How To Make Perfectly Baked Potatoes

 A simple recipe that results in the perfect baked potato ready for whatever toppings you desire!!

How To Make Perfectly Baked Potatoes                                         Printable Recipe

Russet Potatoes
Olive oil
Salt

When baking a large amount of potatoes at one time, choose potatoes with uniform shapes and sizes; they will cook more evenly and get done at the same time.

Adjust the rack in your oven to the middle position and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Rinse and scrub each potato under cold running water.  Dry each potato thoroughly with a clean paper towel.

Pierce each potato deeply with a fork  several times. This will allow steam to escape during the baking. If you don't pierce the potatoes, they may explode during baking in your oven. I've had them explode in the microwave before.

Rub the outside of the potato with olive oil over the skins. Sprinkle on salt on all sides.

Bake on cookie sheet until tender. Approximately an hour for a medium size potato.  Turn the potatoes over halfway through the baking time.

You'll know it's done when you can jab at it with a fork and it goes in easily. Remove potatoes from the oven. Slit across the top with a sharp knife. Gently squeeze in each end of the potato towards the middle (using your thumb and index finger).

Serve with your favorite toppings. The choices are limitless.  A few examples are: butter, sour cream, chives, ham, broccoli and cheese sauce, or chili-cheese sauce (coming soon!), and sour cream.