To bake a potato, the typical baking time ranges from about 50 to 70 minutes depending on the oven temperature and potato size:
- At 425°F, bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You can bake directly on the oven rack or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Turning the potato every 20 minutes helps even cooking
- At 400°F, bake for 60 to 70 minutes until tender inside
- At 350°F, it takes around 80 minutes for a large potato to be fully cooked
- At 325°F, baking can take about 90 minutes
- Some recipes suggest starting at a higher temperature (e.g., 450°F for 25 minutes), then brushing with butter or oil and continuing to bake for another 20 minutes
- The potato is done when a fork easily pierces the thickest part or when the internal temperature reaches about 205°F to 210°F
In summary, baking a medium to large russet potato usually takes about 50-70 minutes at 400-425°F. Lower temperatures require longer baking times. Pricking the potato with a fork before baking is optional but can help prevent steam buildup
. After baking, let the potato cool slightly before slicing and adding toppings. This method yields a crispy skin and fluffy interior, the classic baked potato texture
