Perfect Baked Potatoes

These perfectly cooked, fluffy potatoes make a great side dish for your next meal.

Adapted from America's Test Kitchen: Best Baked Potatoes

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Total Time 50

Servings potatoes

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil and if you have one, place an oven-safe cooling rack on top (this helps air circulate all around your potatoes).
In a bowl, add salt and water. Stir until salt is dissolved, creating a brine.
Using a fork, prick each potato about six times all over. Roll each potato in the prepared brine to coat all sides. Place potatoes on prepared sheet pan.
Bake for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until potatoes reach 205 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. A metal skewer or fork should pierce through the center of the potatoes with little to no resistance.
Remove from oven and slice open quickly to release steam from the potatoes. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Don't worry so much about the time it takes to bake the potato. Ovens can run hotter or cooler than the next oven, so the time that worked for me may not work for you. Larger potatoes will take longer to bake. The most important part about this recipe is reaching that 205 degrees Fahrenheit in the center for a fluffy, perfectly baked potato.
Optionally, brush your finished potatoes with oil and return the oven for 10 minutes for an even crispier skin.
Leftover baked potatoes will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.