To bake a potato in the oven, follow these steps for a perfect result:
- Preheat the oven to about 425°F to 450°F.
- Scrub the potato clean and dry it thoroughly.
- Use a fork to poke holes all over the potato to allow steam to escape.
- Rub the potato with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt for crispy skin.
- Place the potato on a baking sheet (optionally lined with foil or parchment).
- Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the skin is crisp and the inside is soft when squeezed or pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven; slice open and add your favorite toppings.
This yields a baked potato with crispy skin and fluffy inside, ready to serve with butter, sour cream, cheese, or any desired toppings.
