Image: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Brett Regot/Kitchn

The Secret to Better Baked Potatoes? Cook Them Like the British Do.

By SHEELA PRAKASH
Image: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Brett Regot/Kitchn

Here are 3 key steps to achieving the perfect baked potato.
Photo: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Cyd McDowell

1. Slice them first

Slice a cross shape about 1/4-inch thick into each potato. This helps them release some steam, makes the interior more fluffy, and also makes them easier to slice into when they’re piping hot.

I tend to agree. To find which method or methods work best, I tested eight that are touted by trusted website sources and compared the results side-by-side

Photo: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Cyd McDowell

2. Bake them for longer than you think.

We suggest baking potatoes at 400°F for around two hours. Don’t worry, they won’t burn! The long bake means the skin will be so crisp that it’s practically cracker-like.

I tend to agree. To find which method or methods work best, I tested eight that are touted by trusted website sources and compared the results side-by-side

Photo: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Cyd McDowell

3. Return them to the oven.

Remove the potatoes and carefully cut deeper into the slices you initially made. Then put the potatoes back in the oven for 10 more minutes. This helps to dry out the flesh further and makes it extra fluffy.

I tend to agree. To find which method or methods work best, I tested eight that are touted by trusted website sources and compared the results side-by-side

Photo: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Cyd McDowell

When you take those piping-hot spuds out of the oven, push open that crispy, crackly skin, drop in a little butter, and sprinkle plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper into the lightest, fluffiest baked potato you’ve ever made. After this, there’s really no other way to bake them.