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quick dinner ideas for family

Loaded Baked Potato Bar

The most underrated quick dinner idea for family in existence. Microwave baked potatoes in 8 minutes, set out toppings in bowls, everyone builds their own. Zero cooking stress, maximum customization, and kids absolutely love it every single time.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large baking potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Half cup sour cream
  • 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • Half cup baked beans heated
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh chives chopped
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Wash potatoes thoroughly
  2. pat dry pierce all over with fork
  3. Step 2: Rub each potato with
  4. tiny bit of oil and salt
  5. Step 3: Microwave 2 potatoes at a time on high 8 minutes turning halfway through
  6. Step 4: While potatoes cook heat baked beans in small pan or microwave
  7. Step 5: Set out all toppings in small bowls on table
  8. Step 6: Check potatoes are cooked through by squeezing gently with oven mitt — should feel soft throughout
  9. Step 7: Split potatoes open press sides to fluff interior
  10. Step 8: Add butter first let melt into fluffy potato
  11. Step 9: Everyone loads their own potato with chosen toppings

Notes

— Pierce potatoes well or
they can burst in microwave
— Test doneness by squeezing —
if still firm microwave
2 more minutes
— Set out more toppings
than you think you need —
the variety is the fun part
— Leftover chili works
incredibly well as topping