I’m an Idaho boy. I lived there for almost my entire life (until moving to NC a couple years ago). And while there are many areas in Idaho, I grew up deep in the heart of potato farming country and I loved it. Every October our schools would close for two weeks so all the kids could go work in “spud harvest” and be paid less than minimum wage (the life lessons are paying off in dividends, I like to tell myself). At any rate, I’ve eaten many a potato, cooked every way you can imagine. But it wasn’t until my culinary classes that I learned how bake a potato perfectly.
Salad Plate | Gingham Napkin (similar) | Flatware
If you don’t think a baked potato is worth an entire post, I would gently disagree. Especially for anyone who is accustomed to wrapping their potatoes in aluminum foil before going in the oven. That, my friend, is a steamed potato – not baked. And while there’s nothing “wrong” with cooking a potato that way, it’s just not a baked potato.
Of course I had a leg up in this realm. Not just because I grew up in Idaho, but because I can’t remember a single time where my mom wrapped her potatoes in foil. Her process did, however, skip a couple steps that I think make a world of difference. I can confidently say I bake the best potato I’ve personally ever eaten, and if you follow my steps I think you’ll feel pretty good about how they end up.
So while this may not seem like a big deal, it’s a small change that does make a big difference. When’s the last time someone complimented your baked potato? Not the chili on it, or the sour cream and bacon – the actual potato itself. For me, it’s every time I make it. So give this one a try. I’d love to know how it turns out and what you think. Is my Idaho showing a bit too much on this one?
Glass Jar | Small Bowl (similar) | Large Bowl | Overachieving Seasoning
Overachiever Seasoning
I add my signature spice blend to almost every savory dish I create. Now available to purchase!
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The Perfect Baked Potato
Ingredients:
- 4 russet potatoes, medium-sized
- avocado oil (I use the spray)
- Hey Old Sport Overachiever seasoning or salt & pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
- Wash the potatoes and pat dry with paper towel. Poke the outside with a fork a few times all around it, then spray with the avocado oil and sprinkle with Overachiever seasoning (or salt & pepper). Rub the potatoes to cover evenly and set on a baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour for a medium-sized potato. It's done when a paring knife slides into the center easily without resistance.
- For smaller potatoes, bake at 425 °F for 30-40 minutes until done. For larger potatoes follow the instructions above – it just may take longer than 60 minutes.
their amazing
Well I learned that I had been steaming and not baking.Doing my potatoes with your information gave
Me agreat potato. Wish I known earlier. Thanks
There’s nothing new here. I thought there was going to be something “top secret” but nope.
Where are the instructions?
You’ll find them at the bottom of the post!
It was Awesome I use bacon grease no more microwave for me. Thanks