Baking a potato in the oven typically takes about 45 to 70 minutes, depending on the temperature and size of the potato.
- At 425°F (220°C), bake for about 50 to 60 minutes until the potato is soft when pierced
- At 450°F, a common method is to bake for about 45 minutes total: 25 minutes initially, then brush with butter or oil and salt, and bake for another 20 minutes until tender
- At 400°F, baking usually takes 60 to 70 minutes until the potato is tender inside and the skin is crispy
- Some recipes recommend baking at 400°F for about 1.5 hours for a thick, crispy skin and fluffy interior, especially for medium-sized russet potatoes
- The potato is done when it is soft inside (can be checked by piercing with a fork or squeezing gently with oven mitts) and the skin is crisp.
In summary, baking a medium to large russet potato in a conventional oven takes approximately 45 to 70 minutes at temperatures ranging from 400°F to 450°F, with 425°F for about an hour being a common and reliable guideline
