Why You Should Rethink Using Foil for Baked Potatoes

When you order a baked potato at a restaurant, it often arrives perfectly wrapped in foil, topped with butter, sour cream, and whatever else you desire. As you dig in, you end up peeling away the foil to reveal the potato skin. In fact, this may be how you bake potatoes at home too—wrapped in foil before heading into the oven.

But why do chefs and home cooks wrap potatoes in foil before baking? Does it actually make a difference? Or is there a better method? We consulted the experts to find out.

Should You Really Wrap Your Baked Potatoes in Foil?

Some people argue that wrapping potatoes in foil helps them cook more quickly, while others believe it helps keep them warm once they're out of the oven. One of these ideas is correct, but the other isn’t.

According to the Idaho Potato Commission, aside from adding extra cost, wrapping potatoes in foil before baking actually lengthens cooking time. Potatoes are made up of 80% water, and when wrapped in foil, they trap that moisture, essentially steaming the potato rather than baking it. The result? A soggy baked potato. Instead, the commission recommends baking potatoes without foil at 425°F for 55 to 60 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 210°F.

If you prefer wrapping your baked potatoes in foil, that's fine—just wait until after they've been baked. Once they're out of the oven, wrap them tightly in foil and they should stay warm, maintaining a temperature of around 180°F for up to 45 minutes.

If you're not eating your baked potatoes right away, be sure to remove the foil before refrigerating them. Keeping them wrapped can cause botulism, which is a serious food safety risk. A general rule with cooked potatoes is to serve or refrigerate them right away, or leave them at room temperature for no more than four hours. After that, it’s safest to throw them out.

The Bottom Line

For a light, fluffy baked potato rather than a soggy, dense one, skip the foil while baking. You can wrap them in foil after cooking to keep them warm, but don’t leave them wrapped for too long to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. The best approach? Enjoy your jacket potato immediately with your favorite toppings!