Description
A fast and easy loaded baked potato bar made in the microwave, perfect for busy nights. Customize with your favorite toppings for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium russet potatoes (6–8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (15 ml)
- Kosher or sea salt
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (50 grams)
- ¼ cup sour cream (60 ml)
- ¼ cup bacon bits (30 grams)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced (12 grams)
- ½ cup steamed broccoli florets (45 grams)
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained (130 grams)
- Chopped jalapeños (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, 14 grams)
Instructions
- Wash 2 medium russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Using a fork, pierce each potato 6-8 times all over to let steam escape during cooking.
- Rub each potato with about 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of olive oil or softened butter, then sprinkle kosher salt evenly on the surface.
- Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, spaced apart. Cook on high power for 5 minutes. Flip the potatoes over carefully and microwave for another 4-6 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- If the potato is still firm in the center, microwave in additional 1-minute intervals until fully cooked.
- While potatoes cook, chop green onions, crisp bacon, steam broccoli (about 5 minutes), and shred cheese.
- Once potatoes are done, carefully slice them open lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Use a fork to fluff the inside flesh gently.
- Start with a pat of butter inside, then add dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sprinkle shredded cheddar, scatter bacon bits, and pile on green onions, broccoli, black beans, and jalapeños if desired.
- For extra melty cheese, microwave the loaded potato for 20-30 seconds. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Pierce potatoes well before microwaving to prevent explosions. Rub skin with oil and salt for crispiness. For extra crisp skin, finish under broiler or in a hot oven for 5-7 minutes. Add wet toppings like sour cream just before serving to avoid soggy skin. Prepping toppings ahead saves time. Flip potatoes halfway through cooking for even doneness.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium loaded bake
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 18
Keywords: microwave baked potato, loaded baked potato, quick dinner, easy potato recipe, potato bar, busy night meal, customizable toppings