Make quick and easy baked potatoes with the help of your microwave.
Picture this: It’s a busy Wednesday night, and you need something warm and filling to eat in a hurry. Or maybe you managed to get some meatloaf in the oven, but it would be nice to have a side with it. What to do? When short on time, consider baking your potatoes in the microwave.
If you’ve ever had to wait for a baked potato to cook in the oven, you will appreciate this recipe. While you can bake potatoes in an oven, over an open fire, in a gas grill, or in an air fryer, nothing beats the microwave for speediness.
You will also love cooking your baked potato in the microwave because you can customize the level of doneness and not have to use up valuable oven space (especially if you’re baking that meatloaf). Microwaving your potato is a great way to enjoy a “baked” potato that is fluffy and soft on the inside and perfect with a wide variety of dishes.
Why Pierce It With A Fork?
Before you even place the potato in the microwave, pierce it a few times with a fork. Two or three spots should suffice. Why? Because otherwise, you will have an exploding potato, which is messy! And a bit of a letdown when you’re trying to get dinner on the table in a hurry. Piercing the potato with a few holes allows for steam to escape as the potato heats up. It’s a simple measure taken that makes a world of difference.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Simply let the potatoes cool and keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave when ready to serve.
Can I Microwave Multiple Potatoes At Once?
It depends. If you have a microwave that is 1100 watts or more, yes. You can cook up to 3 potatoes at once. Otherwise, with smaller microwaves, stick to one at a time.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato?
Sure. Yukon Golds, which are all-purpose potatoes with a buttery, rich flavor, will also work.
Serving Suggestions
If the baked potato is your main entrée, load up on toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and even bacon bits. For an even heartier potato, top it with homemade Chili and all the fixings. Alternatively, the baked potatoes can be delicious, quick sides to mains like Turkey Meatloaf or New York Strip Steaks.
Baked Potato In Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 medium russet potato scrubbed, dried, and pierced with a fork
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Butter as needed
- Shredded cheddar cheese optional
- Sour cream optional
Instructions
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate or in a bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel or a lid, and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- Turn the potato over, cover again, and microwave for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until the potato is tender. Check on it every minute, as the cooking time will vary depending on the microwave appliance.
- Carefully remove the potato from the microwave, slit open the top, and fluff the inside with a fork.
- Season with salt and pepper. Optionally, add butter, cheese, and sour cream.
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