To bake potatoes, follow these steps:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel.
Poke each potato several times with a fork to create small holes. This will allow steam to escape while baking.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the potatoes for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, carefully slice each potato open lengthwise.
Fluff the insides of the potatoes with a fork to create a fluffy texture.
Add your desired toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, or chives.
Serve the baked potatoes hot and enjoy!
Here are a few tips to enhance your baked potatoes:
For extra crispy skins, rub the washed and dried potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before baking.
If you're short on time, you can microwave the potatoes for about 5 minutes before transferring them to the oven for baking.
Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to customize your baked potatoes to your liking.
For more information and recipe variations, you can visit the following resources:
AllRecipes - Perfect Baked Potato
Food Network - 50 Stuffed Potatoes
Bon Appétit - How to Make the Perfect Baked Potato
Enjoy your delicious homemade baked potatoes!