Best Baked Potatoes

90 mins
Serves 4
https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/8654-best-baked-potatoes

Directions

  1. 1Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. 2Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees.
  3. 3Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees.
  4. 4Dissolve 2 tablespoons salt in 1/2 cup water in large bowl.
  5. 5Dissolve 2 tablespoons salt in 1/2 cup water in large bowl.
  6. 6Dissolve 2 tablespoons salt in 1/2 cup water in large bowl.
  7. 7Place potatoes in bowl and toss so exteriors of potatoes are evenly moistened.
  8. 8Place potatoes in bowl and toss so exteriors of potatoes are evenly moistened.
  9. 9Place potatoes in bowl and toss so exteriors of potatoes are evenly moistened.
  10. 10Transfer potatoes to wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet and bake until center of largest potato registers 205 degrees, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  11. 11Transfer potatoes to wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet and bake until center of largest potato registers 205 degrees, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  12. 12Transfer potatoes to wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet and bake until center of largest potato registers 205 degrees, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  13. 13Remove potatoes from oven and brush tops and sides with oil.
  14. 14Remove potatoes from oven and brush tops and sides with oil.
  15. 15Remove potatoes from oven and brush tops and sides with oil.
  16. 16Return potatoes to oven and continue to bake for 10 minutes.
  17. 17Return potatoes to oven and continue to bake for 10 minutes.
  18. 18Return potatoes to oven and continue to bake for 10 minutes.
  19. 19Remove potatoes from oven and, using paring knife, make 2 slits, forming X, in each potato.
  20. 20Remove potatoes from oven and, using paring knife, make 2 slits, forming X, in each potato.
  21. 21Remove potatoes from oven and, using paring knife, make 2 slits, forming X, in each potato.
  22. 22Using clean dish towel, hold ends and squeeze slightly to push flesh up and out.
  23. 23Using clean dish towel, hold ends and squeeze slightly to push flesh up and out.
  24. 24Using clean dish towel, hold ends and squeeze slightly to push flesh up and out.
  25. 25Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  26. 26Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  27. 27Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  28. 28Serve immediately.
  29. 29Serve immediately.
  30. 30Serve immediately.

Ingredients

  • Salt and pepper
  • Salt and pepper
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 (7- to 9-ounce) russet potatoes, unpeeled, each lightly pricked with fork in 6 places
  • 4 (7- to 9-ounce) russet potatoes, unpeeled, each lightly pricked with fork in 6 places
  • 4 (7- to 9-ounce) russet potatoes, unpeeled, each lightly pricked with fork in 6 places
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Equipment

large bowlwire rackrimmed baking sheetparing knifeclean dish towel

Tips

  • Open up the cooked baked potatoes immediately after removal from the oven in step 3 so steam can escape.
  • Top them as desired, or with one of our toppings: Herbed Goat Cheese Topping, Creamy Egg Topping, or Smoked Trout Topping.