Baking Tinfoil Red Potatoes: Time And Temp Guide

Red potatoes are a great side dish for any occasion, and baking them in tinfoil is a simple way to prepare them with minimal cleanup. The cooking time for tinfoil red potatoes varies depending on the size of the potatoes and the desired level of doneness, but generally, they take around 45 to 60 minutes in an oven preheated to 400-450°F (200-230°C).

Before baking, it is recommended to wash and dry the potatoes, prick them with a fork to create holes for steam to escape, and season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also suggest adding butter, garlic, thyme, or onion soup mix for extra flavour.

When baking, it is important to place the tinfoil-wrapped potatoes directly on the oven rack or grill to ensure even cooking. For oven baking, it is recommended to rotate the potatoes after 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. To check if the potatoes are done, pierce them with a fork; if the fork slides in easily, they are ready to be served.

Tinfoil-baked red potatoes are a versatile and delicious side dish that can be customized to your taste preferences and paired with various main courses.

How long to bake tinfoil red potatoes

How to prepare the potatoes for baking

Preparing potatoes for baking is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

First, select your potatoes. Any type of potato can be used, but Russet potatoes are considered the best for baking due to their thick skin and starchy, fluffy interior.

Next, scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Use a vegetable brush or a scrubby brush to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. After scrubbing, pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel.

Now, it's time to season the potatoes. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the potatoes and massage it into the skin to ensure even coverage. Be generous with the oil or butter, as it will help the potato skins crisp up and enhance the flavour.

After the oil or butter, it's time to add salt and pepper. Sprinkle the potatoes generously with coarse Kosher salt, which will add a bit of crunch to the skin. You can also add freshly ground black pepper to the skin and/or the fluffy insides of the potatoes once they are baked.

At this point, you have the option to add some extra ingredients to take your baked potatoes to the next level. You can add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or basil, or a sprinkle of dried herbs. You can also add whole or sliced fresh mushrooms, small frozen vegetables (such as chopped broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers), or shredded cheese like mozzarella, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack.

Finally, it's time to bake the potatoes. You can bake them in an oven or on a grill, and there are a few different methods you can use.

If you're using an oven, preheat it to 425-450°F. Poke the potatoes all over with a fork to prevent them from exploding, and then place them directly on the oven rack or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, flipping them over every 20 minutes or so. The potatoes are done when the skins are dry and the insides are completely soft when pierced with a fork.

For grilling, preheat the grill to 450°F. Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates over direct heat, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, rotating them every 10 minutes. As with the oven method, the potatoes are done when the skins are dry and the insides are soft when pierced.

And that's it! You now have perfectly baked potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Enjoy!

How long to bake the potatoes for

The length of time you bake your potatoes for will depend on a few factors: the type of potato, the cooking method, and the size of the potato.

Type of Potato

The best potatoes for baking are those that are low in moisture and high in starch, like russet or Idaho potatoes. Waxier potatoes like Yukon golds or red-skinned potatoes won't give you that fluffy centre when baked.

Cooking Method

Baking your potatoes in the oven will take longer than grilling them.

Size of Potato

The bigger the potato, the longer the cooking time.

Oven-Baked Potatoes

For oven-baked potatoes, preheat your oven to 400-450ºF. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 40-60 minutes. You can also place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about an hour.

Grilled Potatoes

For grilled potatoes, preheat your grill to 400-450ºF. Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates over direct heat and cover. Grill for 15-20 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

You can check if your potatoes are done by piercing them with a fork or paring knife, which should slide in easily. You can also give the potato a gentle squeeze (with an oven mitt on!) to feel if it's soft.

What temperature to bake the potatoes at

When baking potatoes, the oven temperature depends on the type of potato and the desired texture. For example, red potatoes are smaller and will take less time to bake than larger potatoes such as Russets.

For a fluffy and flaky texture, it is recommended to bake potatoes at a high temperature. One source recommends baking at 450°F for 45-60 minutes, while another suggests 400°F for 60-70 minutes.

If you are wrapping your potatoes in foil, one source recommends baking at 450°F for 45-60 minutes, while another suggests 400°F for 40-60 minutes.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the desired level of doneness.

What type of potatoes to use

When it comes to choosing the right type of potatoes to bake in tinfoil, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to select potatoes that have low moisture content and high starch content. This combination yields a delightfully fluffy centre and crispy skin.

The most recommended type of potato for baking is the Russet potato, also known as an Idaho potato. Russet potatoes possess the ideal qualities for baking due to their low moisture and high starch content. They are widely available and affordable, making them a popular choice for baked potatoes. Their large size means they may require a slightly longer cooking time, but the end result is a soft, fluffy interior that is perfect for loading up with toppings.

Another option for baking is the long white potato, which has a medium starch content and can be successfully baked, boiled, or fried. If you're looking for a denser, creamier texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good choice. They have a lower to medium starch content and are well-suited for roasting, mashing, baked dishes, and soups. However, their skin tends to become flaky rather than crispy when baked.

Round red potatoes, also known as new potatoes, are smaller and waxier with higher moisture content and lower starch content. While they are excellent for boiling, roasting, and holding their shape in salads, they may not be the best choice for baked potatoes as they tend to be denser and chewier.

In summary, for the classic baked potato experience with a fluffy interior and crispy skin, Russet potatoes are the ideal choice. However, feel free to experiment with different varieties like long white, Yukon Gold, or round red potatoes to find the texture and flavour that suit your taste preferences.

How to check if the potatoes are done

There are several ways to check if your potatoes are done. Firstly, you can use a fork to pierce the potatoes and check how soft they are. If the fork goes in easily with little resistance, the potatoes are done. If there is resistance and the fork doesn't go in smoothly, the potatoes need more time to cook.

Another way to check is by looking at the skin of the potatoes. After baking, the skin should have a crispy texture and appear dried out. If the skin looks soggy or feels soft, the potatoes are not done yet.

You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the potatoes. Potatoes are considered done when their internal temperature reaches 208 to 211° Fahrenheit or 210° Fahrenheit.

Additionally, you can rely on your sense of smell. A fully baked potato will usually release an aromatic scent, indicating that it is done or close to being done.

It's important to note that baking times may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the temperature of your oven. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your potatoes are cooked through.

Frequently asked questions