How to Make Baked Potatoes in the Oven without Aluminum Foil
One of the first questions we were asked when we started our site was how do you make a baked potato? We were a bit surprised that so many people were unaware of the simple recipes that makes for a well-rounded dinner, but if you didn’t have anyone to teach this how would you ever learn?
A beginner cook would have no idea how to make a baked potato because you have to know what type of potato works best, what temperature to cook and how long to cook?
We do not use aluminum foil to wrap of bake our potatoes because we prefer a crispier outer potato with a soft and fluffy inside. Foil can hold in any moisture and ends up steaming the potatoes, which gives the potato more of a boiled taste and texture.
We like Idaho Russet Potatoes for our Baked Potato.
We use a light layer of olive oil on the outside skin of the potato.
We prefer a little thicker salt like Sea Salt for the outer skins of the potatoes, but any salt will be fine.
How to Make a Perfect Baked Potato without Foil
4 Russet Potatoes – Idaho if Possible
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea Salt
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Wash Potatoes and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
Lightly coat the outer skin of the potato with a light coating of olive oil. You can do this using your fingers to make sure you get all the little crevices.
Lightly salt the outside of the potato
Bake potatoes directly on the middle oven rack for 45 – 60 minutes depending on the size of the potato.
Check potatoes after 45 minutes with a toothpick to see if they are cooked all the way through. Just insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the potato. It should slide easily in the flesh of the potato.
We get asked the question a lot – Can you make baked potatoes without foil? Well, honestly we have never made a baked potato with foil! Restaurants use foil for there baking potatoes because the foil will keep the potato warm for hours until ready to be served. But, we love our potatoes with a crispier outside that comes from not using aluminum foil.
Baked Potato Tips
Use a Idaho Russet Potato for Baking
Pick potatoes that are even in size so they cook at the same rate of time and are ready together.
Bake them on the oven rack and let the air circulate around them, cooking all sides.
If you’re worried about the potato dripping or being messy, you can put a baking or cookie sheet on the rack right below the potatoes.
We don’t prick the potato with a fork. You can if you want to but it’s really not necessary. If you want to prick the potato, just do it lightly.
How to Bake A Potato in the Oven without using Aluminum Foil
- 4 Russet Potatoes - Idaho if Possible
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea Salt
-
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
-
Wash Potatoes and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
-
Lightly coat the outer skin of the potato with a light coating of olive oil. You can do this using your fingers to make sure you get all the little crevices.
-
Lightly salt the outside of each potato.
-
Bake potatoes directly on the middle oven rack for 45 - 60 minutes depending on the size of the potato.
-
Check potatoes after 45 minutes with a toothpick to see if they are cooked all the way through. Just insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the potato. It should slide easily in the flesh of the potato.
What to Put On Top of Your Baked Potato?
Top your baked potatoes simply with butter, salt and pepper, or make it a main course and load it up with your favorites of cheese, bacon bits, sour cream & chives, and even oven baked beans!
- Fresh Butter
- Sour Cream & Chives
- Green Onions
- Goat Cheese
- Onion Dip
- Bacon Bits
- Cheddar Cheese
- Baked Beans
Baked Potatoes Are A Healthy Addition to your Family Meal
Potatoes sometimes get a bad rap and honestly it’s because they are so dang good and the toppings can be insane. But the lovely little potato by itself is actually very good for us.
Potatoes are rich in many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which makes them a healthy choice for a side dish or main meal. The skin of the potato is fiber rich and a baked potato should be eaten with the skin intact if possible.
You will Also Love These Potato Recipes –
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Baby Potatoes Recipe
Grandmas Potato Soup Recipe
Potatoes are Healthy and Good For You
How to Make the Best Mashed Potatoes
