How To Make Baked Potato In A Microwave
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Making a baked potato in the microwave is a game-changer for quick and easy meals! This simple method delivers a soft, delicious potato with minimal effort and zero fuss. Perfect as a side dish or topped with your favorite ingredients, it’s a speedy way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
Why You’ll Love Microwave Baked Potatoes
- Super Quick and Easy: With just one potato and a few minutes, you can have a perfectly cooked baked potato without turning on the oven. This recipe is ideal for busy days or last-minute side dishes.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s breakfast with eggs, lunch with a salad, or a dinner side dish, microwave baked potatoes are versatile and satisfying.
- Budget-Friendly: Potatoes are affordable and always available, making this recipe an economical way to add a delicious side to your meal.
- Customizable Toppings: From butter and cheese to sour cream and chives, you can load your potato with anything you love. It’s a blank canvas for your favorite flavors!
- No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a microwave, a paper towel, and a fork—no fancy gadgets required.
Microwave baked potato is the ultimate baked potato shortcut! Everybody loves baked potatoes, but who has time to bake them in the oven? Baking a potato in the oven takes the whole hour!
Thankfully, there is a quick and easy way to make baked potatoes – in a microwave! To make baked potato in a microwave, simply wrap it in a paper towel and microwave on High for 5 minutes. If you don’t have a side dish for dinner but have potatoes in your pantry, you are 5 minutes away for a yummy baked potato side dish. Microwave baked potato recipe is so simple and so delicious!
Microwave Baked Potato Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 potato – Any size works, but adjust the cooking time based on whether it’s medium, large, or extra-large.
For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Microwave Baked Potato
- Fork – For pricking the potato to release steam while cooking.
- Paper Towel – Keeps the potato moist and prevents it from drying out.
- Microwave-Safe Plate – To hold the potato while it cooks in the microwave.
- Microwave – The key tool for cooking your potato quickly and efficiently.
Instructions How To Make Baked Potato In A Microwave
- First, wash the potato under cold running water until it’s clean. Dry the potato with the paper towel.
- Next, prick the potato once with a fork. These holes will allow the steam to escape while the potato is cooking, so the potato doesn’t explode.
- Next, wrap the potato in a paper towel.
- Put the wrapped potato in a microwave. Cook the potato on High – 4 minutes for medium potato, 5 minutes for large potato, 6 minutes for extra-large potato.
- When the potato finished cooking, let stand for 1 minute.
- Carefully take the potato out of the microwave – it will be very hot. Take the potato out of the paper towel and put it on a plate.
- Add desired toppings to your microwave baked potato. I like to simply cut it in half and put a little butter on it and sprinkle with salt.
Congratulations – now you know the easiest recipe ever – how to make baked potato in a microwave! Enjoy your microwave baked potato!
Here are some more pictures of how to make baked potato in a microwave:
Potato Wrapped In A Paper Towel Before Baking
Baking The Potato In A Microwave
Microwave Baked Potato – Freshly Baked And Unwrapped From The Paper Towel
If you like this super-easy microwave baked potato recipe, you will love the microwave corn on the cob recipe! Yes, you can make corn on the cob in the microwave just as easily as making baked potato in a microwave :)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a classic side dish alongside Perfectly Seasoned Grilled Chicken Thighs, Juicy New York Strip Steak, or Simple Baked Grouper with Lemon and Herbs.
- Turn it into a loaded baked potato by adding DIY Shredded Cheese with Your Food Processor, Real Bacon Crumbles, sour cream, and chives.
- Pair with a Fresh and Zesty Persian Cucumber Salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Use as a base for chili or stew, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Enjoy as a simple snack with butter, salt, and pepper.
Tips For Success
- Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are the best choice for baking in the microwave because of their fluffy texture and thin skin. However, any potato will work if adjusted for size and cooking time.
- Wash Thoroughly: Clean the potato under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. A clean potato ensures no grit ends up in your dish.
- Don’t Skip the Fork: Always pierce the potato with a fork to create steam vents. This prevents the potato from bursting during cooking.
- Wrap with a Damp Paper Towel: Wrapping the potato helps retain moisture, preventing it from drying out in the microwave.
- Adjust Cooking Time by Size: Medium potatoes typically cook in 4 minutes, large in 5 minutes, and extra-large in 6 minutes. If the potato isn’t fully cooked, microwave in 30-second intervals until done.
- Let it Rest: Allow the potato to sit for 1 minute after cooking to let the steam finish softening the inside.
- Handle with Care: Use oven mitts or a towel to remove the hot potato from the microwave to avoid burns.
Variations and Substitutions
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to enjoy a slightly sweeter and nutrient-packed option. Adjust cooking time as needed, as sweet potatoes may cook faster.
- Mini Potatoes: Use small potatoes for a bite-sized version. Cook several at once, adjusting time for their combined size.
- Herbed Butter: Add a gourmet touch with herbed butter. Mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, or rosemary and spread it over the cooked potato.
- Vegan-Friendly Toppings: Try avocado, nutritional yeast, or plant-based sour cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the cooked potato and microwave for an additional 30 seconds until melted.
- Stuffed Potatoes: Hollow out the cooked potato and mix the flesh with cooked bacon, cheese, or vegetables. Return the filling to the skin and microwave for a few more seconds to warm through.
- Low-Sodium Option: Skip the salt and use spices like paprika, garlic powder, or black pepper for flavor without added sodium.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Allow the baked potato to cool completely before storing. Wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, wrap the potato in foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes until warm.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled potato tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Toppings Tip: Store leftover potatoes without toppings for easier reheating and add fresh toppings afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook more than one potato at a time in the microwave?
Yes, you can! However, cooking multiple potatoes will increase the cooking time. Place them in the microwave without overlapping and add 2–3 extra minutes per potato. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork.
Why do I need to prick the potato with a fork?
Pricking the potato allows steam to escape as it cooks, preventing it from exploding in the microwave. It’s a crucial step for safe and even cooking.
How do I know when the potato is fully cooked?
The potato is done when a fork or knife slides easily into the center. If there’s resistance, microwave in 30-second intervals until tender.
Can I use foil to wrap the potato in the microwave?
No, foil is not microwave-safe and can cause sparks or fires. Always use a damp paper towel or leave the potato uncovered.
What’s the best type of potato for microwaving?
Russet potatoes work best because of their fluffy texture and thin skin. However, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be microwaved with slight adjustments to the time.
Can I make a crispy skin on a microwave-baked potato?
Microwave baking alone won’t produce crispy skin. If you want crispy skin, bake the potato in the oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes after microwaving.
Other Easy Potato Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges from Frozen (Ready in 15 Minutes) – Enjoy golden, crispy potato wedges straight from the freezer to your air fryer in just 15 minutes, perfect for a quick side dish or snack.
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans – This easy recipe combines tender potatoes and crisp green beans roasted to perfection with simple seasonings.
Low-Carb Cauliflower Salad (Keto “Potato” Salad Alternative) – A keto-friendly twist on classic potato salad, made with cauliflower for a creamy, flavorful, and low-carb side dish.
Authentic Greek Lemon Potatoes – The Best Traditional Recipe – Zesty, herby, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these Greek lemon potatoes bring Mediterranean flavor to your table.
Asparagus and Potato Omelette with Cheese – A hearty, wholesome omelette loaded with tender potatoes, fresh asparagus, and melty cheese for the ultimate comfort breakfast.
Traditional Spanish Tortilla Recipe – No-Flip Potato Omelette – This no-flip Spanish tortilla combines perfectly cooked potatoes and eggs for a classic, effortless dish.
Easy Latkes Recipe Using Manischewitz Potato Pancake Mix – Make crispy, golden latkes the easy way with this foolproof Manischewitz mix, perfect for Hanukkah or any time.
Microwave Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 1 potato medium, large, or extra-large
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Fork for pricking the potato
- Microwave-safe plate to hold the potato in the microwave
- Paper Towel for wrapping the potato
- Microwave
Instructions
- Wash and dry the potato under cold running water using a paper towel.
- Prick the potato once with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Wrap the potato in a paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on High for 4 minutes (medium), 5 minutes (large), or 6 minutes (extra-large).
- Let the potato sit in the microwave for 1 minute after cooking.
- Carefully remove the potato from the microwave and unwrap it.
- Cut it in half, add toppings, and serve warm.
Notes
- Always prick the potato to avoid any microwave mishaps.
- Adjust cooking times based on the size of the potato and the wattage of your microwave.
Nutrition
More Baked Recipes
- Honey-Glazed Roasted Eggplant – Healthy & Oven-Baked
- Simple Oven-Baked Salmon Skewers Recipe
- Keto-Friendly Baked Turkey Spinach Meatballs
This is great and simple! Perfect for those nights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook!
baked sweet potato in in oven is way better tasting then a microwave potato, by far…
Well, if you don’t have an hour to wait to bake it in the oven, microwaved baked potato is better then no baked potato :)