how to bake the best potato
1 Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. 2  Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven. 3  Place a baking sheet (I put a piece of aluminum foil) on the lower rack to catch any drippings. 4  Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft.
1 Heat oven to 350Â°F and position racks in top and bottom thirds. 2  Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. 3  Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking. 4  Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil.