Baking Potatoes are an inexpensive staple in many parts of the world. This versatile starch is popular for good reason. Here is everything you need to know about what baking potatoes are, which is the best variety, & how best to cook a baked potato.
Baked potatoes are a common American side dish. In other parts of the world they are loved too. In Australia or the UK/England they may be called jacket potatoes or tater spud. No matter what you call them, baking potatoes make great side dishes, vegan options for main courses, & even show up in desserts.
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What this Article Covers:
- What is the Best Potato for Baking
- The Best Ways to Bake Potatoes
- Common Potato FAQs
- General Potato FAQs
- Potato Baking FAQs
- Nutritional Facts for Russet (baked) Potatoes
- Best Toppings and Recipes for Baked Potatoes
- How to Oven Bake the Best Potato at Different Temperatures
What is the Best Potato for Baking?
Baking potatoes need to be hearty, starchy, & have a thick skin. Here is why all these components make up the best variety of potato for baking:
Russet Potatoes make the best kind of potato for baking & here is why!
- Low in moisture & high is starch for a fluffy inside.
- Thick skin holds together & steams the insides for a tender.
- The thick skin gets crispy & has an earthy flavor that pairs well against the starchy inside.
Russets are the most commonly used variety for baking. They are ideal for high heat cooking in the oven, toaster oven, grill, smoker, or microwave.
The Best Ways to Bake Potatoes
There are many methods for baking potatoes nowadays and it isn't just about popping them in the oven. You can use all the following kitchen gadgets and outdoor cooking equipment. Check out all of these ways to bake a potato and how to long to cook them:
- Traeger or Smoker - Salt Crusted Baked Potatoes
- Microwave wrapped in a paper towel
- Sous vide Baked Potato
General Potato FAQs
Yes, potatoes are a safe food for those gluten-sensitive or celiac disease. All potato variets are gluten-free, including russet baking potatoes.
The buds or "eyes" of a potato may sprout as a potato ages. They are technically still safe to eat if they have jsut started to grow. Older potatoes are likely not ideal or too old if the eyes have grown more than a few centimeters.
A baked potato can be a healthy option when not loaded down with a ton of toppings that bring the calorie, carb, and fat count too high. For those on a diabetic, keto, or low-carb diet, baked potatoes are not recommended. For those on a low-fat or low-cholesterol diet having a baked potato topped with healthy ingredients, steamed vegetables, or Greek yogurt, is a good side-dish or entree.
Potatoes are best kept in a cool dry place, like a pantry or cupboard. But if don't have enough space or live in a humid environment they can be kept in the refrigerator too. They will last up to 3 months in the fridge if stored properly and stay dry.
Potatoes kept cool and dry in a pantry or cupboard are good for about 3-4 weeks.
Potato Baking FAQs
There are a variety of cooking temperatures and times. See below for a long list of cooking temps/times and information about the size of your potato to estimate your cooking time.
There are a variety of cooking temperatures and times. See below for a long list of cooking temps/times and information about the size of your potato to estimate your cooking time.
Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Yes. To freeze properly, place them apart on a flat surface or baking sheet in the freezer so that each one freezes individually. Freeze for about an hour. Next place each in an air-tight container or Ziplock bag.
You can also wrap in plastic wrap or foil tightly. It is best to freeze whole baked potatoes that have not been cut and have definitely not been dressed with any toppings To defrost, remove the number of potatoes you want from the freezer and place in the fridge for 24-48 hours, depending on the size of the potato.
Nutritional Facts for Russet (baked) Potatoes
- Do potatoes have carbs, fiber, iron, vitamin c, calcium, potassium, or protein?
- Calories: 160
- Fat: < 1 gram.
- Carbohydrates: 37 grams
- Dietary fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Potassium: 25% daily recommended allowance
- Iron: 10% daily recommended allowance
- Vitamin C: 27% daily recommended allowance
- Vitamin B-6: 25% daily recommended allowance
- Magnesium: 12% daily recommended allowance
- Calcium: 2% daily recommended allowance
Best Toppings for Baked Potatoes
We love setting up a baked potato bar. I bring out a ton of fun ingredients and everyone makes their own fully loaded baked potato. I love using leftover baked potatoes recipes when I made to many.
Here is a list of the best toppings that range from simple to gourmet to make your favorite baked potato:
- Butter or margarine
- Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
- Chives or green onions
- Shredded cheese or cheese sauce
- Toaster oven bacon, slow cooker pulled chicken, or pulled pork
- No Bean Chili with meat or vegetarian
- Steamed frozen vegetables, roasted, or sauteed fresh veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, etc)
- Caramelized onions or mushrooms
- Salsa, tomatoes, or hot sauce
- Dressings like Homemade Ranch, Thousand Island, Blue Cheese, etc
How to Oven Bake the Best Potato at Different Temperatures
Baking potatoes at 400°F for about 60 minutes in the oven is my usual method. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary depending on the size of the potatoes.
The best way to test for doneness is by sticking them with a fork to make sure they're soft. When a potato is done the skin will be crispy and it will have a soft fluffy interior.
You can bake them at a different temperatures for different times such as the choices below:
- Bake potatoes at 350° for 75-90 minutes
- Bake potatoes at 375° for 60-70 minutes
- Bake potatoes at 400° for 50-6o minutes
- Bake potatoes at 425° for 40-50 minutes
- Bake potatoes at 450° for 30-40 minutes
** for baking a very large potato, like those sold at Costco, consider adding at least 50% more time. So for a big russet potato, bake at 400° for about 90 minutes.
Product Recommendations for this Recipe:
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How Long to Bake a Potato at 350°F
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet baking potatoes
- olive oil
- salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°
- Clean each potato thoroughly and poke each with a fork at least once on each side.
- Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes. Then brush or rub it all over the skin of each potato. Next, generously salt the exterior.
- Position your oven rack in the middle of the oven. Place the potatoes directly on the rack of your oven. On the rack below the potatoes place a sheet pan, as a measure to ensure any potato moisture or oil drips don't drip onto the bottom of your oven.
- Bake for 75-90 minutes. Your potato size will depend on how long it takes. Poke each potato with a fork or sharp-tipped knife to check for doneness. If it inserts easily, they are ready.
- Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before cutting into them.
- I like to cut an "X" across the top of my potatoes. I then gently squeeze from the pointed ends inwards to smoosh up the middle part. This both spreads the skin more open to expose the inner flesh and also fluffs up the insides. Top with your favorite toppings - see great ideas and a list above. ENJOY!
- Storing leftovers is easy. See above for information on how to store in the fridge or freezer.
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Beth says
I so appreciate that you included my stuffed baked potato recipe in this roundup! I have just started to read over the other recipes and can see I've got some great ones to look forward to. Yum!
Angela says
Thank you for contributing and allowing me to share your amazing recipe.
Caroline Parrott says
Do you have a recipe for "Anna Potatoes?"
Angela says
I will someday, thanks for asking! I am a huge fan of Anna potatoes.