This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork. The opinions and text are all mine. #RealFlavorRealFast @SmithfieldFoods
During the summer, I often dread cooking dinner because it heats up the kitchen and makes the house so hot. So, I look for ways I can cook most of our dinners completely in the slow cooker and microwave to avoid the heat.
BBQ Baked Potatoes are a favorite dinner in my family. My family loves barbecue, and I love making a quick meal that tastes great and doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to prepare. It’s even better when I know it’s not going to heat up the kitchen because this is one of those meals I can make just using my slow cooker and the microwave.
Recently, when I was shopping at a United grocery store, I picked up a Smithfield® Slow Smoked Mesquite Flavor Pork Loin Filet that I decided was perfect for making a BBQ Baked Potato for dinner. Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork is one of my favorites because it’s made from 100% fresh pork with no artificial ingredients, and can be found at your local United Store in the Fresh Pork section. Smithfield Marinated fresh pork can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.
You won’t believe how easy this dinner is to make!
I like to cook a Smithfield Slow Smoked Mesquite Flavor Pork Loin Filet in the slow cooker. What’s nice about using Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork is that the prep work is done for me because it’s already slow-marinated and perfectly seasoned. I know it’s going to deliver real flavor, real fast, so I don’t need to add anything at all to the slow cooker except the pork loin.
Set the slow cooker on Low and let it cook for about 3-4 hours. When it’s time for dinner, I let the pork loin sit on Warm in the slow cooker while I get the potatoes ready.
First, I wash the potatoes and poke them with forks. I know there is debate whether poking potatoes is actually necessary, and some people swear they’ve never poked a potato before baking. But, I’m a little worried I might end up with an exploding baked potato if I didn’t poke them because that is something that would totally happen to me.
Next, I wrap them in waxed paper. My mom taught me to do this to keep the potatoes moist while in the microwave. She actually learned it from my sister-in-law.
I also set them on a plate in a bit of a pinwheel design. I don’t want them too close together, so they’ll cook faster. Usually for four baked potatoes, I cook them in the microwave for about 12-15 minutes. I start checking them every 2 minutes at the 10 minute-mark by feeling if they are squishy yet. As soon as they are soft, I remove them from the microwave.
While the potatoes are baking in the microwave, I get the Smithfield Slow Smoked Mesquite Flavor Pork Loin Filet out of the slow cooker.
Using two forks, I shred it pretty quick in a couple of minutes.
While the potatoes are finishing up, I set out different barbecue sauces, onions, cheese, the shredded Smithfield Slow Smoked Mesquite Flavor Pork Loin Filet, and anything else we want. I also whip up a quick salad, too.
Another reason I love this meal is that everyone can make their BBQ Baked Potato just how they like it. My son loves lots of chives and one of my daughters likes just a little bit of pulled pork.
When the potatoes are ready, I help the kids fluff each of theirs and add a bit of butter, and then, we add our favorite toppings. I like to top mine with honey barbecue sauce and a little extra cheese.
Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork is an easy meal solution for a BBQ Baked Potato and for any night of the week, and it’s available in a variety of fresh cuts so you can get real flavor, real fast!
Print
BBQ Baked Potato
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 potatoes 1x
Ingredients
- Smithfield Slow Smoked Mesquite Flavor Pork Loin Filet
- 4–6 baking potatoes
- shredded cheese
- barbecue sauce
- chives
- wax paper
Instructions
- Slow cook the Smithfield Slow Smoked Mesquite Flavor Pork Loin Filet in a slow cooker on Low for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature is above 160 F degrees.
- When the pork loin is ready, leave it in the slow cooker on Warm.
- Wash and poke the baked potatoes with a fork.
- Wrap the baked potatoes in wax paper and cook in the microwave for 12-15 minutes until done.
- While the potatoes are cooking shred the Smithfield Slow Smoked Mesquite Flavor Pork Loin Filet with two forks.
- When the potatoes are ready, slice each one open and fluff the potato inside.
- Add toppings such as butter, cheese, Smithfield Slow Smoked Mesquite Flavor Pork Loin Filet, chives, and more.
- Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
How do you like to serve pork?
Smithfield is also challenging you to see what you can make with Marinated Fresh Pork to get a flavorful meal ready in about 30 minutes with their “What Can You Do With 30?” meal and tip contest!
Check out more 30-minute meal preparation ideas, and to submit your original recipe for a chance to win great prizes, head to www.SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com.