How to Bake a Potato

A few days ago I took the suggested topic for the daily blog to have my readers ask a question. I recieved one from a reader who is learning to cook, asking how to bake a potato.

So here are a few different ways I bake potatoes Amanda G! Thanks for visiting my blog and asking a question. I also like to get creative with potato skins.

Microwaved Baked Potato

Microwaving a potato takes the least amount of time but the skin stays soft, unlike the more crunchier ones on oven baked. I like to use Russet baking potatoes, scrub the skin and with a sharp knife poke the potato a few times. Cooking time will vary depending on the number of potatoes and their size. When I cook two medium sized baking potatoes in the microwave I cook them for 5 minutes. When the time is up, flip the potatoes so the top side is now on the bottom. I poke the potatoes on this side now and microwave for another 5 minutes. This is usually the amount needed for the potatoes to be soft when you poke the knife through. If they seem a bit hard, microwave them for 2 or 3 minutes. Picking them up with a potholder or towel is best because they will be super hot. Cut the potato in half, add a little butter or sour cream and eat them skin and all.

Oven Baked Potato

Baking a potato in the oven is my favorite and it seems to have more flavor. Start the same way if using the microwave, wash and poke them a few times. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the potato for about 30 minutes. Turn over and poke to see how tender it is. If the knife doesn’t go it smooth, bake for another 10 minutes and check again.

I love baked potato skins, they have a crunchy, toasted taste. Cut the potato in half, scoop out the inside and add butter to the skin for a delicious side to go with the potato.

Baked Potato Toppings

Now these are just basic baked potatoes but I also like to top them with bacon and cheese. Leave the potato in the skin, mash it slightly and add a little butter. Next I sprinkle crumbled pieces of bacon and shredded cheese on the potato, put back in the oven until the cheese melts and you have a delicious meal!

Potato Skin Boats

This is a blog I wrote about potato skin boats. They are so good, bake the potato as per the instructions above, scoop the potato out and save the skins. This is the recipe for my steak, peppers and onion boat. http://themarthareview.com/wordless-wednesday-potato-skin-boats/

This is another delicious potato skin boat made with sweet potatoes. I put ham, brown sugar and pineapple and call them my Hawaiian sweet potato boat. http://themarthareview.com/hawaiian-sweet-potato-boats/

I hope this gets your taste buds going Amanda and everyone else who likes potatoes. Let me know if you have any questions!