Microwave Magic Twice-Baked Potatoes
This recipe revolutionizes the classic twice-baked potato by utilizing a microwave to prep the filling quickly, making it a perfect weeknight meal. With the ability to prepare the filling in advance and store it for later use, you'll save precious time while still enjoying a creamy, cheesy potato treat. These twice-baked potatoes are fluffy on the inside, packed with flavor, and topped with golden melted cheese or a sprinkle of paprika for a delicious finish. Ideal for serving as a side dish or a satisfying main course, these potatoes are sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking potatoes
4 (large, washed and pierced)
Butter
4 tablespoons (softened)
Sour cream
1/3 cup (none)
Milk
1/4 cup (none)
Chives
2-4 tablespoons (chopped)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (for mixing and topping)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Paprika
to sprinkle (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Thoroughly wash the baking potatoes and pierce each one several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3
Place the potatoes on a cookie sheet and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are tender and a fork can easily penetrate the skin.
4
Once baked, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) if you're ready to continue with the recipe right away.
5
Allow the potatoes to cool until they can be handled. Slice off the top third of each potato lengthwise.
6
Gently scoop out the insides of the potatoes using a small spoon, making sure to leave enough potato on the skin to keep it intact. Transfer the scooped potato to a microwave-safe bowl.
7
Add the butter, sour cream, milk, chopped chives, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until thoroughly combined.
8
Microwave the potato mixture on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat this process in 30-second increments until the filling is steaming hot throughout.
9
Carefully scoop the hot potato mixture back into the potato shells, heaping it slightly over the top. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese or paprika on top.
10
Place the stuffed potatoes back on the cookie sheet lined with foil. Bake in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Microwave Magic Twice-Baked Potatoes.
What is the primary benefit of using this microwave method?
It revolutionizes the classic recipe by utilizing a microwave to prep the filling quickly, saving time while maintaining a creamy texture.
How many potatoes does this recipe require?
This recipe requires 4 large baking potatoes.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the potatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Why should I pierce the potatoes with a fork before baking?
Piercing the potatoes allows steam to escape during the baking process.
How long do the potatoes bake in the first step?
They should bake for about 1 hour or until tender.
What is the second oven temperature used in this recipe?
The oven temperature should be lowered to 350°F (175°C) for the final stage.
How should I cut the potatoes after they have cooled?
Slice off the top third of each potato lengthwise.
What is the secret to keeping the potato shells intact?
Leave enough potato on the skin when scooping out the insides to ensure the shell stays sturdy.
What type of bowl should be used for the filling?
You should use a microwave-safe bowl to mix and heat the filling.
How much butter is needed for the filling?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of softened butter.
How much sour cream is used?
Use 1/3 cup of sour cream.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended for both mixing and topping.
How much milk is required for the potato mixture?
You will need 1/4 cup of milk.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 to 4 tablespoons of chopped chives.
How do I heat the potato mixture in the microwave?
Microwave on high in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the filling is steaming hot.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it for later use.
What seasonings are added to the filling?
Salt and pepper are added to taste.
What can I sprinkle on top for extra flavor and color?
You can sprinkle extra cheddar cheese or paprika on top.
Should I line the cookie sheet for the second bake?
Yes, it is recommended to line the cookie sheet with foil.
How long is the final baking time?
The stuffed potatoes bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the twice-baked potatoes are finished?
They are done when the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What is the texture of the potato filling?
The filling is described as fluffy, creamy, and packed with flavor.
How should the potatoes be washed?
The potatoes should be thoroughly washed before piercing and baking.
What is the role of paprika in this recipe?
Paprika is used as a garnish to provide color and a delicious finish.
Can these be served as a main course?
Yes, they are ideal for serving as either a side dish or a satisfying main course.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese divided between the filling and the topping.
What tools are needed to scoop the potatoes?
A small spoon is recommended for gently scooping out the insides.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.