There are a couple of ways to bake a potato. If you are wondering how to bake potatoes like they serve you in a restaurant, then you will want to bake them in the oven. However, if you are in a hurry, you can also bake potatoes in a microwave in a fraction of the time.
How to Bake Potatoes in the Oven
First of all, you will want to preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is heating, scrub your potatoes (any type of baking potato will do, but russet potatoes are usually the best for baking). Make sure they are clean, but try not to remove the skin while scrubbing. Once the potatoes are clean, use a sharp knife to remove any bad spots or sprouts.
Your next step is to use a fork to carefully poke your potatoes, about 5-6 times each potato, to a depth of about 2-3 cm. This will allow the steam to escape so that they don’t explode all over the inside of your oven. This also helps the potatoes to fully cook in the center.
Once you have clean, poked potatoes, you can lightly coat them in oil. You can do this by pouring a bit of cooking oil into a bowl, dipping each potato into the oil, then rubbing the oil all over the potato with your hands. You can also sprinkle each potato with a bit of salt.
Now that your potatoes are ready, you simply need to place them directly on the oven rack to bake. You can place a cookie sheet on a rack below to catch any drippings. Your potatoes will cook in about 60-90 minutes. You will know that they are done when the skin looks golden-brown and crispy, and the inside of the potato is nice and soft.
How to Bake Potatoes in the Microwave
If you prefer to know how to bake potatoes quickly, you can clean, poke, and oil them as above, then place them on a plate in the microwave. Cook them on high in 5 minute increments, and they should be done in about 15 minutes. Keep in mind you won’t get that same tasty, crispy skin like you would when baked in the oven.
Now that you know how to bake potatoes, you can easily enjoy this healthy and delicious food with many of your favorite meals!