It would have been extremely hard for you to believe that a lip-smacking dish can be cooked in minutes until you come across this article, where we will be introducing you to one such dish that can be prepared in just a matter of minutes. Yes, you heard it right.
You can make many dishes that can be made instantly and, at the same time, keep you full for a couple of hours. Moreover, no negotiation in terms of a healthy delight is done while making it.
One such dish is a quick baked potato. You might be wondering how a boring potato can become so tasty. But it is possible. If you are wondering how then go through the below-mentioned recipe. All your doubts will be cleared after following the recipe.
And the best part is that you will love the entire process.
What is a Microwaved Baked Potato?
As the name suggests, microwave-baked potatoes are made in a microwave, and you can cook them easily within 10 minutes. If you are running short on time and looking for a healthy snack or a good side dish, these baked potatoes will be the best option.
Using a microwave helps significantly reduce cooking time. You can add tasty and appealing toppings to the potatoes. This recipe is also a great option for people who hesitate to cook because of the tough steps included.
Moreover, there are only five steps involved, so it is easy to stick to the recipe. It is an ideal option for people who are looking for a snack that can be made quickly. In addition to this, it is a healthy recipe with minimal ingredients involved.
Requirements for Preparing a Quick Baked Potato
No exclusive ingredients are required to make a quick baked potato; everything is easily available in the kitchen. You do not have to run anywhere to gather the items. Have a look around the kitchen and assemble the things. The main things you will need in the cooking procedure are listed below for convenience.
However, russet potatoes are the best option when going for quick-baked potatoes. These potatoes are also known as Idaho potatoes and are available in various sizes. When purchasing these potatoes, try to avoid the ones that have any cuts or spots on them.
1. Materials Required
2. Ingredients Required
Items | QUANTITY |
1 | |
As per taste | |
As per taste | |
As per taste |
Recipe for the Quick Baked Potato
Once you have assembled the ingredients and materials, wait no further and follow the below-mentioned steps to cook this delicious and mouth-watering quick-baked potato. The steps are so easy, and you will definitely enjoy and love to make the potatoes again and again.
Step 1: Begin with Washing Your Potato
You do not need too much preparation to cook quick baked potatoes. All you need is a potato. Wash it properly with water, scrub it with a cloth, and then make holes using a fork or a spoon. While poking holes in the potato, keep the potatoes on a flat surface and then poke holes. This step is meant to protect you from getting injured.
Step 2: Place the Potatoes Inside the Microwave
Yes, that’s it. When you have made holes in the potatoes, they are now ready to be microwaved. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and then keep it inside the microwave. If you wish, you can even wrap the potato in a damp paper towel. It is an optional step that prevents the potato from drying out.
Step 3: Heat it Well
On average, it takes 10 minutes for the microwave-baked potatoes to be ready so that you can microwave potatoes for 10 minutes. After the first 5 minutes, flip the potato and then heat it again for the next 5 minutes. If you notice that the potatoes are still not soft, heat them again for the next few minutes. After 10 minutes, your quick baked potato is ready. Now, take it out of the microwave and allow it to cool for some time.
Step 4: Add Fillings
To add taste to the quick baked potato, it is important to add fillings. Make a big cut in the potato lengthwise so that you can easily add toppings to it. If you wish, you can peel out the skin of the potato or eat it as such. It will taste good both ways. If you are looking for the easiest option, then you can add butter, salt, and pepper to the potato. You can also microwave it for some time if you want. It will enhance the taste of your final serving.
Step 5: Serve It with Love!
No more waiting! Your quick baked potato is now ready to be eaten. If you wish, you can eat it as a morning or evening snack or as a side dish with eggs or bacon. You can serve the quick baked potato with salad, soup, or other snacks. It will always be a great addition.
Benefits of a Quick Baked Potato
There is a general myth that potatoes contribute to weight gain. But this isn’t true. There are many advantages to potatoes, especially quick baked potatoes, that you would be surprised to know. You should know a few advantages of quickly baked potatoes before cooking them.
- They Help Control Appetite: Potatoes can keep you full for a long time so you won’t feel hungry; thus, quick baked potatoes will help in weight loss.
- Quick-Baked Potatoes Lower the Sugar Level: Potatoes are a good source of starch and potassium. They help reduce blood sugar levels naturally.
- Contribute Towards A Healthy Heart: potatoes contain protein, which lowers the blood cholesterol level, thus contributing towards a healthy heart.
- Good for Bones: potatoes are a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. All these elements help strengthen the bones.
- Improved Metabolism: Quick baked potatoes are also a good source of vitamin B6, which breaks down carbohydrates and increases metabolism.
Other Options for Topping the Quick Baked Potato
There are several options available that can be used as the topping for a tasty snack of quick-baked potatoes. You can entirely create a new topping or consider the following few options.
- Cottage Cheese: If you want to make a creamy version of the quick-baked potatoes, then add some cottage cheese, chives, and pepper to it.
- Spicy Topping: If you want to add spice to the quick baked potato, then you can add sour cream, chili, and Salsa to the potato.
- Mexican Toppings: For a Mexican baked potato, you need cheese, Black beans, and sour cream.
- Italian Toppings: Quick baked potatoes can be a good alternative to pasta if you add tomato sauce, mozzarella, etc., as the filling.
- Chicken Alfredo: This is an exciting way to turn boring potatoes into tasty dishes. Add chicken, alfredo, and pasta topping to the quick-baked potatoes for this.
The options are not limited to the ones mentioned above. You can experiment more with your version of a delicious, quick-baked potato. These potatoes are a universal dish that can be paired with every dish to add flavor and make the meal more inviting.
Conclusion
An instant, healthy, and delicious recipe is a great option for cooking lovers and people who hesitate to cook. This recipe can be easily prepared with the minimum ingredients. Try the abovementioned recipe if you want an easy way to make boring potatoes exciting.
Beginners can also make quick-baked potatoes. It can be a great introduction to the cooking world. When running short on time, you can take 10 minutes out of your busy schedule and make tasty dishes.
Not only do these potatoes make a great snack, but they can also be served as a side dish with various dishes. So why wait? Just take some time out of your schedule and make these snacks yourself.
Also, don’t forget to share your experience in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put Potatoes in the Microwave without Piercing Holes?
Absolutely not; it is very harmful to do so. This can even cause an explosion. So, do not hurry; make sure you place the potatoes in the microwave only after punching the holes in it. Also, ensure that the punching of holes is done properly on both sides.
Can You Cook More than One Potato at Once in the Microwave?
Yes, you can cook more than one potato in the microwave. However, it is advised not to cook more than four at once. Another thing that you should remember is that the quick-baked potato’s cooking time varies according to the size of the potato and the number of potatoes you are placing in the microwave.
Can You Add Fillings to the Quick Baked Potato as Per Your Choice?
Yes, there are many options available for the filling. You can make your version of potato fillings to make your quick baked potato more interesting and exciting. You can consider the above ideas for flavoring or experiment with more recipes.
What are the Nutritional Constituents of a Quick-Baked Potato?
One quick baked potato is known to have 20 grams of fat, 39 grams of carbs, and 368 calories. However, these values might fluctuate depending upon the flavorings you have used to add taste to your quick baked potato.