3 Methods Showing How to Bake a Potato

Before discussing how to bake a potato, we need to look at how to buy one. If you don't buy the right kind, your desired outcome will not be as good. There are many kinds of potatoes to choose from. They all have their own textures and characteristics.

The russet potato is probably the best texture to stand up to baking. It also turns out nice and flaky. The potato should also be of medium to large size for baking. It should not be soft and mushy feeling whatsoever or have large eyes forming; this means the potato is old. The potato should be fairly consistent in color on the outside without dark spots.

Now there are three basic methods for baking a potato once you have it picked out. You can either bake it on the grill, in a conventional oven, or in the microwave.

How to Bake a Potato on a Grill

For baking potatoes on the grill wash and dry the potato first. Then you can brush some oil or butter on the skin but this is optional.

Then you wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil or two layers of regular aluminum foil. Place on the grill to allow for indirect heat. This will vary depending on what type of grill you are using.

Lower hood down on grill and let the potatoes cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until desired tenderness is reached. Check tenderness by poking a fork into the center of it.

How to Bake a Potato in a Conventional Oven

Now to bake in a conventional oven you wash and dry the potato like in the grill method. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the potato in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place on the middle rack.

Allow potato to bake for about 45 minutes to an hour depending on its size. Test with a fork in the center to see if it is tender enough. If it is not tender enough, allow it to bake longer.

How to Bake a Potato in the Microwave

Baking potatoes in a microwave is the easiest of all the methods. Wash and dry the potato and then poke holes around it to help it cook. You can wrap the potato in a microwave safe paper towel if you like but this optional. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and let it cook 8 to 10 minutes on high. Adjust cooking time though according the size of the potato on this method.

Some people swear by one method or the other. All three accomplish the task though. With the microwave method, if you are in a hurry and need a quick potato, it is sure the way to go. If you have the time, though, the oven-baked or grill-baked potatoes are great to make and some swear they taste better than the ones fixed in the microwave.

Whichever method you cook them by there is nothing better than a warm baked potato as a side dish. So many toppings can be put on baked potatoes too. From just butter to fully loaded with cheese, ham, and anything else you like can go on them.

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