So, to summarize: 45–60 minutes at 400°F for a medium potato, longer for a monster. Prick it, oil it, salt it, and don’t be a microwave traitor. Why do we put up with this? Because a perfectly baked potato is the universe’s way of saying, “You deserve something that takes effort, tastes amazing, and is completely acceptable to eat with your hands.”
And if you’re still confused, just remember this old potato proverb: “The best baked potato takes exactly as long as it takes, plus ten minutes more.” Now go forth, preheat your oven, and embrace the starch. Your taste buds will thank you. Your oven timer will judge you. But that’s okay—it always does.
