Twice-Baked Microwave Potatoes with Cheesy Filling

Twice Nuked Potatoes

Prep Time: 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 166.3

Description:

This Twice Nuked Potatoes recipe is a fantastic make-ahead side dish that simplifies your meal preparation. With a short cooking time and a bit of advance work, you can have a delicious and creamy potato dish ready in no time, perfect for busy days when you want to leave time for other tasks.

Ingredients:

• 5 baking potatoes
• 1/8 cup romano cheese, grated
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 1 cup 2% low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 green onion top, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

   • Begin by thoroughly washing the baking potatoes under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

2. Microwave the Potatoes:

   • Using a fork, poke several holes into each potato to allow steam to escape during cooking.
   • Place the potatoes in the microwave and cook them on high power in 4-minute intervals. Test the potatoes for doneness after each interval. The total cooking time should be approximately 16 minutes or less, depending on your microwave’s power and the size of the potatoes.

3. Cool and Prepare:

   • Once the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, remove them from the microwave and let them cool until they are safe to handle.

4. Scoop Out the Pulp:

   • Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the potato pulp, leaving a small amount of potato inside the skins of 8 of the halves to help them hold their shape.
   • Discard the skins from the smaller potato pieces.

5. Make the Potato Filling:

   • Place the scooped potato pulp into a large mixing bowl.
   • Add 1/4 cup of 1% low-fat milk, 1 cup of 2% low-fat milk, 1/4 cup of nonfat sour cream, and 1/4 cup of margarine.
   • Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
   • Stir in 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mild cheddar cheese, and 1 chopped green onion top.
   • Use an electric mixer to mash the ingredients together until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. Adjust the texture by adding more milk or sour cream if needed.

6. Stuff the Potato Shells:

   • Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the prepared potato shells.
   • Sprinkle a pinch of paprika on top of each stuffed potato.

7. Final Steps:

   • Arrange the stuffed potato shells on a serving platter.
   • At this stage, you can either cover the platter and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve or proceed to the next step.

8. Reheat and Serve:

   • When you’re ready to serve, place the stuffed potatoes in the microwave and heat them on high for 1-2 minutes. Adjust the heating time based on your preference and microwave power.

Enjoy your Twice Nuked Potatoes as a delightful, make-ahead side dish that brings convenience and flavor to your table! 😊🕒🍽