Baked potatoes are still as popular as ever. A great side to lunch or dinner, it’s also a filling meal all by itself. Making this all-time classic is a no-brainer, but those who have dealt with an exploded potato mess may beg to differ. With this simple guide, you can easily learn how to bake perfect potatoes.

With this simple guide, you can easily learn how to bake perfect potatoes.

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Classic baked potatoes have fluffy spuds and a crispy skin. While some people also prefer soft skin, most prefer a crispy and flavorful skin. The outcome also depends on the type of potato that you use. Russets are the best choice for baking.

Baked potatoes are very versatile. They’re a one-ingredient meal that you can fall back on when you’ve forgone the grocery shopping and are not in the mood for takeout. You can also treat them as a vehicle for stews, chili, beans, bacon, cheese and other favorite toppings. It’s almost an empty canvass that you fill with whatever you can imagine.

Here's how to bake a potato in microwave and oven:

Method 1: Using a Microwave

Things you’ll need:

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Potato baked in microwave things need

  • Potatoes – 2
  • Water
  • Paper towels
  • Microwave-safe dish
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 1. Wash and dry the potatoes

Wash and dry the potatoes

Wash the 2 potatoes thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or impurities. You may also use a vegetable brush to scrub them. Dry the potatoes with paper towels. If you’re not pressed for time, you may also leave the potatoes to air-dry on a kitchen towel.

Step 2. Poke holes in the potato skin

Poke holes in the potato skin

Poke holes all over the skin of the potatoes with the tines of a fork. This helps release the trapped steam while the potatoes cook and will prevent the potato skin from bursting. Skip this step and you may have to deal with a very messy cleanup.

Step 3. Cook the potatoes in the microwave

Cook the potatoes in the microwave

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Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and pop them into the microwave. Cook on full power for 5 minutes. Give the potatoes a turn using a pair of tongs to allow them to cook evenly. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4. Take the baked potatoes out

Take the baked potatoes out

Carefully, take the baked potatoes out of the microwave. Make a lengthwise cut using a paring knife. You don’t have to cut through the potatoes, but do it deep enough to properly season them.

Step 5. Season the baked potatoes

Season the baked potatoes

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A simple salt and pepper seasoning goes well with baked potatoes. Additionally, you may use herb seasoning for a more flavorful punch.

Step 6. Garnish and serve

Garnish and serve

Add a pat of butter and follow it with shredded cheese. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on the top for a bit of color. While this is a suggested filling, you may use a variety of fillings and garnish. Coleslaw and mayonnaise are good options.

Coleslaw and mayonnaise are good options. If you are a vegan, you can use homemade vegan mayonnaise.

Potatoes and cheese make a terrific side dish. You can try other recipes using potatoes and cheese.

Potato baked in microwave final

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Method 2: Using an Oven

Things you’ll need:

Potato baked in oven things need

  • Potatoes – 2
  • Water
  • Paper towels
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Aluminum foil

Step 1. Wash and dry the potatoes

Wash and dry the potatoes

While you prepare your potatoes, set your oven to preheat at 445° F.

Rinse the potatoes with water to clean off any dirt and other impurities. Dry them with some paper towels.

Step 2. Poke holes in the potato skin

Poke holes in the potato skin

Use a fork to poke holes all over the skin of the potatoes. This will help release the steam from the potatoes while they cook and prevent them from exploding into a gooey mess inside your oven.

Step 3. Oil and salt the potatoes

Oil and salt the potatoes

Brush the skin of the potatoes with olive oil. Any cooking oil that you have on hand is fine as well. This will give the skin a tasty crisp. Sprinkle a little salt over the potatoes, too. Adding salt beforehand helps it absorb into the potatoes while they bake.

Step 4. Wrap the potato in foil (optional)

Wrap the potato in foil optional)

You can bake your potatoes in two ways – wrapped in aluminum foil or without tin foil. We are cooking one potato with each method. You may choose whichever suits you.

If you use foil, wrap the potato completely with the foil.

Step 5. Cook the potatoes in the oven for 50 minutes

Cook the potatoes in the oven for 50 minutes

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By now your oven should have preheated to 445° F. Place the potatoes on a baking tray and pop them into the oven for 50 minutes. After 40 minutes, turn the potatoes over to cook them evenly.

Step 6. Take out the potatoes

Take out the potatoes

Carefully, take the potatoes out of the oven. Unwrap the potatoes if you have used foil. Make a lengthwise cut in the potatoes with a paring knife.

The foil-wrapped potatoes will come out a little softer, while the potatoes baked naked will have a crisper skin. You may choose depending upon your preference.

Step 7. Season the potatoes

Season the potatoes

Season the potatoes to your taste with salt and pepper.

Step 8. Serve with choice of filling and garnish

Serve with choice of filling and garnish

Add some butter and shredded cheese to the potatoes. Sprinkle some chili flakes and cilantro on the top. You may also use some good chili or stew for a filling.

Potato baked in oven fnal

Additional Tips

  • While you don’t need to remove the eyes of the potatoes, remove any bad parts with a paring knife.
  • Poke the potatoes with a fork after cooking. If the fork doesn’t meet any resistance, consider your potatoes done.
  • If you’re baking your potatoes wrapped in a foil, add some garlic cloves or a choice herb in the foil packet. The result will be amazingly flavored baked potatoes.
  • The foil-wrapped potatoes stay warm for a long time. It’s ideal if a family member eats later than others.
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