Baked potatoes are a simple and delicious staple that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you like them plain with butter and salt or loaded up with all your favorite toppings, a perfectly baked potato can be a true comfort food.

However, it’s all too easy to make mistakes when preparing baked potatoes that can result in a less-than-ideal final product. In this article, we’ll go over the top 30 mistakes people make when baking potatoes, and provide tips to help you avoid them.

1. Not Picking the Right Type of Potato

The type of potato you choose can have a big impact on the texture and flavor of your baked potato. High-starch potatoes like Russets are the best choice for baking, as they have a fluffy texture and crispy skin when baked.

Waxy potatoes like red or white varieties are better for boiling or making potato salad.

2. Not Pricking the Skin Before Baking

Pricking the skin of your potatoes with a fork before baking allows steam to escape, which helps prevent the potato from exploding in the oven.

3. Not Drying the Potatoes After Washing

Wet potatoes can create steam in the oven, which can soften the skin and prevent it from crisping up. Be sure to dry your potatoes thoroughly with a towel after washing them.

4. Not Seasoning the Potatoes Enough

A baked potato can be quite bland if it’s not properly seasoned. Be sure to generously season the skin with salt and pepper before baking, and consider adding other herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary.

5. Over-seasoning the Potatoes

On the other hand, it’s also possible to over-season your potatoes, which can overwhelm the natural flavor of the potato. Be conservative with your seasoning and taste as you go, adding more if necessary.

6. Not Adding Oil to the Skin

Rubbing oil onto the skin of your potatoes before baking can help them crisp up and develop a golden-brown color. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for best results.

7. Overcrowding the Potato Pan

When baking potatoes, it’s important to give them enough space so that they cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan can result in uneven cooking and soggy potatoes.

8. Not Preheating the Oven

Preheating the oven is important for ensuring that your potatoes cook evenly. Be sure to preheat to 400-425°F before adding your potatoes.

9. Not Baking Potatoes Long Enough

Undercooked potatoes can be dry and unpleasant to eat. Be sure to bake your potatoes for at least 45-60 minutes, depending on the size.

10. Baking Potatoes for Too Long

Overbaked potatoes can be burned and tough. Be sure to check on your potatoes periodically and remove them from the oven once they’re cooked through.

11. Not Wrapping Potatoes in Foil

Wrapping your potatoes in foil before baking can help them cook more evenly and retain moisture. However, if you prefer crispy skin, skip the foil and bake your potatoes directly on the oven rack.

12. Not Brushing Potatoes with Butter

Brushing your potatoes with melted butter before baking can add flavor and help the skin crisp up. Be sure to use unsalted butter so your potatoes don’t become too salty.

13. Not Using a Baking Sheet or Pan

Baking potatoes directly on the oven rack can result in uneven cooking and a mess in your oven. Use a baking sheet or pan to keep your potatoes in place and help them cook more evenly.

14. Not Letting the Potatoes Rest Before Cutting

Giving your potatoes a few minutes to rest after baking can make them easier to handle and prevent them from falling apart. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

15. Using Too Many Toppings

While loaded baked potatoes can be delicious, too many toppings can overwhelm the natural flavor of the potato. Choose your toppings wisely and use them sparingly.

16. Not Washing Potatoes Before Baking

Even if a potato looks clean on the outside, it can still harbor dirt and bacteria. Be sure to wash your potatoes under running water before baking them.

17. Not Patting Potatoes Dry After Washing

Wet potatoes can create steam in the oven, preventing them from crisping up. Be sure to dry your potatoes thoroughly with a towel after washing.

18. Using Cold Potatoes

Baking cold potatoes can result in uneven cooking and an unpleasant texture. Let your potatoes come to room temperature before baking.

19. Cutting Potatoes Too Small

If you cut your potatoes into small pieces, they can cook too quickly and become dry and mealy. Keep them as whole as possible for best results.

20. Not Watching Potatoes Closely

Baking times can vary depending on the size and type of potato, so it’s important to keep an eye on them while they’re cooking. Check on them periodically and adjust the cooking time as necessary.

21. Using Too Much Salt

While seasoning your potatoes is important, too much salt can overpower the natural flavor of the potato. Be conservative with your seasoning and taste as you go.

22. Not Letting Potatoes Cool Before Refrigerating

Putting hot potatoes in the refrigerator can cause condensation to form inside the container, making your potatoes soggy. Let them cool to room temperature before putting them in the fridge.

23. Not Using Enough Butter or Oil

Butter and oil can help potatoes become crispy and flavorful. Don’t be afraid to use enough to coat your potatoes evenly.

24. Not Baking Potatoes in the Middle of the Oven

Baking potatoes too close to the top or bottom of the oven can result in uneven cooking. Aim to bake them in the middle of the oven for best results.

25. Overcrowding the Microwave

If you’re using the microwave to bake potatoes, be sure to only cook one or two at a time. Overcrowding the microwave can result in uneven cooking.

26. Not Letting the Potatoes Rest Before Cutting

Giving your potatoes a few minutes to rest after baking can make them easier to handle and prevent them from falling apart. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

27. Cutting Off the Ends of the Potato

If you cut off the ends of your potatoes before baking, they may fall apart or become mushy. Leave the ends intact for best results.

28. Not Using Salted Water to Boil Potatoes

If you’re boiling potatoes before baking them, be sure to add salt to the water. This can help flavor the potatoes and prevent them from becoming bland.

29. Using Too High or Too Low Heat

Baking potatoes at too high of a temperature can burn them, while baking them at too low of a temperature can leave them undercooked. Aim to bake them at 400-425°F for best results.

30. Not Using Fresh Potatoes

If your potatoes are old or have been sitting around for a while, they may not bake up as well as fresh potatoes. Use fresh potatoes for best results.