The humble baked potato is a go-to staple to satisfy a carb craving, but if you rush the cooking process, your potatoes can end up with soggy skins and undercooked middles instead of a perfectly light texture. Tasting Table recipe developer Jennine Rye has a simple tip that keeps the potatoes' skin crispy and the inside fluffy.

Rye’s slow-cooked loaded baked potato recipe uses traditional toppings like chives, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon, though you can use any add-ons you like. The truly important step here is to bake the potatoes for three hours, a method that sounds extreme but makes for the absolute best flavor and texture.

To try this technique, poke holes in your potato skins with a fork, cover them in oil and salt, then cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven. While three hours is a decent time estimate, you can check on your potatoes by prodding them with a knife; if the blade goes in easily without resistance, they're ready to enjoy.