Perfectly Baked Russet Potatoes
Discover the secret to achieving flawlessly baked potatoes with this method inspired by Alton Brown's Good Eats episode, 'This Spud's for You'. This foolproof recipe ensures a crispy exterior and fluffy interior every time. Perfect for a comforting side dish or a meal on its own, these baked russet potatoes can be paired with your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives.
1-4
Servings
100
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potato
1-4 (Scrubbed and pierced)
canola oil
As needed (For coating)
kosher salt
As needed (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Thoroughly rinse the russet potatoes under cold running water. Use a stiff brush to scrub away any dirt from the skin.
3
Pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
4
Using a fork, carefully pierce 8 to 12 deep holes around each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
5
Place the potatoes in a bowl and lightly coat each with canola oil or your preferred oil.
6
Generously sprinkle kosher salt over the coated potatoes for seasoning.
7
Arrange the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack. Place a baking sheet on a lower rack to catch any drippings.
8
Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the potato skins are crisp and the interiors are tender. Check by inserting a fork into the potato; it should glide in easily.
9
If baking more than 4 potatoes, extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes as needed.
10
Once done, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven using oven mitts.
Nutrition Information
0.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2g
Fiber
15mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oven temperature for baking these russet potatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How many holes should be pierced in each potato?
Using a fork, you should carefully pierce 8 to 12 deep holes around each potato.
Why is it necessary to pierce the potatoes before baking?
Piercing the potatoes allows steam to escape during the cooking process.
Which type of potato is recommended for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are the recommended variety for this recipe.
How long do the potatoes need to bake?
Bake the potatoes for approximately 1 hour, or until the skins are crisp and interiors are tender.
What should I do if I am baking more than 4 potatoes?
You should extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes as needed if baking more than 4 potatoes.
How can I tell if the potatoes are finished cooking?
Check by inserting a fork into the potato; it should glide in easily when the interior is tender.
What is the correct way to clean the potatoes?
Thoroughly rinse them under cold running water and use a stiff brush to scrub away dirt.
Is it important to dry the potatoes after washing?
Yes, you should pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel or paper towels after scrubbing them.
What kind of oil is suggested for coating the potatoes?
Canola oil is suggested, although you may use your preferred oil.
What type of salt should be used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for kosher salt to be generously sprinkled over the oil-coated potatoes.
Where should the potatoes be placed in the oven?
The potatoes should be arranged directly on the middle oven rack.
How do I keep the oven clean from oil drippings?
Place a baking sheet on a lower rack beneath the potatoes to catch any drippings.
Whose cooking method inspired this recipe?
This method is inspired by Alton Brown's Good Eats episode titled 'This Spud's for You'.
How many calories are in a serving of these baked potatoes?
Each serving contains 100 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 0.5g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in each potato?
There are 2g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this potato recipe?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Each serving provides 2g of fiber.
What is the sodium content per serving?
The sodium content is 15mg.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, the sugar content for this recipe is zero or not listed.
What is the cholesterol level in these potatoes?
There is no cholesterol in this recipe.
What are some recommended toppings for baked potatoes?
Popular toppings include butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 3 ingredients: russet potatoes, canola oil, and kosher salt.
What kind of texture should the skin have?
The goal of this method is to achieve a crispy exterior skin.
What kind of texture should the interior have?
The interior of the potato should be fluffy and tender.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed for 1-4 servings.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include baked potatoes, russet potatoes, oven baked, easy recipe, side dish, comfort food, vegetarian, and crispy skin.
What tool should be used for scrubbing the potato skin?
A stiff brush should be used to ensure all dirt is removed from the skin.