a catastrophic potato explosion

…or a bombe de terre, if you will.

Yep

I was under the impression that you prick the skin to make it easier for the moisture to exit the potato so it gets drier and therefore fluffier.

But my wife just said she had a potato explode when she didn't poke it enough.

Years ago, though I'd say "burst" more than "explode."

A Rapid Unscheduled Mashing, as they say in the industry.

Yep! One of the worst burns I’ve ever gotten too. The potato sticks to you like glue and doesn’t come off right away.

Really sucks.

Even if untrue, I’ll just take the opportunity to stab something inanimate that won’t get me arrested.

Despite microwaving potatoes frequently, (1-10/wk, don’t judge me) for many years (often questionably, typically without pricking) I have yet to have one explode. One would assume microwave explosions would be more common.

Perhaps luck, perhaps potato type/size (I like Yukon gold and reds, which are thin skin, small, and relatively soft) but it’s just me so I don’t usually buy large/baking potatoes, and maybe those are more prone to bursting?

I put them in a lidded microwave safe container, bit of water in the bottom, microwave for 10-15 minutes. Never a burst in.. almost 20 years?

Saw a recent video from America's Test Kitchen where they recommend temping baked potatoes and docking the skins: https://piped.video/watch?v=iG7wEqs9j4E

In the comments, someone said they had potatoes explode after baking, letting them cool for a bit, then re-baking.

Personally, I don't usually bake enough potatoes to justify turning on the oven, so I microwave them; which is notorious for for getting food everywhere without adequate supervision.

I used to work in a bar that made baked potatoes all the time

It was a fast way to sober up a bit when one would pop in the oven

Not in a regular oven, but in a microwave, yes

Have you heard of the Tunguska Event?

When I was a kid my mom was baking potatoes one time and realized partway through that she forgot to stab them before putting them in the oven. She quickly opened the oven and slid the rack out and stabbed one with a fork. Unfortunately it was too late. I was standing right next to the oven and potato exploded all over my mom and I as soon as the fork touched it.

In the oven, really hot and it blew open and "baked" all over the inside. Hell to clean up. I was sure I poked it, but... couldn't remember.
Now I go all serial killer on them before baking.

Potatoes absolutely will build up enough internal pressure to pop, even if the skins have been punctured. Not every spud will blow up some just split; when they do it makes a hell of a mess in the oven. I once broke a microwave at work with a potato because it did this. To postulate a reason; some potatoes have a higher moisture content than others.

You used the microwave ? 🤨

Been practicing cooking for pretty much thirty years. Many many baked potatoes, never had one explode.

Yes. It blew up real good.

@ArtieShaw

Yes.

Potatoes have exploded in my family's microwave numerous times.

No but had eggplants explode, and instantly sear onto the entire inside of the oven. Even kicked the door open a little.

Yes. And in a very traditional oven too.

Nope, never. I never prick the things, just straight in on the rack as they are.

No. But I did have one catch on fire in a big way, because it was already fully cooked (low moisture at that point) and too close to the broiler element. I had never used a broiler before. The starch and sugar in a potato is quite flammable.

I stab deep with a fork; twice on the ends, twice on the sides (six total). I’m paranoid but it works.

Never