FOOD NEWS
The Paper Towel Hack That'll Give You A Perfectly Baked Potato In No Time Flat
By Alexander Billet
While it’s often preferable to make a baked potato in the oven, you can save time by wrapping the potato with a wet paper towel and cooking it in the microwave.
Simply wash the potato, puncture it with a fork a few times, then microwave it for about five to six minutes after wrapping it in a paper towel that’s damp but not falling apart.
Naturally, times may vary depending on the strength of your microwave, how big of a potato you have to cook, and how soft you like your finished potato.
Dampening the paper towel before wrapping it around the potato ensures that the moisture is evenly distributed around and throughout it as it cooks in the microwave.
The paper towel serves the same purpose as tinfoil in an oven, trapping moisture, heating it, and converting it into steam that cooks and softens the potato.
Since the steaming process will leave the skin soft and a bit soggy, if you prefer crispy skin, you’ll still need to oil and salt the exterior and bake it for about 10 minutes.
Once your microwaved potato is cooked, slice it open, let it cool, and serve it with butter, sour cream, chives, or whatever toppings you prefer on a loaded baked potato.