How to Bake Russet Potatoes

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Baked potatoes are a classic side dish because they're delicious and very easy to make. Russet potatoes are the best choice when baking because they're high in starch and provide a fluffier texture than other varieties. While baking russets traditionally means cooking them in the oven, you can get a similar effect by making them in the microwave or slow cooker. Whatever method you choose, the key is seasoning the outside with olive oil, salt and pepper and pricking the potatoes so steam can escape during cooking.

Ingredients

  • 4 russet potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil, for rubbing
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Butter, sour cream, chopped chives, shredded cheese, or your favorite toppings

Makes 4 servings

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Preparing the Potatoes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Turn the cold water on at the sink, and hold the potatoes under the running water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub at the skins to remove any dirt and debris. Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. [1]
    • Large russet potatoes work best for baking, so be sure to choose the largest available.
    • If you notice any blemishes in the potatoes' skins, use a paring knife to cut them away.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Bake Russet Potatoes
    Drizzle the clean potatoes with olive oil, using approximately 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for every potato that you're baking. Use clean hands to gently rub the oil into the potato skins, so they’re evenly coated. [2]
    • The procedure for baking russet potatoes in the oven is the same whether you’re making 4 potatoes or just a single potato, so adjust the recipe based on how many people you’re serving.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Bake Russet Potatoes
    Once the potatoes are coated with oil, sprinkle them with some coarse sea salt. Add some freshly ground black pepper as well, making sure to season the potatoes on all sides. [3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Bake Russet Potatoes
    Steam can build up inside the potatoes as they cook, so it’s important to make sure that it can be released to prevent the potatoes from exploding. Press the tines of a fork into the potatoes 8 to 12 times to ensure that there are holes on all sides. [4]
    • Make sure that you push the fork into the potatoes, so the indentation is at least 1 ⁄ 2 inch (13 mm) deep.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using the Oven

PDF download Download Article
  1. To properly bake russet potatoes, your oven must be very hot. Set it to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully heat. [5]
  2. Using the center rack ensures that the potatoes cook evenly. You can place them directly on the rack, but oil and moisture may drip off during baking, so setting a baking sheet on the rack beneath it helps keep your oven from getting too dirty. If you prefer, you can also place the potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and set it on the center rack. [6]
    • Placing the potatoes directly on the oven rack creates a crispier skin.
    • You can also wrap the individual potatoes in foil and place them directly on the oven rack if you prefer. However, the skins can sometimes get soggy because of the trapped steam inside the foil.
  3. Allow them to bake until the skin is dry and the insides are soft. You can test for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork -- if the tines easily press into the flesh, the potatoes are done baking. [7]
    • While the potatoes are cooking, it’s a good idea to turn them every 20 minutes for even baking.
  4. When the potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the oven with tongs. Set them down on a plate, and allow them to cool for about 3 minutes. [8]
    • If you baked the potatoes on a baking sheet, remove them from the sheet to set them aside for cooling.
    • If you wrapped the potatoes in foil for baking, carefully unwrap them for cooling. Be sure to use an oven mitt or potholder to remove the foil because it will be hot.
  5. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle comfortably, use a knife to cut them down the middle. Pry the potato open with a fork, and top it with your favorite toppings, such as butter, salt, and pepper. [9]
    • If you have any leftover potatoes, cover them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Be sure to eat them within 2 to 3 days.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Cooking in the Microwave

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bake Russet Potatoes
    Set the potatoes in a single layer on the plate in the microwave. Heat the potatoes on high for 5 minutes. [10]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Bake Russet Potatoes
    After the first heating session, carefully turn the potatoes over on the plate to the other side. Heat them on high until they feel soft when you squeeze them. [11]
    • If the potatoes are still hard after another 5 minutes, continue heating them in 1 minute increments until they’re done.
    • Be sure to use a pot holder to handle the plate and a pair of tongs to turn and squeeze the potato because they'll both be very hot.
  3. When the potatoes are tender, take the plate out of the microwave. Allow the potatoes to cool for about 3 minutes or until they’re cool enough to handle. [12]
    • Use a pot holder or oven mitt to take the plate out of microwave because it will be hot.
  4. Once you can handle the potatoes easily, use a knife to cut them open. Add sour cream, chives, or your favorite toppings, and serve. [13]
    • You can store any leftover potatoes in the refrigerator once they've cooled and been wrapped in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Working with a Slow Cooker

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bake Russet Potatoes
    Set the potatoes down in the bottom of the empty slow cooker. If possible, keep the potatoes in a single layer. Next, place the lid on the slow cooker. [14]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Bake Russet Potatoes
    Because the slow cooker uses such a low temperature, the potatoes will take longer to bake than in a conventional oven. Check on the potatoes to see if you can pierce them with a fork after 8 hours. If they’re still hard, they may need up to 10 hours of baking. [15]
    • Avoid opening the slow cooker while the potatoes are baking because you may increase their cooking time.
  3. Use a pair of tongs to carefully take the potatoes out of the slow cooker, and set them on a plate. Let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes, and then slice them open. Add shredded cheese, bacon, or other toppings and serve. [16]
    • Any leftover baked potatoes can be wrapped in plastic wrap and kept in the fridge. Eat them within 2 to 3 days, though.
    4. Advertisement

What Are Different Ways To Bake a Potato?


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Shingeled potatoes: Is the peeled side down with skin side up and sliced?
    Torpi
    Top Answerer
    No, it's the other way around: skin side down, and the peeled side up and sliced.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • While butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon are common baked potato toppings, feel free to get creative. Chili, salsa, pizza sauce and mozzarella, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and sauteed spinach are just some tasty options.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      Oven

      • Bowl
      • Fork
      • Baking sheet
      • Tongs
      • Plate
      • Knife

      Microwave

      • Bowl
      • Fork
      • Microwave-safe plate
      • Knife

      Slow Cooker

      • Pastry brush
      • Tongs
      • Plate
      • Knife

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Baked, Roasted, or Mashed Potatoes in the Microwave
      How to
      Prepare Instant Mashed Potatoes Using a Stove or Microwave
      How to
      Fix Gluey Mashed Potatoes
      How to
      Parboil Potatoes Perfectly Every Time
      How to
      Cook a Sweet Potato in the Microwave: Quick & Simple Recipes
      How to
      Store Cut Sweet Potatoes
      How to
      Blanch Potatoes
      Do You Have to Peel Potatoes? When to Peel & When Not To
      How to
      Make Gratin Dauphinoise Without Cream
      How to
      Cook Sweet Potatoes
      How to
      Boil Potatoes in the Microwave
      Super Simple & Delicious Microwave Baked Potato Recipe
      How to
      Boil Potatoes
      How to
      Steam Potatoes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-in-the-oven-165615
      2. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/perfect-baked-potato
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-in-the-oven-165615
      4. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/the-baked-potato-recipe1-1908821
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-in-the-oven-165615
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-in-the-oven-165615
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-in-the-oven-165615
      8. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/the-baked-potato-recipe1-1908821
      9. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/the-baked-potato-recipe1-1908821
      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-three-easy-methods-157073
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-three-easy-methods-157073
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-three-easy-methods-157073
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-three-easy-methods-157073
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-three-easy-methods-157073
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-three-easy-methods-157073
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-three-easy-methods-157073

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 62,477 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Bobby Douglas

        Dec 20, 2022

        "This article is very good for all types of potato baking."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement