How to Bake Potatoes

Learn How to Bake Potatoes perfectly with fluffy, delicious results. Or, use my microwave shortcut when you need to save time.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Cook Time 30

Total Time 30

Servings servings (1 potato each)

Calories 241kcal

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 450 degrees. Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork.
Microwave on HIGH power for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
Remove the potatoes from the microwave and rub each all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Transfer potatoes to preheated oven and bake directly on oven rack until tender when pierced with a small knife, about 20 minutes longer.

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork.
Rub each potato all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Transfer potatoes to preheated oven and bake directly on oven rack until tender when pierced with a small knife, about 1 hour.
Slice open each potato, fluff with a fork, and add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper.

Potatoes: Technically, you can bake any potato. But for the ultimate baked potato, choose a russet which has a higher starch content and makes a fluffier potato. Sweet potatoes work, too.
Yield: This recipe makes 4 baked potatoes.
Storage: Store leftover baked potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Slice up leftover baked potatoes and fry in bacon fat, add to scrambled eggs, or make a small batch of potato salad.