Perfect Baked Potato Temperature Guide
on Apr 26, 2022, Updated Feb 16, 2023
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The perfect baked potato is crispy on the outside and pillowy in the middle. In this post, you’ll learn the right temperature for potatoes and how long to bake them for the best result. Enjoy the perfect baked potato every time!
Baked potatoes are a perfect side dish. The skins are crispy and golden, while the insides are soft and fluffy. You can eat it piping hot out of the oven with some butter, salt and pepper. Or you can load it up with sour cream, chives and other favorite toppings!
Best Potatoes for Baking
Look for potatoes with a higher starch content that makes them soft and fluffy. That means varieties such as Russets, King Edward, Idaho, Yukon Gold, Desiree and Rosamunda. Since the skin on these potatoes does not hold moisture well, you will also get nice, crispy skin out of the oven. Also, when shopping look for potatoes that are firm with no green areas beneath the skin.
What’s the Best Temperature to Bake Potatoes?
We recommend baking potatoes at high temperatures of 400-450 degrees F. As potatoes take a long time to cook, lower temperatures will take much longer to cook.
Proper Internal Temperature for a Baked Potato
When the center of a potato reaches 210°F (100°C), your potato is done cooking. In fact, 205°F out of the oven is closely enough, since it will keep rising while resting.
How to Bake Potatoes
- Clean your potatoes, and then poke several holes at least an inch deep using a skewer, cake tester or fork.
- Place the potato in the oven, either on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack. Bake according to the baking time chart and then remove from the oven using oven mitt or kitchen tongs.
- To serve, cut in half lengthwise down the middle. Then fluff up the insides with a fork and add your favorite toppings!
How to Tell if Potatoes Are Done Cooking
- Skin: it should be wrinkly with a papery appearance.
- Texture: the center should be soft enough that a fork slides in easily.
- Temperature: the middle should have reached 210°F.
You can also use a fork to check doneness. If your fork can slide in easily, it means your potatoes are done cooking.
How Long to Bake a Baked Potato
The baking time depends on your oven temperature and the size of your potatoes:
| Oven Temp | Medium Potatoes(3-4 inches) | Large Potatoes(5+ inches) |
| 325°F | 1 hour 30 min | 2 hours |
| 350°F | 1 hour 20 min | 1 hour 30 min |
| 375°F | 1 hour 10 min | 1 hour 20 min |
| 400°F | 1 hour | 1 hour 10 min |
| 425°F | 50 min | 1 hour |
| 450°F | 40 min | 50 min |
| 475°F | 35 min | 40 min |
Note: A convection oven with forced air will be somewhat faster. It will reduce the times above by 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
- Before placing your potatoes in the oven to bake, it is best to prick the skin in a few places about an inch deep. This step allows steam to easily escape for a consistent texture and prevent explosion.
- If you prefer crispy skins, don’t wrap potatoes in foil. Wrapped potatoes don’t have crispy skin, as the potato’s moisture gets trapped, steaming the skin instead of allowing it to dry out. The result is more of a boiled potato taste.
- Choose similar sized potatoes so that they will cook at the same rate.
Can You Overcook Potatoes in the Oven?
Yes! Leaving your potatoes in the oven for too long will cause them to dry out and harden. They will also develop brown spots on the outside. To avoid this, remove the potatoes from the oven when they are done.
Perfect Baked Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 2 teaspoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional Toppings such as sour cream and green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Set aside a baking sheet.
- Scrub the potatoes under cold running water to remove dirt and debris.
- Using a small skewer or paring knife, poke each potato 4-5 times about an inch deep. Then place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for about one hour. Halfway through, you can brush with butter for added flavor if you wish. When they are done, a fork should slide easily into the center and the internal temperature will be 205-210°F.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven. Use oven mitts or tongs to handle them, as they will be hot.
- Using a paring knife, slice halfway through each potato lengthwise. Then give it a gentle squeeze to open. Fluff the insides lightly with a fork and top with your favorite toppings to serve.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
