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.

5) The Ideal Baking Time.
This brings us to the all-important question: How long should you bake your potatoes? A 4-hour endeavor seems like an eternity for any root vegetable, and indeed, it is excessive. A medium-sized potato typically takes about 45-60 minutes to bake thoroughly at the temperatures mentioned above. Larger potatoes may need a bit more time, and you can test for doneness by piercing them with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, it’s time to take those beauties out of the oven.
6) Crisp Skin Finishing Touches.
For those who love a crisp skin, consider oiling the skin and sprinkling some salt on it before baking. This extra step will enhance both flavors and offer an irresistible texture contrast with the soft interior.
7) Resting Time.
Once baked, giving your potatoes a few minutes to rest can result in better texture and flavor distribution, much like letting a steak rest. This should not be skipped if you’re in pursuit of potato perfection.
In summary, while Aunt Lisa’s 4-hour potato bake is a testament to patience, it’s perhaps a bit too much of a good thing. The sweet spot for baking those hearty spuds to perfection leans closer to 1 hour; just enough to make them tender, creamy, and ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings. So next time you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, classic baked potato, keep it simple, crank up the heat, and keep your eye on the clock for that one-hour mark. Perfect potatoes await!