Microwave Loaded Baked Potato with Beans and Cheddar
A microwave baked potato split open and piled with warm beans and melted cheddar. A fast, filling lunch that comes together in one dish.
- Total
- 17 min
- Prep 5 · Cook 12
- Serves
- 1
- Difficulty
- Easy
You'll practice: Steaming
- Savory
- Quick
- Microwave
Instructions
-
Scrub the baked potato and prick it all over with a fork, about 8 to 10 times, so steam can escape. Place it on a microwave-safe plate.
~2 min
Pricking lets steam escape so the potato doesn't burst and helps it cook evenly.
Pricking the potato and turning it halfway keeps it from bursting and helps it cook evenly in the microwave.
Steaming Pricking and microwaving creates steam to cook the potato. Watch for a knife sliding in easily; avoid undercooking by checking doneness.
-
Microwave the baked potato on high for 5 minutes. Turn it over and microwave another 3 to 5 minutes, until a knife slides in with no resistance at the center.
~10 min
Turning the potato halfway ensures even cooking since microwave energy is uneven.
If your potato is very large, add 1 to 2 minutes and check again with a knife; size varies more than the timer does.
Steaming Pricking and microwaving creates steam to cook the potato. Watch for a knife sliding in easily; avoid undercooking by checking doneness.
-
While step 2 cooks
While the baked potato cooks, grate the cheddar on the box grater and set it aside.
~2 min
-
Put the beans in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes, until hot and bubbling at the edges.
~2 min
Microwaving beans until bubbling ensures they are heated through and safe to eat.
-
Cut a deep cross into the top of the baked potato and press the sides to open it. Season the flesh with the salt and black pepper.
~1 min
Cutting a cross and pressing opens the potato to expose flesh for seasoning and toppings.
-
Spoon the hot beans over the baked potato and scatter the grated cheddar on top. Microwave for 1 minute, until the cheddar melts.
~1 min
Brief microwaving melts the cheese without overheating the beans or potato.