Introduction

Baked potatoes are a great side dish, but how do you know when they’re done? If you wait too long, the potato may turn dark brown and become too soft. If not cooked properly, the potato can also be undercooked or even raw in the center. We’ve got all the answers right here!

1. Wash the potato and prick it several times with a fork.

• Wash the potato under running water and use a brush to clean off any dirt or debris from its skin.
• Prick the potato several times with a fork, this allows steam to escape while cooking so that it doesn’t explode or burst open.

2. Bake it for about an hour at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).

• Place the potatoes on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
• Bake them for about an hour at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
• Keep an eye on them, as they may cook faster than you expect! Once you can insert a knife into one of the potatoes with no resistance, they’re done!

3. Remove from the oven.

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Wash the potato and prick it with a fork in several places, then rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, if desired. Place on a baking sheet and bake for about an hour or until tender when pierced with a knife (the exact time will depend on the size of your potato). Remove from oven when done

Your baked potatoes will be done when you can insert a knife into them with no resistance

You can test for doneness by inserting a sharp knife into the center of your potato. If it goes in easily, then your baked potato is done! If you feel resistance when inserting your knife, then you’ll need to leave it in longer.

If your potatoes are too hard (but not raw), they will cook up dry and crumbly if left in too long–so keep an eye on them!

Conclusion

So, there you have it: how long to cook a baked potato. Now that you know how long to cook a baked potato at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C), what are you waiting for? Go make yourself one!