve roasted potatoes with meaty mains like prime rib roast, roast chicken and maple-glazed salmon.
How To Store Russet Potatoes
Store potatoes in a cool, dark, dry spot, being careful not to place them anywhere near onions: onions produce ethylene gas, which can cause potatoes to sprout, soften and rot. And dont ever store potatoes in the refrigerator. The cold temperature tricks the potato into thinking that its winter and it needs to feed itself, so it converts its starch to sugar. Sugar isnt fluffy and starchy, and youll end up with dense baked potatoes.
How To Bake A Potato In The Slow Cooker
When you need to keep your oven free, you don’t want to heat up your kitchen, or you want potatoes to bake while you’re away.
Try this recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Potato
Scrub potatoes and prick all over with a fork. Rub the skin with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and dried herbs . Wrap with foil, and cook on High for 4½ to 5 hours, or on LOW for 7½ to 8 hours until soft.
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Parcook In The Microwave
You cant count on the microwave to adequately cook a potato , but you can count on it to soften the potato, making it ready for the next step, whether thats smashing and roasting it or baking it in the oven.
Here’s how to do it: Just prick a few holes in a few potatoes with a fork, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, turning over once. There you gosuper-fast par-cooked potatoes.
Fast Baked Potato Method
When Im super busy, or I havent gotten started with my cooking early enough, I microwave potatoes before baking.
Im not a big fan of only microwaving baked potatoes, because you dont get a nice crisp skin on them . So, I microwave the potatoes before I bake them, and then finish up my baked potato in oven.
This method is also great when you need to free up the oven for something else. In this method, youll preheat the oven to a higher temp to give you that nice, crispy outer skin in a fraction of the time.
You can do this without the risk of burning the outside since the potato has already been partially cooked thanks to the trusty microwave.
To make a fast baked potato, youll first need to preheat yur oven to 450 degrees F. Again, youll want to start with an organic russet potato of the large baking variety.
Wash, scrub, and dry the potato using a Vegetable Scrub Brush if you have one. Then poke holes on all sides with the point of a sharp knife or fork.
Microwave the potatoes, up to 4 at a time, on full power for 4 minutes. Turn potato over and microwave for 4 more minutes. If desired, brush each side of the potato with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
How long does it take to bake a potato after its been microwaved?
Youll want to bake the microwaved potato in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, youll have a perfect baked potato!
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Recipes That Use Baked Potatoes:
Now that Ive told you my methods for how to make a perfect baked potato, here are a few favorite recipes that you might like to try with your baked potato.
Browse the recipe index archives for even more great recipe ideas:
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a delicious use for baked potatoes, as well as a great way to use up and leftovers that you might have after a meal.
If youre looking for a little bit lighter of an option to a traditional baked potato with all the yummy toppings, try this Baked Potato with Balsamic Caramelized Onion and Mushroom.
These Broccoli Cheese Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are a riff on the traditional. Theyre stuffed with cheese, bacon, and lots of broccoli for a hearty side dish!
Do you have any special tricks for how to bake a potato or a favorite way to serve them?
Love these tips for the Perfect Baked Potato?
How To Make Baked Potatoes In The Microwave
- Start by selecting your potatoes. I prefer the longer ones, more oval-shaped.
- Wash them well.
- Pierce in several spots with a fork. This is important to prevent the potatoes from bursting during cooking.
- Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate or a large bowl.
- Microwave at 100% power for 6 minutes. Gently squeeze the potatoes with kitchen tongs. If they are not soft enough, cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. After 8 minutes, my potatoes were perfect!
- Remove from microwave and cool until easy to handle.
- Cut the potatoes lengthwise, not cutting all the way through, squeeze the ends toward the center and fluff the inside with a fork.
- Serve with your favorite toppings: salt, pepper, butter, sour cream, chives, dill, bacon, cheese, etc.
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Best Ways To Make A Baked Potato
Baked Potato In the Oven
Theres actually more than one way to cook a baked potato in the oven, and theyre all pretty awesome in their own right. Lets give each method its own due credit, shall we?
Baked Potato in the Oven Whole, Wrapped in Aluminum Foil
This is the method that most of us probably grew up with, which is why Im listing it first. Its one of the best ways to make a baked potato that turns out absolutely perfect, every time. Soft skin on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside.
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
Step 2. Wash and poke the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper .
Step 3. Wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil and place directly on a baking rack.
Step 4. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a fork is easily inserted to the middle of the potato.
Baked Potato in the Oven Whole, Unwrapped
This method is the one most likely to wow your guests. Everyone knows a baked potato is usually soft but a baked potato with crispy skin?! Theyll wonder how you did it!
Lucky for you, its no magic trick. Its all because of the oil.
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
Step 2. Wash and poke the potatoes. Cover thoroughly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3. Place potatoes directly on a baking rack or on a cookie sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a fork is easily inserted to the middle of the potato.
Baked Potato Cut in Half in the Oven Unwrapped
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
Step 3. Season with salt and pepper.
How Big Should The Potatoes Be
This technique uses small russet potatoes, 6-8 ounces each. Larger potatoes work with this technique, but they take longer to cook. The goal of this recipe is baked potatoes in half an hour, so I stick with small potatoes.That said, the technique will still work with larger potatoes:
- Medium potatoes: microwave for 8 minutes, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Large potatoes: microwave for 10 minutes, and bake for 40 minutes.
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Cut The Sweet Potatoes In Half
Yep, thats our time saver to make this a quick baked potato recipe! But it does wonders. Depending on the size, a whole baked potato can take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes. It can take even longer if youve got one of those massive sweet potatoes. But cut them in half, and it takes just 25 to 35 minutes. Thats an invaluable time savings for a weeknight!
More Healthy Potatoes Recipes
Eating potatoes in a healthy way is all about eating them in a way that doesnt load on the calories. Top these quick baked potatoes as we noted above, and theyre a healthy dinner recipe. Or use our quick sweet potatoes recipe for a potato thats more easily digested . Here are a few more potato recipes you might enjoy:
- Loaded Potato Soup Here is the very best easy potato soup youll find! Creamy and comforting, its made in minutes with no cream and no need for a blender. Also try: Vegan Potato Soup
- Spanish Tortilla A potato and egg omelette that is a tasty Spanish dinner or tapas recipe!
- Vegan Shepherds Pie Make mashed potatoes into a healthy dinner recipe by using them in shepherds pie! The hearty veggie and lentil filling contrasts a layer of creamy potatoes in this stunning plant based dinner recipe.
- Perfect Boiled Potatoes These potatoes are tender and buttery: the ideal easy side dish!
- Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup Just like broccoli cheese soup, but plant based! This vegan soup uses potatoes to help make a creamy base.
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How Long Does It Take To Bake Potatoes In The Oven
It usually takes around 45 minutes to bake a potato in the oven at normal temperature, but this can vary depending on the potatos size and type.
For example, small new potatoes will cook faster than large russet potatoes. If you are unsure, it is always best to check the potatoes after about 30 minutes of cooking time to see how they are progressing.
Baked Potato Recipe Ideas
Theres more to baked potatoes than a simple split and fill. For one, the best mash is made from baked potatoes. Once cooked, scoop out the flesh .
Potato skin tacosScoop out the cooked potato flesh and combine with cheese, fajita spice mix, spring onions and coriander. Grill the potato skins for extra crispness, then refill them with the mash mixture and serve with avocado salad for a Mexican-style makeover.
Salad bowlsTom Kerridge uses empty potato skins as little edible salad bowls.
Loaded potato skinsScoop out the potato flesh and mash it with cooked bacon, your favourite cheese and caramelised onions or leeks, then spoon it all back into the skin. Bake until the cheese melts and the edges are crisp.
Edible spoonsPut cheese directly into the skins and grill them until crisp you should get a scoop-shaped effect that can be used for dipping into soup.
NachosDitch the tortillas and use crisp potato skins in their place. Top with salsa, guacamole, soured cream, cheese and a garnish, if you like we love coriander and jalapeño chillies.
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How To Microwave A Baked Potato
Achieving jacket potato perfection in the oven can take up to 90 minutes, but using the microwave you can do it in less than half the time.
The only downside to cooking jacket potatoes in the microwave is that you wont get that crisp skin youd get from long oven baking. But you can either halve them and turn them into loaded potato skins and grill them, or bake the jackets in the oven for a few mins to crisp up.
Microwaving potatoes whole is also a really good way to maximise the flavour of mashed potato. Once they’re cooked, leave them to cool then peel away the skin. Mash the flesh with butter, milk and a little grated cheese if you like, then microwave to heat through.
For more ideas of what to serve with jacket potatoes, see our guide on how to make the ultimate baked potato.
The important thing to remember is always to prick the potatoes with a fork before cooking this allows the steam to escape and will stop them from exploding.
Make sure youre using top kitchen kit with our pick of the best microwaves, tried and tested.
How To Bake Potatoes In A Crockpot
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Buying And Storing Potatoes
Choose dry, firm, smooth-skinned russet potatoes without cuts, bruises, sprouts, or hints of green. That greenish tinge is caused by a poisonous glycoalkaloid called solanine, caused when the potato is exposed to light during the growing cycle. Always cut the green parts away before cooking. The sprouts are harmless signs of growth, but should be cut out before baking. Store potatoes in a cool, dry, dark spot with ventilation .
Other ‘Tater Topics
Use Both The Microwave And Regular Oven
The Spruce / Cara Cormack
The humble baked potato. To some, it’s a simple side dish, while to others it’s a meal in itself when crowned with hearty toppings. Either way, baked potatoes are inexpensive and a wholesome way to add heft to the plate. Whether you’re trying to stretch your food dollar or creating a baked potato bar for a fun meal, baked potatoes are guaranteed to please.
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Can You Bake Potatoes At Low Temp
You can lower the temp to 400 degrees F for 50-60 minutes in a convection oven, which cooks a little more evenly and consistently. Many recipes call for 375 degrees, which is too low. The potato is fully cooked when the thermometer shows 210 degrees F, when placed halfway into the middle of the spud, half way down.
What To Serve These Quick Baked Potatoes With:
Potatoes are a great side dish that goes well with so many different meals. They are golden brown and crunchy on the outside and have a soft and crumbly texture on the inside. Their simple flavor and texture makes them the perfect side dish with almost any meal.
One of my go-to recipes that go perfectly with roasted potatoes are these Chicken Breasts in Mushroom Sauce. The mushroom sauce adds so much creaminess and balances all the flavors of the potatoes and juicy chicken breasts. I also like combining these quick baked potatoes with Glazed Salmon, Roasted Turkey, BBQ Chicken, and all other types of grilled meats.
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How To Make A Baked Sweet Potato: A Tutorial
Making a baked sweet potato is seriously simple: you dont even really need a recipe. Of course, weve got one below. But follow these basic steps and youll be baking these up in your sleep. Now, want to hear our time saving secret? Cut the sweet potatoes in half before you bake them. Yes, this simple step seriously cuts down on baking time. Keep reading for more about it.
Basic Microwaved Jacket Potato Recipe
Serves 2
- 2 sheets of kitchen roll
- 1 microwave-safe plate
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Whats The Best Potato For Baking
The key thing to remember when learning how to bake potatoes is to start with the right kind of potato. It seems obvious, but not all potatoes are suitable for baking!
For this recipe, you need to buy large russet potatoes of the baking variety. Dont worry, your grocery store should have the different potatoes clearly labeled!
Bake Potatoes Fast In The Microwave
The perfect baked potato is crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. Baking potatoes is simple.
Simply wash your favorite type of potato, we recommend the russet potato because of its flavor and texture. Then watch the video below or follow how to bake a potato instructions underneath the video for baking potatoes in the oven, crockpot or fast in the microwave. If youre looking for other ways to prepare potatoes, please check out our how to cook potatoes page.
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How To Bake A Potato On The Grill
A classic choice for camping or cookouts.
Try this recipe: Leslie’s Salty Grilled Potatoes
Heat grill to medium-high. Scrub potatoes and boil for 5 minutes to jumpstart the cooking process. Or prick with a fork and microwave for 2 minutes, turn them over, and microwave for another 2 minutes. Rub skin with olive oil and season as desired. Now you can grill it a couple of different ways: