Cheesy Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Stuffed Baked Potato Tips

Should I poke holes in my potato before I bake it?

Yes. Always poke a few holes in the skins of your potatoes with a fork before baking. Potatoes, especially smaller varieties, contain lots of moisture. As the potato bakes, the water converts to steam. A few quick jabs are all it takes to allow that steam to escape naturally from your baked potato recipes. If too much water vapor pressure builds up inside your potato, you may end up with a messy spud explosion. You can also try slicing a cross-shape into your potatoes, about 1/4 inch thick, for supremely fluffy jacket potatoes.

Do I have to wrap a potato in aluminum before I put it in the oven?

There’s no need to wrap a potato in aluminum foil to bake it. Your best bet is to place it directly on the oven rack. Foil can trap steam, creating a potato with skin that is soggy instead of crisp. Unless a recipe specifically instructs to wrap a potato in foil, it's fine to skip it. — Amy Glander, Book Editor Ranch Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons ranch salad dressing mix into the sour cream before adding to the mashed potato pulp. Fold in 3 crumbled cooked bacon strips along with the cheese. Editor's Note: Potatoes may be stuffed ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen. Allow additional time for reheating.