“It pokes holes in the skin, which allows steam to escape. Otherwise, they could explode—it doesn’t happen all the time, but it happens every once in a while. The potato is full of water it’s trying to turn to steam, or water vapor. The skin acts like a pressure vessel.
What happens if you don’t poke holes in a potato before baking?
Potatoes can form rupture tears from steam buildup inside, if holes are not poked into them. This doesn’t really hurt them, but the tears can be pretty unsightly when served. So folks just poke holes in them to let the steam out while they’re cooking.
Does poking potatoes make them cook faster?
Fast-Finish Baking Tips
Sticking a metal meat skewer or nail through a potato shortens the cooking time because the hot metal radiates heat to the center of the spud. You can also cut the baking time in half by splitting raw potatoes lengthwise and cooking them on a baking sheet, skin side up.
Why do you stab potatoes before baking?
I usually stab my potatoes around 6-8 times (evenly spread) before baking them. This helps release the steam inside whilst it’s cooking, which reduces any chance of an exploding potato in the oven.
How deep do you poke a potato before baking?
Poke the potatoes with a fork just enough to pierce the skin so the potato won’t burst when baking, especially in the microwave. Four or five times should be plenty. A potato is composed mainly of water, so poking them helps release steam as it cooks.
Should you bake potatoes in foil?
Do not wrap potatoes in aluminum foil for baking. Foil holds in moisture and steams the potatoes, resulting in a “boiled” taste and texture. … A baked potato is ready when a fork easily pierces its skin. If the potato is hard, bake it a little longer.
Do you poke holes in aluminum foil when baking?
It’s important to note that not every baked potato will bust open if it is not pierced beforehand, but since you (and we) are unable to predict if a potato is liable to explode, it’s a good idea to pierce the surface as a precaution. Extra Tip: we do not recommend wrapping a potato in aluminum foil when you bake it.
Should you pierce potatoes before boiling?
Pricking them may cause them to cook faster, but don’t overdo it, or the small pieces will break as they cook. If you have more time, try boiling potatoes uncut in their skins. They’ll retain more flavor and nutrients, and they are a breeze to peel.
Should I microwave my potato before baking?
While microwaving to completely cook the potato will result in a soft and mealy Russet, cooking in the microwave for just 5 to 6 minutes before placing in the oven keeps the potato’s original texture. Drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with salt before baking at 400 F will allow the skin to get nice and crisp.
Should you stab a jacket potato?
Always prick your spud! The old adage of them exploding under the pressure of oven heat is actually true. As the potato cooks, the skin acts as a seal, trapping water that expands the spud and steams during cooking. If it can’t escape…
How many times should you stab a potato?
How many times can you stab potatoes? Wash and dry off as many potatoes as you plan to serve, and count on each person eating 1-2 halves. Pierce potatoes using a fork work your way around each potato stabbing deeply into it’s flesh. 3-4 stabs should do it depending on the size of the potatoes you are using.
Can a potato explode in the microwave?
When a potato is cooked in the microwave, the internal water boils and produces steam. … Eventually, the built up pressure bursts the potato. Any item with a moist interior and a tough outer skin can explode in the microwave if you don’t create vents by piercing the skin before you microwave it.
Why did my baked potato explode in the oven?
So as more steam builds up inside the potato as it cooks, pressure begins to build. When the pressure is stronger than the potato and its skin can hold, the potato explodes to release pressure and makes a mess in your oven/microwave. To prevent this, simply stab your potato vigorously with a fork before cooking it.