The typical time to cook a baked potato in the oven ranges from about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the potato and the oven temperature. Most sources recommend baking at around 425°F to 450°F (218°C to 232°C) for about 45-60 minutes until the potato is tender inside and the skin is crispy. Larger potatoes may take longer, up to 1.5 hours, while smaller ones may cook closer to 40-45 minutes.
Common Baking Recommendations:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Scrub and dry the potato, then prick it with a fork multiple times to allow steam to escape.
- Optionally rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt for crispier skin.
- Bake directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 45-60 minutes; test doneness by piercing with a fork or gently squeezing with an oven mitt — a soft inside indicates it's done.
- For very large potatoes, baking time might extend to 1-1.5 hours.
Alternative Methods:
- Some recipes suggest baking at a lower temperature (around 350°F or 180°C) for 2-3 hours for a slow-baked, extra soft, and nutty textured potato.
- To speed up baking, starting the potato in the microwave for 5 minutes before finishing in the oven reduces overall cooking time.
This provides a range of baking times and temperatures that balance crisp skin and fluffy interior, adjusted by potato size and desired texture.
