When it comes to quick, easy, and delicious comfort food, nothing beats the humble baked potato. It’s a versatile dish that can work as a side or main course, and it’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when time is short and you need to feed your family fast. In this article, we’ll share with you the best microwave baked potato recipe that will save you time and deliver a delicious meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 large russet potato

– 1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, bacon bits, shredded cheese, diced green onions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the potato: Begin by washing the potato thoroughly under running water. Using a scrub brush or a cloth, make sure you remove all dirt from the skin. Pat the potato dry with a clean towel.

2. Poke holes: Using a sharp knife or fork, carefully poke several holes all over the surface of the potato. This will allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent your potato from exploding inside the microwave.

3. Coat with oil: Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the potato and rub it evenly over the entire surface. This will help your potato cook uniformly and result in a crispier skin.

4. Season with salt and pepper: Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper onto your oiled potato according to your taste preferences.

5. Microwave: Place your prepared potato on a microwave-safe plate in the center of the microwave cavity. Cook on high for 5 minutes initially.

6. Flip and continue microwaving: Safely flip your potato using tongs or an oven mitt (it will be hot!) and microwave for another 3-5 minutes, until cooked through. The exact timing will depend on the size of your potato and your microwave’s wattage. Test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the potato; it should go in easily with little resistance.

7. Add toppings (optional): Once your potato is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave using an oven mitt or tongs. Slice it open lengthwise, being cautious with the escaping steam. Fluff up the insides using a fork and add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chives, bacon bits, shredded cheese, or diced green onions.

And there you have it – a simple but delicious microwave baked potato recipe that’ll save you time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor! Enjoy your scrumptious meal!