The Baked Potato

(Recipe courtesy Alton Brown)

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (51)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(51)

Cook Time:
--
Level:
--
Yield:
1 potato per person

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Ingredients

1 large russet potato (If it looks like Mr. Potato Head(r), you've got the right one.)
Canola oil to coat
Kosher salt

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds. Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking. Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.

Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft. Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack the spud open by squeezing the ends towards one another. It will pop right open. But watch out, there will be some steam.

NOTE: If you're cooking more than 4 potatoes, you'll need to extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe The Baked Potato
Chris Fairfax, VA 10-31-2009
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Thanks Alton
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I love simple things that make a difference and Alton's tips turn an average baked potato into something wonderful. I read a... lot of reviews that started off "if you like to eat the skin". Well, if you don't like to eat the skin, then you're just not into baked potatos to begin with. The skin is the best part!!!! Anyhoo, I give it 4 solid stars. More can be done to a baked potato's insides to achieve that 5 star rating, but this is all you need for the outside...a truly great start.Read more
recipe The Baked Potato
MEL Seattle, WA 12-27-2008
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Wonderful Recipe, Tasty Skins
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

For some time now this has been the only way I cook baked potatoes, and the timing and temperature has come out right in... several different ovens. If you like to eat the skins, this is the perfect recipe. I just put a piece of foil on the bottom rack to lessen the cleanup time.Read more
recipe The Baked Potato
Rachel San Francisco, CA 12-06-2008
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Perfect
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

These are the best baked potatoes ever. Eat the skin, it's full of potassium!
recipe The Baked Potato
Anonymous 05-23-2008
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Great recipe if you like to eat the skin
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

These potatoes come out wonderfully. I am a fan of eating the entire potato and this is the best method for cooking. The... foil wrapped ones are fine if you don't eat the skin.Read more
recipe The Baked Potato
Ken Old Bridge, NJ 05-21-2008
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Microwave
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Baked the potato the first time, and wasn't impressed. Good, not amazing, and for an hour of baking, I'd expect better. ... Microwaved it for four minutes and baked until the skin was taught and crispy. Cracked it open and seasoned. Now that is a match made in heaven. Perfect for my hectic lifestyle.Read more
recipe The Baked Potato
Craig Brooklyn, NY 04-20-2008
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Best baked potato ever
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I'll never bake potatoes another way again! These are the best. Roasting right on the oven rack leaves a slight mess, but if... you wipe it up immediately, you're all set.Read more