Aunt Lisa bakes potatoes for 4 hours, but they’re never fully cooked. What’s the correct baking time for potatoes? 4 hours seems pretty long.

Imagine eagerly awaiting a warm, fluffy baked potato only to be greeted with an undercooked and hard center even after hours of baking. Frustrating, isn’t it? Aunt Lisa’s relentless pursuit for the perfectly baked potato seems to hit a snag every single time, despite a marathon baking session of 4 hours.
This culinary conundrum beckons us to uncover the root cause of those stubborn spuds and to determine the optimal baking time for getting it perfectly right. Buckle up as we embark on a journey to demystify the secrets of baking potatoes to perfection, dodging the common pitfalls that could leave you with a less-than-desirable dinner.
Understanding Potato Baking 101
Baking a potato, on the surface, seems like a task simple enough for any home cook. Yet, the art of achieving a tender, perfectly baked potato is a delicate balance of correct temperature, time, and preparation method. Here, we dispel the myths and give you a foolproof guide to potato perfection.
1) Selecting the Right Potato.
The quest begins with choosing the suitable type of potato. For baked potatoes, starchy varieties like Russets or Idahos are king. They have the right texture to achieve that fluffy interior we all crave.
2) Preparing Your Potatoes.
Prepping your potatoes involves washing them thoroughly to remove any dirt and, optionally, pricking them with a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting in the oven.
3) To Wrap or Not to Wrap?
Contrary to popular belief, wrapping potatoes in foil might result in a steamed, moist texture, rather than the crispy skin that oven baking imparts. For that delectable crispy finish, skip the foil.
4) Baking Temperature: The Sweet Spot.
Setting your oven to the right temperature is a vital step. Preheat your oven to between 425°F (220°C) and 450°F (232°C). This high heat is ideal for coaxing out that fluffy interior from the starchy potato.