I've done some serious research, testing 12 different methods, to bring you the BEST RECIPE for baked potatoes. Crispy, perfectly seasoned skin (that stays crispy) with a beautifully fluffy interior, and I'm using one particular ingredient that I BET you've never used before on a baked potato.
This method made me change my old way of baking potatoes FOREVER!
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What defines the perfect baked potato?
For me it's:
- Crispy, crunchy skin, that stays crisp (and doesn't turn chewy after 5 minutes out of the oven).
- Tasty skin - the skin is JUST as important as the interior. It's not something to be left behind on the plate.
- Fluffy, tender interior - goes without saying. I want the perfect texture to mash my salted butter into.
- Timing also has a small part to play. With the use of a microwave and an oven, I've got the timing for the perfect baked potato down to 1 hour. Without a microwave, the potato will need two hours in the oven (at a lower temperature) to get the same results (see notes section of the recipe card for this).
This recipe hits all of those items on my checklist. And yes, I do have a jacket potato checklist. It was a requirement for my Baked Potato Experiment - where I tested 12 different methods, until I hit the jackpot. (I really wanted to say 'Jacket-pot' there, but I stopped myself).
š What do we need?
- Baking potatoes - If you can't find potatoes that are labelled 'baking potatoes', go with a large floury potato, such as Maris Piper, King Edward or Russet.
- Beef Dripping - yes, I know, sounds strange!
Not only will the dripping help to give a crispy, flavourful skin, but it will also help the salt and pepper adhere to the skin. You can replace with sunflower oil for a vegetarian alternative. - Salt and Pepper - for a really tasty skin!
šŗ How to make them
Full recipe with detailed steps in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- First we prick the potato, then microwave it for 5 minutes. This will start to cook the interior of the potato, speeding up the whole process.
- Then we coat the potato in beef dripping, salt and pepper and bake for 55 minutes in a really hot oven.
- This will give you a baked potato with a thick, crunchy, flavourful skin, and a fluffy, soft interior.
š©āš³PRO TIP Always prick the potato before cooking, this helps the potato to release steam. I've had a few potato explosions when I've forgotten to prick the skin.
Using a clean tea-towel to protect your hands, carefully give the potato a squeeze. The potato should give, showing that the interior of the potato is soft and cooked.
š½ļø What to serve it with
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Alongside a Sausage and Bean Casserole (perfect for Bonfire Night!)
- Filled with Tuna mayo and/or Cheese
- Topped with Crispy Bacon
- Go retro with my Coronation Chicken
- Alongside my delicious Steak Diane Casserole
Look at that potato perfection š
š² More fantastic Potato recipes
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The Best Baked Potato Method
Ingredients
- 1 baking potato - about 280g/10oz in weight.
- 1 tsp beef dripping - melted (swap for sunflower oil for vegetarian)
- Ā¼ tsp salt
- Ā¼ tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 220C/425F (fan).
- Prick the potato several times with a fork.1 baking potato
- Place on a plate and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the microwave and brush the beef dripping (or oil) all over the skin of the potato.1 tsp beef dripping
- Roll the potato in the salt and pepper to coat.Ā¼ tsp salt, Ā¼ tsp black pepper
- Place directly on the rack in the preheated oven for 55 minutes.
- Serve your baked potatoes as a side dish or with your favourite filling.
Video
ā Notes
Nutrition
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Marlena says
Looks like a good recipe! I have a question. If you wrap the potatoes in foil, can this still work? I am just worried about oil dripping onto the heating element.
Thanks!
Lindsey Taylor says
Made these tonight and they were delicious!! We ate them on their own with plenty of butter and they went down a treat. I'll be using your method from now on - thank you x
Janet (Jinty) says
This is an excellent recipe. I also use a mixture between microwave and oven and have been doing 10 minutes in the microwave and then 10-15 minutes in my halogen oven. High temp but cooks in less time than in my main oven. I haven't been adding fats to crisp as have been trying to eat healthy.
Lizard Drone Dude(Paul) says
HI Nicky Been using dripping/oil+seasoning on the skin for years and yes its the best.
Don't agree on the use of floury potatoes for them tho in fact I don't use flouries for anything they have no taste, are grainy on the palate and abdorb water/oil too much I always think the more yellow a potato flesh the better for just about everything.
Ron Mayne says
Are the oven temperatures for a conventional oven and will a fan oven be20degrees lower. Thank you.
Nicky Corbishley says
Hi Ron, the temperatures are for a fan oven, as that's what most people seem to have these day. Thanks š
Aileen Gammon says
The best way ever of baking potatoes. Makes the skins very tasty.