If there’s one thing we know at Ekilove, it’s that the humble potato has endless potential. From mashed to roasted, we love them all. However, oven-baked potatoes hold a special place in our hearts. They are a perfect combination of simplicity and versatility, making them an ideal side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday feast or loading them up as a cozy main dish, we’ve got all the tips you need to become a baked potato pro.
How to Prep Your Potatoes
First things first, let’s talk about the best type of potato to use for baking. We recommend Russet potatoes for their thick skin and fluffy interior once baked. The skin is where all the flavor lies, so it’s important to give it some extra care. After giving your potatoes a thorough scrub, make sure to dry them completely with a clean dish towel. Then, coat them generously with olive oil. Not only does this help the skin crisp up, but it also enhances the overall taste. Rub the potatoes all over before baking and season with salt and pepper.
You might be wondering, should you wrap the potatoes in foil? The answer is no! Wrapping them in foil traps the moisture, resulting in a soggy skin instead of the crispy exterior we desire.
How to Bake a Potato in the Oven
Achieving a perfectly cooked baked potato requires high heat and a longer baking time. Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake the potatoes for approximately 1 hour. Anything lower than that will result in leathery skin and tough potatoes. To ensure they are fully cooked, measure the internal temperature. A properly baked potato should register between 200°F to 205°F (93°C to 96°C). Once they are done, immediately slice them open to release steam and avoid any gumminess.
Alternatively, you can make your baked potatoes in an air fryer. Simply follow the same preparation steps and place them in the air fryer basket at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes. It may take longer than other air fryer recipes, but the results are worth it, especially if you want to save energy by avoiding the oven.
How to Serve a Baked Potato
If you prefer your baked potatoes as a simple side dish, all you need is a generous amount of butter, salt, and pepper. However, if you want to take them to the next level, consider making loaded baked potatoes. Add toppings like bacon, sour cream, cheese, and chives for a truly indulgent experience. You can also use baked potatoes as a base for various meals. Try our French onion baked potatoes, spinach-artichoke baked potatoes, or even taco-stuffed sweet potatoes (just swap the sweet potatoes for Russet). The possibilities are endless when it comes to topping your baked potato creations.
Storage
Baked potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you want to prepare them ahead of time, follow these steps. Slice the baked potatoes in half and allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container (without foil!) for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which usually takes about 15 minutes.
Have you tried these baked potatoes? We’d love to hear about your experience! Let us know in the comments below.
