You can cook a baked potato quickly and easily in the microwave. Here's how:
1. **Wash the Potato**: Rinse the potato under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a brush to scrub the skin if necessary.
2. **Poke Holes**: Use a fork to poke several holes all around the potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potato from bursting.
3. **Season (Optional)**: If desired, you can season the potato with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before cooking. This will add flavor to the skin.
4. **Wrap in Damp Paper Towel (Optional)**: For a softer skin, you can wrap the potato in a damp paper towel before microwaving. This helps to retain moisture and prevents the skin from drying out.
5. **Place in Microwave-Safe Dish**: Put the potato on a microwave-safe dish or plate.
6. **Microwave**: Cook the potato in the microwave on high power for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the potato and the power of your microwave. Start with 5 minutes and then check for doneness. If the potato is still firm, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until it's cooked through.
7. **Check for Doneness**: Carefully remove the potato from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel. Insert a fork into the center of the potato to check if it's soft and cooked through. If the fork slides in easily, the potato is ready.
8. **Rest and Serve**: Let the potato rest for a minute or two before handling, as it will be very hot. Slice it open lengthwise and fluff up the insides with a fork. Serve with your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
Microwaving a baked potato is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this classic side dish, especially when you're short on time. Just be cautious when handling the hot potato and microwave-safe dish to avoid burns.