How to Bake a Potato the Fast and Easy Way

The humble baked potato. To some, it's a simple side dish; to others, it's a meal in itself when crowned with hearty toppings. Whatever category you put them in, baked potatoes are an inexpensive and wholesome way to add heft to your plate. Whether you're trying to stretch your food dollar or creating a baked potato bar for a fun meal, baked potatoes are guaranteed to please.

From Here to Eternity

The only problem with baked potatoes is that they take an hour to cook, which can seem like an eternity. It also requires planning ahead. If you're trying to get dinner on the table in a hurry, a baked potato side, no matter how much you crave it, isn't usually the best choice.

There's a Better Way

But wait! There's actually a quicker method you can employ when you plan to serve baked potatoes: Use the microwave to speed up the cooking process, which pretty much cuts the baking time in half. While microwaving to completely cook the potato will result in a soft and mealy Russet, cooking in the microwave for just 5 to 6 minutes before transferring it to the oven will retain the potato's original texture. Drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with salt before baking at 400 F will make the skin crisp and delicious.

Ingredients

Here's all you need to make these potatoes:
• Russet potatoes
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Fine salt

Steps to a Quick-Baked Potato

1. Gather the ingredients. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 400 F.

2. Meanwhile, scrub the Russet potatoes with a vegetable brush under running water, then dry them off.

3. With a fork, stab each potato in the center once, then flip it over and stab it on the other side. This allows steam to vent as the potato cooks.

4. Microwave the potatoes on high for 5 to 6 minutes for up to 2 potatoes, 10 to 12 minutes for 4 potatoes. Don't microwave more than 4 potatoes simultaneously.

5. Carefully transfer the microwaved potatoes to a rimmed sheet pan. Brush the potatoes on all sides with some extra-virgin olive oil so the potatoes are evenly coated.

6. Sprinkle the potatoes all over generously with fine salt so each potato is evenly coated.

7. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack with the baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drippings. Bake until the skins are crispy and a skewer slides easily into the potato, about 30 minutes.

8. Remove the baked potatoes from the oven. Split them open and serve with your favorite toppings.

   How to Store

   Cool any leftover baked potatoes and store each individually wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 4 days.

   Helpful Links

   • 10 Creative Stuffed Potato Recipes
   • Dairy-Free Vegan Sour Cream Recipe
   • How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave

   
   

   Twice-Baked Potatoes With Cream Cheese and Chives