It's very easy to make baked potatoes, which are a classic side dish.Russet potatoes have a fluffier texture than other varieties and are the best choice for baking.If you want to get the same effect as baking in the oven, you can use the microwave or slow cooker.Whatever method you choose, the key is seasoning the outside with olive oil, salt and pepper so steam can escape during cooking.
Step 1: The potatoes need to be scrubbed.
Take the potatoes out of the running water and put them under the sink's cold water.To remove dirt and debris from the skin, use a vegetable brush.The potatoes should be washed with a clean kitchen towel.If you want to bake, be sure to choose the largest available.If you notice any flaws in the potatoes, you can cut them with a knife.
Step 2: The potatoes should be rubbed with olive oil.
For every potato that you're baking, sprinkle the clean potatoes with olive oil.Rub the oil into the potato skins using clean hands.The procedure for baking russet potatoes in the oven is the same whether you make 4 potatoes or just a single potato, so adjust the recipe based on how many people you are serving.
Step 3: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the potatoes.
Sprinkle some coarse sea salt on the potatoes once they are coated with oil.Make sure to season the potatoes on all sides with freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Put a fork in the potatoes.
It is important to make sure that the steam can be released to prevent the potatoes from exploding.The potatoes should have holes on all sides if the tines of a fork are pressed into them 8 to 12 times.Make sure you push the fork into the potatoes to make sure it's deep.
Step 5: Put the oven in the middle of the room.
The oven must be very hot to properly bake potatoes.Allow it to fully heat when it is set to 425F.
Step 6: The potatoes should be placed on the middle rack.
The center rack makes sure the potatoes cook evenly.Setting a baking sheet on the rack beneath the oven helps keep it from getting too dirty when you bake.If you prefer, you can place the potatoes on a baking sheet and put them on the center rack.The potatoes are placed directly on the oven rack.If you prefer, you can wrap the potatoes in foil and place them on the oven rack.The skins can get soggy because of the trapped steam inside the foil.
Step 7: The potatoes should be baked for 50 to 60 minutes.
Allow them to bake until the insides are soft.If the tines easily press into the flesh, the potatoes are done baking.It is a good idea to bake the potatoes every 20 minutes while they are cooking.
Step 8: Take the potatoes out of the oven and let them cool.
Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven.Allow them to cool down for 3 minutes, and set them down on a plate.Remove the potatoes from the baking sheet to set them aside for cooling.Carefully unwrap the potatoes if they were wrapped in foil.The foil will be hot if you use an oven mitt or potholder.
Step 9: Add some topping to the potatoes and serve.
To cut the potatoes down the middle, use a knife.You can top the potato with your favorites, such as butter, salt, and pepper.You can keep leftover potatoes in the refrigerator by covering them in plastic wrap.You should eat them within 2 to 3 days.
Step 10: Place the potatoes in the microwave for 5 minutes.
The potatoes should be placed on a plate in the microwave.The potatoes should be on high for 5 minutes.
Step 11: For 3 to 5 minutes, turn the potatoes over.
Carefully turn the potatoes on the plate to the other side after the first heating session.When you squeeze them, they will feel soft.Continue heating the potatoes in 1 minute intervals until they are done.You should use a pot holder to hold the plate and tongs to squeeze the potato because they'll both be very hot.
Step 12: Allow the potatoes to sit for a few minutes.
Take the plate out of the microwave when the potatoes are tender.Allow the potatoes to cool for 3 minutes before handling them.The plate will be hot if you take it out of the microwave.
Step 13: You can serve the potatoes with your favorite food.
Cut the potatoes open with a knife once you can handle them.You can add sour cream, chives, or your favorite topping.You can keep leftover potatoes in the refrigerator after they've cooled.They should stay fresh for a few days.
Step 14: Place the potatoes in the slow cooker.
Place the potatoes in the slow cooker.It is possible to keep the potatoes in a single layer.Put the lid on the slow cooker.
Step 15: Put the cooker to low and let the potatoes cook.
The slow cooker bakes potatoes at a lower temperature than a conventional oven.Check the potatoes to see if you can pierce them with a fork.They may need up to 10 hours of baking if they are still hard.If you open the slow cooker while the potatoes are baking, you may increase the cooking time.
Step 16: Add your favorite topping after removing the potatoes.
To remove the potatoes from the slow cooker, use a pair of tongs.They can be cooled for 2 to 3 minutes and then sliced open.Add shredded cheese to the dish.The leftover baked potatoes can be kept in the fridge.They should be eaten within 2 to 3 days.