A baking potato is a type of potato specifically suited for baking due to its high starch content and fluffy texture when cooked. The most common variety used for baking is the Russet potato, which has a thick skin and a light, airy interior. These potatoes are typically larger and have a rough, brown skin that crisps up nicely in the oven. To bake a potato, it is usually washed, pricked with a fork to allow steam to escape, and then placed in an oven at a high temperature. Baking usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, resulting in a soft, tender inside that can be topped with various ingredients like butter, sour cream, or cheese.