- Insider asked four chefs to share tips for making the best baked potatoes.
- Picking spuds that are similar in size helps to ensure they cook more evenly.
Baked potatoes are the ultimate cozy, easy meal. But everyone seems to have their own take on them, so it can be hard to find the perfect recipe.
Insider asked professional chefs about their favorite tips for making the best spuds every time.
Russets make for the fluffiest baked potatoes
There are a wide variety of potatoes available. But when it comes to baked potatoes, russets take the cake, according to Jennifer Hill Booker, chef and owner of Bauhaus Biergarten.
"Their skin has the perfect thickness for a crispy outer layer, and they make for the fluffiest baked potatoes," she told Insider.
Pick potatoes that are similar in size if you want them all to cook evenly
Besides choosing the right type of potato, it's just as important to select potatoes that are similar in size, according to Walter Nunez, executive chef at The Rex Steakhouse.
"Though it's a small detail, I've found selecting potatoes that are similar in size helps them to cook more evenly in the oven or grill, while also ensuring they all reach the same level of 'doneness' around the same time," he said.
Scrub your potatoes thoroughly to remove debris
Cleaning your potatoes is another imperative step during prep, according to Booker.
"You should rinse the potatoes and give them a scrub with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt and debris," she told Insider.
Make sure your potatoes are thoroughly dried before baking
Drying your potatoes is an absolute must for the best-tasting baked potatoes, according to Nunez.
"It's crucial to remove any excess moisture on the skin before baking," he said. "Otherwise, it will be difficult to achieve the crispy exterior you're looking for in a baked potato."
The chef said he suggests using an absorbent dishcloth to properly dry the potatoes before baking.
Parboil potatoes before baking them to get creamy insides
Before you stick your potatoes into the oven, Chris Nirschel — chef, founder, and CEO of New York Catering Service — said he recommends parboiling them first.
"Boil whole, unpeeled potatoes for eight to 10 minutes or until slightly tender but not fully cooked," he told Insider.
The chef then suggested letting the boiled potatoes cool before baking for the creamiest results.
Preheat the oven to allow the potatoes to heat up immediately
Before putting the potatoes in the oven, Booker said, make sure it's fully preheated.
"Preheating your oven allows the potatoes to heat up as soon as they enter the oven," she told Insider. "This makes for a crisp skin and tender center."
Skip the foil wrap to achieve a crispy exterior
"While this one might be controversial, I recommend skipping the foil wrap," Nunez told Insider.
The chef said baking a potato unwrapped is the most effective way to get that ideal, crispy exterior on a potato.
Rub potatoes with oil and salt for crispy outsides and additional flavor
For crispier skins and extra flavor, Corey Siegel, North American corporate executive chef for Electrolux Professional, recommended lightly coating raw potatoes with olive oil.
"You can even try using flavored oils like a garlic-infused version," he said.
The chef added that it's also nice to sprinkle the outside of the potato with kosher salt for additional flavor.
Prick the outside with a fork to allow steam to escape
Before popping potatoes into the oven, Siegel suggested using a fork to poke several holes around the outside.
"This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents it from bursting," he told Insider.
Use a wire rack for even baking
To ensure your potatoes bake evenly, Nunez recommended placing your spuds on an oven-safe wire rack.
"This method will allow heat from your oven to reach all sides of your potato, promoting a more even bake," he said.
If you're baking multiple potatoes, make sure there's enough room in between them to avoid overcrowding the wire rack.
Bake until there's no resistance when pierced
Siegel recommended baking potatoes for 45 minutes to an hour in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. But the best way to be absolutely sure the potatoes are ready is to pierce them with a fork or knife.
If there is no resistance when pierced, the chef explained, they're done baking.
Finish them off with a searing touch
For a special touch, Nirschel said to finish the potatoes off under the broiler.
"After baking, place the potatoes directly under the broiler for two to three minutes to crisp up the skin," he told Insider.
Slice and serve potatoes immediately to keep them fluffy
According to Nunez, it's essential to slice the potatoes right out of the oven.
"You'll want to do this immediately to let steam out of the potato — otherwise, it will retain water and ruin that fluffy interior you're going for," the chef told Insider.
Top baked potatoes with high-quality butter
Using high-quality butter makes a big difference in overall taste, Siegel told Insider.
Another option is to infuse the butter with additional flavors for extra richness.
"Simply melt butter in a saucepan with garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt," said Nirschel. "Let it cool and drizzle over the baked potatoes."
Elevate your baked potatoes with creative toppings
To take your potatoes to the next level, Nirschel suggested some creative garnishes.
"Besides traditional toppings, try options like crumbled feta with honey and thyme or a zesty chimichurri sauce for a unique flavor profile," he told Insider.