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Microwave-Baked Potatoes for Twice-Baked Stuffed Potatoes

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on August 22, 2007

Time

20 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Microwave-Baked Potatoes for Twice-Baked Stuffed Potatoes

Ingredients

4 russet potatoes (8 to 9 ounces each), scrubbed and dried

Before You Begin

Although the skin on the microwaved potatoes are flabby, this isn't much of an issue, as the potato shells are broiled to crisp them before stuffing. The microwave cuts about 50 minutes off the prep time needed for conventionally baked potatoes.

Instructions

  1. Place potatoes in shallow microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave on high, turning potatoes every 3 minutes, until skewer can be inserted into and removed from potatoes with little resistance, 9 to 12 minutes. Remove baking dish from microwave; cool potatoes 10 minutes before using. (For stuffing options, see related recipes in the right hand column).
Microwave-Baked Potatoes for Twice-Baked Stuffed Potatoes

Microwave-Baked Potatoes for Twice-Baked Stuffed Potatoes

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

20 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 russet potatoes (8 to 9 ounces each), scrubbed and dried

Ingredients

4 russet potatoes (8 to 9 ounces each), scrubbed and dried

Ingredients

4 russet potatoes (8 to 9 ounces each), scrubbed and dried

Why This Recipe Works

In developing our twice-baked potato recipe, we learned that an extra step—scooping out the pulp of the baked potatoes and drying the emptied skins in the oven—made for a crisp shell to house our fillings. Adding just a few tablespoons of butter to the fillings kept their textures hearty and enhanced their flavor. Combined with sour cream and half-and-half, the mixture gained a luxurious texture without being stifled by grease. Finally, the cheese (essential to any twice-baked potato recipe) worked best in two ways: mixed into the filling and sprinkled on top. Broiling the potatoes made for a grand, golden finale.

Before You Begin

Although the skin on the microwaved potatoes are flabby, this isn't much of an issue, as the potato shells are broiled to crisp them before stuffing. The microwave cuts about 50 minutes off the prep time needed for conventionally baked potatoes.

Instructions

  1. Place potatoes in shallow microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave on high, turning potatoes every 3 minutes, until skewer can be inserted into and removed from potatoes with little resistance, 9 to 12 minutes. Remove baking dish from microwave; cool potatoes 10 minutes before using. (For stuffing options, see related recipes in the right hand column).

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