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Original poster

Silly question: how to bake a potato?

20 replies

mousymouse · 16/04/2011 16:27

so that it is soft inside and not charred outside?

Having chilli tonight and it is just not right without baked potatoes!

OP posts:
ColonelBrandonsBiggestGroupie · 16/04/2011 16:29

Wash it, prick it, stick it in the oven until it is done!

NettoSuperstar · 16/04/2011 16:29

Oil potatoes and rub with salt, put in oven at 200 for around an hour till a skewer pokes in with ease.

ColonelBrandonsBiggestGroupie · 16/04/2011 16:29

How long it takes will depend on the size.

Original poster
mousymouse · 16/04/2011 16:30

But how hot?
Last time we had raw inside and burnt outside.
Fan oven btw...

OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 16/04/2011 16:31

As hot as over will go. Rub oil or marge on the skin to stop it getting charred and hard. 1-1.5 hours depending on size.

Original poster
mousymouse · 16/04/2011 16:32

Thanks a lot!

OP posts:
Bunbaker · 16/04/2011 16:33

Oven on at gas mark 6, 200 degrees, wash them, prick them (don't forget or you will have bits of exploded potato all over your oven), stick a metal skewer through them (metal is an excellent heat conductor and helps speed up the cooking process inside) and bake for about 1.5 hours.

Another option is to start them off in the microwave to soften them and then finish them off in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes to crisp up the skin. You are less likely to have charred potatoes this way.

Enjoy your chilli.

NettoSuperstar · 16/04/2011 16:33

My oven smokes if it's hotter than 200, so that's as high as I go.

YY to timing not being exact, but the size ones I use I find that an hour is about right.
I often do 3 or 4 smaller ones, than 1 or two large as the skin is the best bit and you get more this way!

nickelbaalamb · 16/04/2011 16:34

the microwave then overn method also saves on gas/electric

Original poster
mousymouse · 16/04/2011 16:37

Next question then: how long in the microwave for? Also with oil on the skin?

OP posts:
Bunbaker · 16/04/2011 16:38

It depends on how many you put in. There are three of us, so I put three large potatoes in and start off with 10 minutes. I turn them over and probably do another 5. I never oil the skins.

Original poster
mousymouse · 16/04/2011 16:45

I will make 3 largeish ones I think, we are 2 adults and 2 small dc. Microwave + oven sounds good.

OP posts:
aseriouslyblondemoment · 16/04/2011 16:49

ooh yes mousy chilli with jackets is the best!
i cook mine the same way as nettosuperstar
don't use the microwave but would be inclined to oil the skins afterwards

nickelbaalamb · 16/04/2011 16:53

I do them 2 at a time, 7-8 mins if i'm finishing them in the oven.

nickelbaalamb · 16/04/2011 16:54

seriouslyblonde - i honestly thougth you were recommending "mousy chilli with jackets"

NettoSuperstar · 16/04/2011 16:56

I don't have a micro so they have to go straight in the oven.
I've never pricked them and never had them explode either. I didn't know until now that they needed to be prickedBlush

aseriouslyblondemoment · 16/04/2011 17:03

nickelbaalambGrin

Bunbaker · 16/04/2011 17:09

"and never had them explode either."

I have! We were having a party and I had about 20 unpricked potatoes in the oven - what a mess! Needless to say I always prick mine now.

NettoSuperstar · 16/04/2011 17:12

Was it a fireworks party?
At least it would be fitting if it wasGrin

I'll prick from now on so it doesn't happen to me!

Original poster
mousymouse · 16/04/2011 18:45

spuds in the oven now, after 10 min in the microwave. am really hungry now with the smell of chilli in the house.

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