How to Cook a Baked Potato

A Baked Potato is a traditional side item for steaks – you know the saying: “I’m a steak and potatoes man”.

The potato referred to as a tuber plant that grows underground.  Potatoes were first cultivated in the Andes over 1800 years ago and later introduced in Europe in the 16th century.

Baked Potatoes are easy to prepare, but do take some time.

There is sometimes a misconception that a real Baked Potato can be achieved in the microwave.  This is simply not true. You bake a real baked potato in a real oven.

Give these Cajun Cookin’ baked potatoes a try and you will be eating the skins too.

Ingredients for a Skin Eatin’ Good Baked Potato

Large Idaho potato (one per person)
Canola or olive oil spray
Sea salt (plain table salt is fine)
Tony’s Creole Seasoning
Aluminum Foil

Prepping and Baking the Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

To prepare – thoroughly wash the potatoes and scrub the skin with a vegetable brush.  Do not dry off. 

Place each potato on an ample piece of aluminum foil at an angle.

Spray the potatoes thoroughly with spray oil. (You can also just rub the potatoes with oil instead.)

Sprinkle with sea salt and Tony’s Creole Seasoning.  Add any other seasonings you might like.

Wrap each of the potatoes and seal tightly.

Place potatoes on a baking sheet (starch may leak out while baking).

Bake for 40 minutes.  Turn potatoes over and bake another 40 minutes.

With a pot holder, test the potatoes for doneness by squeezing.  They should easily be squeezed.

Carefully remove from oven and unwrap from foil.

Serving Suggestions for a Skin Eatin’ Good Baked Potato

Slice down the middle with a knife.

With pot holders grasp each end of the potato and squeeze toward the middle and push down to open up.  This is how they do it in the restaurants.

Fill with your favorite potato toppings: butter, sour cream, bacon bits, chopped green onions and shredded cheddar cheese.

Don’t forget to eat the skin too!

P.S. – For a really special baked potato, try our Twice Baked Potatoes recipe…

Twice Baked Potatoes