Common Mistakes That Could Be Ruining Your Baked Potatoes
A perfectly baked potato should have a crisp skin and a fluffy, tender interior. But a few small missteps can leave you with dry, dense, or unevenly cooked potatoes.
Fortunately, these mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to watch for. With a few simple adjustments, you can get consistently great results every time you bake one.
Not washing the potatoes
Skipping a thorough wash leaves dirt on the skin, which can affect both texture and taste.
To mitigate this, scrub the potatoes under running water to remove soil and debris. Clean skin also crisps better in the oven.
Baking them while still wet
Putting wet potatoes directly in the oven traps steam against the skin and prevents it from crisping.
Remember to pat them dry with a towel before seasoning to help create the right texture. Dry skin allows oil and salt to stick better, leading to a crispier, more flavorful exterior.
Wrapping them in tin foil
Foil traps moisture and steams the potato instead of baking it. This makes the skin soft rather than crisp.
If you prefer a traditional baked potato texture, skip the foil entirely. Letting the heat circulate freely around the potato produces a better crust and a fluffier interior.
Not poking holes in the skin
Piercing the potato with a fork allows steam to escape safely. Without holes, pressure builds up and can cause the potato to burst in the oven.
A few quick punctures prevent this problem and help the potato cook more evenly.
Forgetting seasoning
If you don't want a bland potato, seasoning is everything. Salt is the most essential ingredient, but there are many other seasonings that compliment the flavor of a baked potato.
Try adding fresh herbs and lemon zest for a fresh taste, or black pepper and garlic for a more savory profile.
Cooking at the wrong temperature
Baking at too high a temperature can dry out the potato before the inside becomes tender. Too low, and it may cook unevenly.
A steady medium heat provides the best results. Consistent temperature allows the potato to soften gradually without losing moisture.
Oiling them too soon
Oil is key to getting a crispier skin on your baked potato, but timing is everything. Putting oil on the potato before it bakes will trap the moisture and lead to a soggy potato.
Instead, allow the potato to cook fully, and then brush them with oil and pop them back in the oven for a few more minutes.
Delicious results
A few simple adjustments can turn an ordinary baked potato into something delicious.
By avoiding these common mistakes and paying attention to the details, you can achieve crisp skin and a tender, fluffy interior every time.