Microwave Twice-Baked Potatoes with Crispy Bacon
Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Microwave Twice-Baked Potatoes with Crispy Bacon. This quick and easy recipe transforms simple baking potatoes into a delicious, hearty side dish or main course. The combination of buttery potato flesh, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, all topped with a sprinkle of paprika, is sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking Potatoes
4 large (well-scrubbed and pierced)
Bacon
6 slices (crisply cooked and crumbled)
Butter or Margarine
1/4 cup (softened)
Green Onions
2 (chopped)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Paprika
to taste (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the potatoes under running water, then pierce each potato twice with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
2
Arrange the potatoes about 1 inch apart on a paper towel in the microwave. Microwave on HIGH for 10-1/2 to 12-1/2 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are just soft to the touch.
3
Once cooked, let the potatoes rest covered with a bowl for about 5 minutes, allowing them to finish steaming.
4
Meanwhile, place the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Cover with another paper towel and microwave on HIGH for 5 to 6 minutes until crispy. Once done, let them cool and crumble into small pieces.
5
In a 2-quart casserole, combine the butter and chopped green onions. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes until the butter is melted and the onions are tender.
6
Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the center into the casserole containing the butter and onions. Be sure to leave the potato skins intact.
7
Add the crumbled bacon, milk, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Mash everything together until fluffy and well combined.
8
Return the mixture to the potato skins, spooning it generously into each shell. Arrange the filled potato shells on a paper towel-lined microwave-safe baking sheet.
9
Sprinkle the tops with paprika for added flavor and color.
10
Microwave the loaded potatoes on HIGH for 3 to 7 minutes, rotating them halfway through, until they are heated through.
11
For a finishing touch, garnish with additional chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many potatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 large baking potatoes that have been well-scrubbed and pierced.
How long should I microwave the potatoes initially?
Microwave the potatoes on HIGH for 10-1/2 to 12-1/2 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time.
What is the resting time for the potatoes after the first microwave session?
After microwaving, let the potatoes rest covered with a bowl for approximately 5 minutes.
How many slices of bacon are used in this dish?
You will need 6 slices of bacon, which should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled.
How do I cook the bacon in the microwave?
Place bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, cover with another paper towel, and microwave on HIGH for 5 to 6 minutes.
How much butter or margarine is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of softened butter or margarine.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe uses 2 green onions, chopped, plus extra for garnishing if desired.
How long do I microwave the butter and onions?
Microwave the butter and chopped green onions in a covered casserole on HIGH for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes.
How much milk is needed for the potato filling?
Add 1/2 cup of milk to the potato mixture to help make it fluffy.
What is the salt and pepper measurement for this recipe?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper for seasoning.
Do I keep the potato skins?
Yes, you should scoop out the centers but leave the potato skins intact so they can be refilled.
When is the paprika added?
Sprinkle the tops of the loaded potato shells with paprika just before the final microwave session.
How long is the final cooking time for the stuffed potatoes?
Microwave the filled potato shells on HIGH for 3 to 7 minutes until they are heated through.
Do I need to rotate the potatoes during the final heating?
Yes, rotate the potatoes halfway through the final 3 to 7-minute microwave period.
What is the best way to garnish the dish?
Garnish the twice-baked potatoes with additional chopped green onions before serving.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart casserole dish is ideal for melting the butter and mixing the potato filling.
How far apart should the potatoes be placed in the microwave?
Arrange the potatoes about 1 inch apart on a paper towel for even cooking.
What type of potatoes are recommended?
Large baking potatoes are recommended for this recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, this dish can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes.
How do I ensure steam escapes from the potatoes?
Pierce each potato twice with a fork before microwaving to allow steam to escape.
What should the texture of the potato filling be?
The filling should be mashed with the other ingredients until it is fluffy and well combined.
Can I use a substitute for butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in equal amounts.
How do I prepare the bacon after it is microwaved?
Allow the bacon to cool after cooking, then crumble it into small pieces for the filling.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, the bacon can be omitted or replaced with a vegetarian alternative as indicated by the recipe tags.
What is the purpose of the paprika?
Paprika is used to add both color and a hint of flavor to the top of the potatoes.
How do I serve these potatoes?
Serve them warm as either a hearty side dish or a main course.
What do I do if the potatoes aren't soft after the initial microwave time?
Continue microwaving in short intervals until they are just soft to the touch.
How do I fill the potato shells?
Spoon the mashed potato and bacon mixture generously back into each of the empty skins.
Why should I use paper towels when cooking the potatoes?
Placing potatoes on paper towels helps manage moisture during the microwave process.
What should I use to cover the potatoes during the rest period?
Use a bowl to cover the potatoes, which helps them finish steaming through.