fastest-ever baked potato

• total tid: total time 35 minutes

Ingredienser

1 russet potato (8 ounces), unpeeled

Vejledning

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Meanwhile, poke potato several times with fork. Microwave potato, uncovered, until slightly soft to touch, 6 to 12 minutes, flipping over halfway through cooking. Place microwaved potato directly on oven rack and bake until skewer glides easily through flesh, about 20 minutes. Pierce center of potato with fork several times to create dotted X. Press in at ends of potato to push flesh up and out. Serve.

Notater

why this recipe works A baked potato is the best way to conjure a dinner from a seemingly empty pantry. Of course you could serve it as a side dish, seasoned simply with butter and salt and pepper. But if you add enough toppings it becomes a meal that stands on its own—its simple flavor means it is ready to be topped with any combination of garnishes. We started by microwaving a russet potato-our choice for its high starch content (read: fluffiness)-to drastically cut down on cooking time. Finishing it in the oven for a mere 20 minutes was enough to yield a piping hot, tender interior that we topped with all the traditional fixings.

kitchen improv

use what you've got Substitute sweet potato for russet: Place a piece of aluminum foil underneath the potato in the oven to catch any drips and start checking for doneness 5 minutes early.

make it traditional Top with sour cream, scallions or chives, and crumbled bacon.

make it cheesy Top with shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina, or crumbled goat or feta cheese.

make it a meal Go for higher- protein toppings like chopped hard-cooked eggs, smoked fish, or chickpeas.