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How to Bake a Potato

How to Bake a Potato
Well if you get a CSA box like me you are keenly aware that potatoes are now in season. While there are many ways to cook potatoes there is one time honored way that I like best. That my friends is baking. This instructable will cover a simple way to make great fluffy baked potatoes with nice crispy skins.
 
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Step 1What you will need

What you will need
What you will need
~Kosher salt*
~Olive oil
~Aluminum foil
~a bowl
~potatoes
~fork
~not pictured an oven

Tongs and a knife make things easier later on but are not necessary.
*if you eat the skins like me
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27 comments
Nov 4, 2011. 2:06 PMpanglada says:
I was nervous because I've never made baked potatoes before, but I followed your instructable and my potatoes came out soooooooooo delicious!! *applause* Thank you!
Mar 27, 2010. 10:47 AMthepelton says:
If you find yourself with a bunch of smaller-than-plum size potatoes, the best way to cook them without risking them popping is to wrap them all together in a piece of aluminum foil for baking.  It beats having to hunt for parts of them all over the oven.
Sep 24, 2008. 1:44 PMbritsteiner says:
Do you have suggestions on the types of potatoes to use, besides the sweet potato? (russet, yukon gold, new potato, ... )
Mar 27, 2010. 10:44 AMthepelton says:
I have personally baked russets, irish redskins, purples, white and Yukon Gold.  Like I said in another comment on this same 'ible, just be sure they're not under 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) or they'll explode.
Mar 27, 2010. 10:37 AMthepelton says:
I generally just wash the potatoes, check them for blemishes and dig those out, then put them in the oven at 450F for an hour without stabbing them repeatedly.  The only time I had a potato explode that way was when I overcooked a very small one under 1 1/2 inches (3.8cm).
Jan 24, 2009. 5:52 PMChristopher93 says:
Would there be any changes to the recipe in order to bake yams or sweet potatoes?
Sep 28, 2008. 2:38 PMinquisitive says:
If doing lots of spuds and floating them in the sink to wash them, try adding a generous dash of baking soda to the water-it will help get more dirt and yuck off of them. I always give them a quick rinse after scrubbing anyway. Great now I am craving spuds. Thanks!
Sep 26, 2008. 5:37 AMmatthewabel says:
Man, this is an excellent Instructable. Love the stabby part.
Sep 24, 2008. 10:28 PMcrimpmystyle says:
I like that stabbing fork with the three prongs. It will leave distinctive marks! Why Kosher Salt?
Sep 25, 2008. 9:55 AMcrimpmystyle says:
I might try rubbing the sweet potato with natural sugar in the raw. I will remember your advice about the aluminum foil below. It might be disaster. Will let you know. This instructable goes way beyond just cooking hints. Well done!
Sep 24, 2008. 1:16 PMcornboy3 says:
How do you make it in the microwave? I can't remember :(
Sep 24, 2008. 3:53 PMcornboy3 says:
Thanks but I just figured out my microwave has a potato function :D
Sep 23, 2008. 3:03 PMLunarpancake says:
you need to post cooking temp. its in pdf but not instructable.
Sep 23, 2008. 12:04 PMBurning Questions says:
Thanks for answering a Burning Question - you've done a great job!

Burning Questions likes KALX too, but there's no need to miss it with the advent of internet radio!

128k Live Stream
http://icecast.media.berkeley.edu:8000/kalx-128.mp3.m3u
Sep 23, 2008. 1:58 PMLunarpancake says:
get an iphone and use the internet connection provided ....connect to car stereo
Sep 23, 2008. 1:56 PMLunarpancake says:
Sounds great! I might have to make one tonight :)
Sep 23, 2008. 12:39 PMwobblestar says:
Great Instructable.

Baked potato lovers, check out this:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ycSY7tHSdU

Yeah, Inow it's an ad, but the voice over by Rutger Hauer is cracking! Makes you wanto eat a baked spud ... NOW!

Sep 23, 2008. 1:09 PMthyubernoob says:
That was a funny vid!
Sep 23, 2008. 12:58 PMthyubernoob says:
MMMMm. 1st Butter, than cheese, oh the best....big table spoon of sour cream!!! Oh man I'm getting hungry!!!!
Sep 23, 2008. 12:54 PMthyubernoob says:
Be a man! Use your fingers!!!! LOL

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Author:TinkeringProductions(Tinkeringproductions)
I am a 29 year old theatrical electrician/lighting designer living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area. When I get free time I like to make things ranging from cigar box amplifiers to stuffed C...
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