Now, for the great controversy. Do you wrap them in foil? My grandmother swore by it. She said it “steamed” them to perfection. And she was right about one thing: it makes the skin soft and tender.
But if you want a skin that is edible—crispy, salty, and chewy like a rustic bread crust—then skip the foil. Just rub the potato with a little oil and salt, and poke it a few times with a fork.
I'm team “no foil” for the crisp. But you do you. The potato doesn't judge. It's just happy to be hot. And we should all be more like the potato, am I right?
How to Know It's Done (Without a Magic 8-Ball)
The old “fork test” is your bestie. A perfectly baked potato should offer zero resistance. Your fork should slide in like it's diving into a warm, buttery swimming pool.
If it squeaks? It's not ready. If it crumbles? You waited too long, my friend. Perfect is when you can gently squeeze it (with an oven mitt!) and it gives a little sigh of happiness.
Let it rest for five minutes after baking. This isn't just being polite—it lets the steam redistribute. Patience, grasshopper.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Baked Potatoes? – JMBE
