Baked Potatoes

I know baking a potato is a no brainer, but I wanted to point out that you can bake potatoes at a range of temperatures.

Pierce the potatoes with a fork to prevent bursting.

Bake at any temperature from 325º up to 450º. This is convenient if timing is important or if you want to bake the potatoes in the same oven as something else.

The time it takes will vary from about an hour and 15 minutes at 325 to 45 minutes at 450º. Ovens vary and the size and moisture content of the potatoes will effect the cooking time. You have to be very careful when baking them at 450 - Make sure they are in the middle of the oven, and get them out as soon as they are done or the skins will be too well done.

I don’t wrap them in foil, some people prefer to. I like a slightly crispy skin.

Twice Baked Potatoes are made by scooping out the inside, mixing with seasonings, chives, sour cream etc., putting it back in the skin and running it under the broiler to brown the top.

You can also use leftover baked potatoes to make cottage fries for breakfast. Stir and sauté with butter, salt or seasoned salt. Skin on is OK.

-MDH