Quick Baked Potato Post

A couple of people have asked for more details on how to make microwave potatoes that taste like real baked potatoes:

Super easy.  Just scrub the potato and put it in a baggie, freezer bags work the best in my opinion, along with about a quarter cup of water:

Hard to see the water but, trust me, it's in there.

Place in the microwave without sealing the top. Just sort of wrap the top over it so the water doesn't spill out or place the potato flat in the bottom with the bag sitting almost upright but you need to leave a steam vent or it will get ugly.  Again, really. TRUST me on that one. :-)

Microwave on high for about 8 minutes (on mine) and test for squishability.  Microwave longer if needed.

Now here's the really important part. Leave the potato sitting there for about five minutes to steam.  I've found that almost all of the water will be absorbed and leaves the skin nice and moist.

Voila.  Split and dress as usual.

Comments

[bee]

great tip. i have one concern re: this method.

while researching microwave safety, we learnt that plastic bags, cling wrap, etc. should not touch the food.
http://jugalbandi.info/2007/08/microwave-q-a/

a m/w safe container with a lid may work better from the food safety standpoint.

[tom]

Thanks, Glenna, you are a sweetheart to post this.
Just a question about the whole plastic thing in the microwave; what do other people think about this? I am a little wary of some of these reports, as it seems as if every minute we are warned about something or other (weren't cell phones supposed to cause sterility a while ago???)

[Glenna]

Bee--Thank you for giving us information. I personally have heard all plastics are terrible for us so we're pretty much screwed, but yes, a plastic bowl with a lid would work too as long as you don't put the lid down tight. You want the steam but not to create a mini explosion. :-)

Tom--You're so welcome. I'm the same way. I've heard all that too and I figure at this point I'm already screwed. And yeah, I remember the cell phone one too!

[Cynthia]

I like this tip, Glenna, thanks. Will definitely try it.

[Glenna]

Cynthia--you're welcome. It really is a great way to "bake" potatoes especially in the summer when heating up the oven for an hour or more is bad deal.

[Tara]

Hi, Glenna, I've been reading your blog for quite a while now and I love it! I've never felt compelled to comment until now, though. We tried this baked potato thing last night and you are my new hero! They were terrific! They tasted great and you would never know they hadn't been baked in the oven. In Phoenix in the summer, I do everything I can to not turn on the oven! Thanks! Tara

[Glenna]

Tara--Thanks so much for telling me about you liked the "recipe" and the nice compliment. You made my day!

[michael jones]

Ohh, that looks so tasty! I am sure that it will be perfect for my picky eater diet! Thank you for the wonderful recipe! I will try it!

[Glenna]

Thanks, Michael!

[Helga Wegener]

have not tried this method but will. It will be a great help to get dinner ready F. A. S. T.
thanks

Helga

[tara]

Thanks for the recipe Glenna, will give it a try tonight!