For The Fluffiest Baked Potatoes, Follow Martha Stewart's Method

Beloved well beyond Idaho, potatoes are one of the most iconic mainstays of the culinary scene because of their remarkable versatility. From mashed potatoes to potato chips, this tuberous vegetable is at the heart of a variety of popular dishes and snacks, not the least of which is the humble baked potato.

On the surface, baked potatoes are simple: Toss a potato into the oven and add whatever toppings your heart desires. But to master the art of creating the perfect baked potato, there are a few extra steps to be taken. Luckily the greatest minds have already mastered the art so now anyone can make a truly drool-worthy baked potato. With the help of Martha Stewart, an airy baked potato is only a slam away.

Martha Stewart's secret to fluffy scrambled eggs already proves her ideas work, and her method for fluffy baked potatoes is bound to be no different. Once fully cooked, grab a potato and firmly strike it once on a sturdy surface like a counter. Don't be afraid to put a little heft behind the slam. It may seem like an unnecessary step, but it's central to getting the right texture.

Picking up potatoes at the supermarket is the first step. If you don't pick the ideal type potato for the dish, you're making a common mistake. Russet potatoes are the perfect pick to bake because of their high starch content. When sifting through the pile of potatoes, avoid spuds with dark spots, eyes, or a green tint. While assessing the potatoes, let their weight sink into your hands. Heavier potatoes have the greatest chance of becoming airy clouds once baked.

After securing the spuds, they should be washed, dried, and pierced with a fork in a few places. For a drool-inducing potato skin, Martha Stewart brushes the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkles a bit of salt on them before the bake. When it comes time to put the potatoes into the oven, be sure to skip the aluminum foil.

Once the potatoes are ready, it is time to utilize Stewart's spud slamming technique. The fluffy baked potatoes will be ready to enjoy right after the slamming, but don't forget to add salt, pepper, butter, and whatever else you want to dress the potatoes with.