3 Ways to Bake a Potato

There are three easy ways to bake a potato:

• In the microwave
• In the oven
• In the slow cooker

For all methods, the first four steps are:

1. Wash hands with soap and hot water.
2. Clean the potatoes.
   • Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water, then pat potatoes dry.
   • Trim away any blemishes with a paring knife. You don’t have to remove all the eyes.
3. Season the potatoes.
   • Drizzle oil over the potatoes. It is easiest to use your hands, but a pastry brush works well.
4. Prepare the potatoes.
   • Poke the potatoes with a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking.

In the microwave

• Complete steps 1-3
• Place potatoes on microwave-safe dish
• Microwave at full power for 5 minutes
• Turn over potatoes
• For 1 potato, microwave 3 minutes. For 2 or more potatoes, microwave 5 minutes.
• Potatoes are done when soft. If needed, continue to microwave.

In the oven

• Complete steps 1-3
• Preheat oven to 425°
• For crispy potato skins, cook on a baking pan. For softer potato skins, wrap each potato in aluminum foil.
• Cook for 45 to 60 minutes until skin is crispy and potato is soft.

In the slow cooker

• Complete steps 1-3
• Wrap each potato in aluminum foil
• Place the potatoes in the slow cooker so they fit snugly next to each other. Stack 5 or more potatoes in a second layer if needed.
• Cover the slow cooker
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours
• The potatoes will be ready to eat when soft

(Sweet potatoes may require additional cooking time in the microwave, oven, or slow cooker.)

Check out these fun and tasty ways to top baked potatoes like:

• One Pan Fajitas
• Sloppy Joes
• Roasted broccoli with grated cheese

Serve while hot and enjoy!

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.