In this article I will show you how long doest it take to bake red potatoes at 400 degrees!
Red potatoes are a great all-around potato with a flavor that is slightly nuttier and sweeter than the average white or yellow. Red potatoes can be very versatile as you can really use any spices you like to make them as flavorful as you want.
This is a great recipe for cooking red potatoes as it really lets the sweetness of the potato shine through and keeps the skin on for more texture and flavor. Let’s start with the recipe then!
What are the best cooking times and temperatures for red potatoes?
While times will vary depending on how you plan to prepare your red potatoes, baking red potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes is a common preparation method.
Below I’ll show you the recipe for perfect potatoes! So, read on.
How long does it take to bake red potatoes at 400 degrees?
About an hour and 15 minutes.
There are many different sizes of red potatoes. So, keep an eye on them after about 45 minutes of baking time. If the skin begins to shrivel or turn black, it has gone too far.
Also, if you want crispy skin, leave them in the oven an extra 5-10 minutes after turning off the heat. Again, cooking time may vary depending on the size of potatoes used.
Check out our recipe below. We explain all the step by step for perfect red potatoes.
Bake Red Potatoes at 400 Degrees
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Red potatoes (cut into 1/2 inch slices or quarters)
- 2 teaspoons Olive oil
- Seasonings of your choice (we have used garlic powder, oregano, and salt with a healthy dose of pepper for this batch. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand – rosemary, thyme, chives)
- 1/4 cup Chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss together the potatoes and olive oil until evenly coated in a large bowl.
- Add the seasonings of your choice and mix well, making sure the oil and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up, then spread the potatoes out in an even layer on the pan.
- Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, then flip each piece of potato using tongs.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake an additional 20 minutes.
- If desired, remove the pan from the oven and turn on the broiler to high heat for 2-3 minutes or until potatoes are browned to your liking. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional), then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
What is the difference between baking potatoes and boiling potatoes?
While both methods come with many health benefits. Steaming tends to be a bit healthier than boiling in that it adds no additional fat. Also, since water is the main ingredient in boiling, it can make your potatoes a little soggy, which isn’t the case with steaming.
However, you also lose some nutrients when steaming because all of that nutrient-rich water ends up going down the drain with the excess starch in it. On the other hand, steaming takes about 5 minutes less than boiling, making it a great option for when you’re pressed for time.
There is no difference between baking potatoes and boiling potatoes except cooking time and the amount of nutrient loss that occurs in the water used to boil them. When boiled, more nutrient-rich water ends up going down the drain along with all of the excess starch.
When baked, the excess water is retained inside the potato. So, with some of it evaporating into steam which leaves a crispy skin behind on your potatoes.
Can I cook the potatoes at only 350 degrees?
350 degrees Fahrenheit is the low end of the optimal baking temperature spectrum for potatoes which should be cooked between 350 and 425 degrees. At 350, it will take an hour to cook, which is a pretty long time to wait for a baked potato.
So if you’re in a pinch and cooking at 350 just to save some time, it’s okay but doesn’t expect the best results.
The cooking time will remain about the same. But you’ll lose out on some of the crispiness, which is what we love most about baked potatoes. So if you do decide to go at 350 degrees, just be extra careful that your potatoes don’t get too charred and burnt.
Cooking your potatoes at 350 degrees F is not recommended as it will take over an hour to cook, and you will lose out on some of the crispiness of a baked potato.
What kinds of potatoes work for baking?
There are many types of potatoes! The standard russet potatoes and red potatoes used for baking are your best bet.
They are low in moisture, fluffy, and light in the overall texture, which is just what you need when making baked potatoes.
How can I get a better recipe?
Potatoes can be a little bland and dry if you’re not using the right recipe. Here, we’ll show you how to cook perfectly fluffy and moist baked potatoes in no time!
1) Know your oven Baking is all about accuracy when it comes to temperature, so make sure that you know what temperature your oven is actually set to.
Many ovens say that they’re pre-heated to a certain temperature but can still take about 5 – 10 minutes to reach it, and you won’t notice the difference between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit with just your naked eye.
2) Cover your potatoes Wrapping your baked potato in foil will lock in the steam and allow all of the excess moisture to evaporate back into your potato. This will prevent them from becoming dry and soggy.
3) Scrape away extra starch. While most recipes call for you to leave the skin on, removing some can reduce excess starch that would otherwise make your potatoes bland or taste like vegetables.
Cut them in half lengthwise before baking, scrape the insides with a fork, then season and bake. You can also remove potato chunks before baking if you prefer them smaller.
4) Use olive oil. While most recipes call for vegetable or canola oil when making baked potatoes, olive oil is much healthier and will add great flavor to your finished baked potatoes.
5) Salt it up! While most recipes call for salts like table salt or garlic salt, you can use any healthy seasoning to improve the flavor of your baked potato.
Try using chili powder, cumin, thyme, rosemary, or even bacon bits! You could also try adding fresh chives and parsley to the mix.
Any chef will tell you that substituting oil can alter how your recipes turn out, and we believe the same goes for potatoes and seasoning. By using olive oil, you’ll add great flavor to your baked potato instead of adding large amounts of table salt.
Conclusion
Baking potatoes is easy with the right oven and ingredients! But it’s important to use the proper technique at the proper time for the best results.
If you’re in a pinch and need to cook something quickly, you can go ahead and use 350 degrees F with just some minor drawbacks. But if you’re looking for perfection, aim for 450 degrees F, and you’ll be sure to make the perfect baked potato.
Make the most of our recipe and tips! With some patience, you will get an excellent recipe.
So, do you already know how long does it take to bake red potatoes in oven at 400 degrees? Please, feel free to leave your comments below and share this recipe with your friends!
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