Do you love baked potatoes but don’t always have time to cook them in the oven? No problem!
You can easily make a baked potato in the microwave. You can have a delicious and satisfying side dish in minutes with just a few simple steps.
In this blog post, we’ll provide instructions on how to make a baked potato in the microwave, as well as several delicious recipes that you can try.
So what are you waiting for? Start microwaving some delicious baked potatoes today!
How To Make A Baked Potato In The Microwave?
If you’re in a hurry and need a quick, delicious potato dish, look no further than the microwave.
Baked potatoes are not only a cinch to make in the microwave but come out perfectly cooked every time.
Quick Guide: How To Make A Baked Potato In The Microwave
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to bake your potatoes in the oven, you can easily make them in the microwave. Here’s how:
1. Start by scrubbing your potatoes clean. Poke a few holes in them with a fork to allow steam to escape while cooking.
2. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until they are slightly softened.
3. Once cooked, wrap each potato in foil and place it back on the plate. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they are heated through.
4. Cut open the foil, top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Here’s everything you need to know about how to make a baked potato in the microwave, including some great recipes to try.
How To Prep Microwave Baked Potatoes
✅ The first step to any good baked potato is prepping it for cooking.
This means giving it a good wash under cool water. You don’t need to scrub the potatoes, just make sure they’re clean.
This will help them cook evenly and prevent dirt or bacteria from getting into your food.
✅ Once the potatoes are clean, dry them with a clean dish towel or paper towel.
✅ Then, using a sharp knife, pierce the potato’s skin several times. This will allow steam to escape while the potato is cooking and prevent it from exploding.
✅ If you’re short on time, you can skip ahead to microwaving the potatoes.
However, if you have a few minutes to spare, rub olive oil or vegetable all over the surface of the potatoes. This will give them delicious crispy skin once they’re cooked.
✅ If you’re feeling fancy, you can also sprinkle the potatoes with some salt, pepper, or any other herbs or spices you like.
How To Cook Microwave Baked Potatoes
Now that your potatoes are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to cook them.
✅ Start by placing the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate or baking sheet. If you’re cooking more than one potato, make sure they’re not touching each other.
✅ Microwave the potatoes on high for four to five minutes per potato.
✅ Once the time is up, carefully remove the plate from the microwave.
Use a fork to test if the potatoes are cooked; they should be soft all through with no hard spots remaining.
✅ If the potatoes aren’t quite done, put them back in the microwave and cook them in 30-second intervals until they’re fully cooked.
✅ Once the potatoes are cooked through, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
This will give the steam time to escape and prevent you from burning yourself when you bite into them. Enjoy!
There you have it, your very own microwave-baked potato! These are perfect for a quick, easy side dish or a light lunch.
Serve them with butter, sour cream, and chives, or get creative and top them with your favorite chili or cheese sauce. Enjoy!
📖 More Microwave Cooking Guides For You
Getting Crispy Skin on a Microwave Baked Potato
One of the best things about baked potatoes is their crispy skin.
Unfortunately, this can be a bit tricky to achieve in the microwave. The key is to make sure the potatoes are dry before cooking them.
1️⃣ First, make sure you thoroughly dry the potatoes after washing them.
If you have the time, dry the potatoes with a clean dish towel or paper towel after washing them. This will help the oil to adhere better to the surface of the potato.
2️⃣ Second, rub the potatoes with oil before cooking them. This will help to create a barrier between the potato and the foil, resulting in crispier skin.
3️⃣ Finally, cook the potatoes on high heat for the full allotted time (about four to five minutes per side).
This will ensure that they cook through completely and don’t end up being soggy. They will crisp up and brown on the outside.
If you’re looking for extra crispy skin, you can also try placing the potatoes under the broiler for a minute or two before serving. Just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
Once the potatoes are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and crispy microwave-baked potatoes!
Baked Potato Toppings
Now that you know how to make a perfect microwave-baked potato, it’s time to get creative with your toppings!
Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
🔸 Chili: Top your potato with some hearty chili and shredded cheese for a filling and satisfying meal.
🔸 Broccoli and Cheese: This classic combination is always a hit. Top your potato with some steamed broccoli and your favorite cheese sauce.
🔸 Loaded Baked Potato: Top your potato with sour cream, bacon, and chives for a delicious and indulgent treat.
🔸 Fajita Potato: Fill your potato with sautéed peppers and onions, grilled chicken, and shredded cheese for a Tex-Mex twist on the classic baked potato.
🔸 BBQ Chicken Potato: Top your potato with pulled chicken, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw for a fun and flavorful meal.
🔸 Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Potato: This gourmet potato is perfect for a sophisticated palate. Top your potato with sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, and fresh herbs for a truly unique flavor experience.
🔸 Cheese sauce: Top your potato with your favorite cheese sauce for a rich and creamy treat.
🔸 Salsa: Top your potato with some fresh salsa and sour cream for a flavorful and refreshing meal.
🔸 Vegan toppings: Top your potato with vegan chili, sour tofu cream, and nutritional yeast for a hearty and satisfying vegan meal.
No matter what toppings you choose, your microwave-baked potato is sure to be delicious! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy!
Now you know how to make a baked potato in the microwave, give it a try! These potatoes are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
💡 Did You Know?
You can also cook sweet potatoes in the microwave! Just follow the same instructions as regular baked potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and C. They’re also delicious when topped with brown sugar or cinnamon. Give it a try!
How Long To Cook A Baked Potato In The Microwave?
The cook time for a baked potato in the microwave will vary depending on the size of the potato.
- For a small potato, cook time should be around four minutes per side.
- For a medium potato, cook time should be approximately five minutes per side.
- For a large potato, cook time should be around six minutes per side.
Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re cooking more than one potato at a time.
Use your best judgment and keep an eye on the potatoes while cooking to ensure they don’t overcook or become soggy.
When Are Baked Potatoes Done?
✅ Baked potatoes are done when they’re tender all the way through and have reached an internal temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
✅ You can test this by piercing the potato with a fork or knife.
- If it slides in easily, the potato is done.
- If not, it needs to cook for a few minutes longer.
✅ You can also tell if a potato is done by its looks and feels.
- The skin should be crisp, and the flesh should be soft.
- If the skin is wrinkled or the potato feels mushy, it needs to cook for a few minutes longer.
The Nutritional Value Of A Microwaved Baked Potato
Regarding nutritional value, there is no difference between a microwaved baked potato and an oven-baked potato. Both methods of cooking result in a delicious and nutritious meal.
A baked potato is a healthy and filling food that can be easily made in the microwave.
One large potato contains:
- 110 calories
- 0 grams of fat
- 26 grams of carbohydrates
- 4 grams of protein
- 5 grams of fiber
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
Making a baked potato in the microwave is a quick and easy way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. So the next time you’re in a hurry, don’t forget to grab a potato!
Benefits of Health Of Microwaved Baked Potato
There are many benefits to eating baked potatoes.
✔️ They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, are low in calories, and can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
✔️ Baked potatoes are also a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help protect your cells from damage. They can also help reduce the risk of certain diseases like cancer.
💡 Eating a baked potato with the skin on it is the best way to get the most antioxidants.
The potato’s skin contains high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant. Vitamin C helps protect your cells from damage and helps reduce the risk of disease.
The potato’s flesh is also a good source of antioxidants, including carotenoids.
Carotenoids are compounds that give potatoes their orange or yellow color. They can also help protect your cells from damage and reduce disease risk.
✔️ In addition to being a good source of antioxidants, baked potatoes are also a good source of fiber.
Fiber is an important nutrient that helps keep you regular and helps promote a healthy digestive system. One large baked potato with the skin contains four grams of fiber.
✔️ Baked potatoes are also a good source of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in your body.
It also helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. One large baked potato with the skin contains 941 mg of potassium.
✔️ Eating a diet that includes baked potatoes can help you maintain a healthy weight.
This is because potatoes are a low-calorie food. One large baked potato with the skin on contains only 110 calories.
✔️ Baked potatoes are also a good source of resistant starch.
Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that is not easily broken down by the body. It acts like soluble fiber in the body and can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
The health benefits of baked potatoes make them a great addition to any diet. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, maintain weight, or improve overall health, adding baked potatoes to your diet is an intelligent choice.
Tips for the Best Microwave Baked Potatoes
Here are a few tips to help you make the best microwave-baked potatoes:
1. Start with clean potatoes. Be sure to wash your potatoes thoroughly before cooking. This will help remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on the surface of the potato.
2. Pierce the potatoes several times with a fork or knife. This will allow steam to escape and prevent the potato from exploding in the microwave.
3. Rub the potato with olive oil, butter, or coconut oil. This will help crisp up the skin and give the potato flavor.
4. Wrap the potatoes in paper towels or a clean dish towel. This will absorb any excess moisture and help prevent soggy potatoes.
5. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate or baking dish. Be sure to use a plate or dish that’s big enough to catch any drips or juices that may come out during cooking.
6. Cook the potato on high power for four to six minutes per side, depending on the size of the potato. Start checking for doneness at the four-minute mark and cook additional minute increments as needed.
7. Let the potato cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the steam to escape and prevent you from burning yourself on hot juices.
8. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip ahead to microwaving the potatoes. However, if you have a few minutes to spare, Rub olive oil or vegetable all over the surface of the potatoes. This will give them a delicious crispy skin once they’re cooked.
9. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle the potatoes with some salt, pepper, or other herbs or spices you like.
10. For extra fluffy potatoes, wrap them in foil before cooking. Be sure to poke holes in the foil so steam can escape.
11. If you want extra crispy skin on your potatoes, bake them in the oven for 10 minutes after microwaving.
Now that you know how to make a baked potato in the microwave, give it a try! These potatoes are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Microwave baked potatoes are a great base for all sorts of toppings. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!
Our favorites include sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives, and garlic.
How To Store Baked Potatoes
✔️ Baked potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil before storing them. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave until warm.
✔️ Baked potatoes can also be frozen for up to six months. Wrap them tightly in foil before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
💡 To reheat, place the potato on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until heated.
You can also microwave your baked potato for a quick and easy reheat. Just place the potato on a plate and microwave for one to two minutes, or until heated through.
Baked potatoes are a great option for meal prep! Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it all week long.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a hearty and satisfying meal, baked potatoes are the perfect solution.
With just a few minutes of cook time in the microwave, you can have a delicious and nutritious potato ready to enjoy.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a baked potato, give this method a try! You won’t be disappointed.
What to Serve With Baked Potatoes
There are so many delicious things you can serve with your baked potato.
Try topping it with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or even bacon bits. You could also try serving it alongside a nice green salad. Yum!
There are many delicious things you can serve with baked potatoes. Here are some ideas:
🔸 Butter and sour cream
🔸 Cheese and bacon
🔸 Chili
🔸 Broccoli and cheese sauce
🔸 Shrimp or seafood salad
🔸 Grilled chicken or steak
🔸 Tomato, avocado, and basil salad
Variations On The Classic Recipe
Now that you know the basics of how to make a baked potato in the microwave, try one of these delicious recipes:
✅ Loaded Baked Potato: Top your potato with shredded cheese, bacon, and green onions. Serve with sour cream on the side.
✅ Chili Cheese Potato: Top your potato with chili and shredded cheese. Serve with a side of ranch dressing or sour cream.
✅ Bruschetta Potato: Top your potato with tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
✅ Sweet Potato: Poke a few extra holes in your sweet potato before cooking. Once it’s done, top with cinnamon and sugar. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
No matter how you dress them up, baked potatoes are always a hit. So the next time you’re in a hurry, don’t forget that the microwave is your friend.
With just a few minutes of cook time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
#1 Baked Potato with Chili and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 baked potato
- 1/2 cup chili of your choice
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese of your choice
- Sour cream (optional)
- Green onions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Slice the baked potato open and top with chili and cheese.
3. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Remove from oven and top with sour cream and green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.
#2 Baked Potato with Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 baked potato
- 1/2 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup prepared cheese sauce of your choice
- Sour cream (optional)
- Bacon bits (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Slice the baked potato open and top with steamed broccoli and cheese sauce.
3. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese sauce is melted and bubbly.
4. Remove from oven and top with sour cream and bacon bits, if desired. Serve immediately.
#3 Baked Potato with Tomato, Avocado, and Basil Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 baked potato
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Slice the baked potato open.
2. Mix the diced tomatoes, avocado, and basil in a medium bowl. Toss with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon the salad onto the potato halves and serve immediately. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can you overcook a baked potato?
Yes, you can overcook a baked potato. If you cook it too long, the potato’s flesh will dry and mealy. The skin may also start to wrinkle and shrink.
To avoid overcooking, be sure to check on your potatoes regularly and remove them from the microwave when they are cooked through.
How to cut a baked potato like a restaurant?
The best way to cut a baked potato is to slice it in half lengthwise. Then, make two or three horizontal cuts across each potato half. Finally, fluff up the potato using a fork so that all slices are separated.
This method will give you nice, fluffy potato wedges that are perfect for dipping into sour cream or chili.
How long does it take to bake a potato?
It takes about 10 minutes to bake a potato in the microwave. But keep in mind that cook times may vary depending on the size and shape of your potato.
So be sure to check on your potato regularly and remove it from the microwave when it is cooked through.
Do you need to add water when microwaving potatoes?
No, you do not need to add water when microwaving potatoes. The potatoes will release moisture as they cook, which will help to keep them moist and fluffy on the inside.
What is the best way to microwave a potato?
There are many different ways to microwave a potato, but one of the easiest methods is to prick the potato several times with a fork and then place it in the microwave. Cook on high for 5-10 minutes, or until the potato is cooked through.
Another method is to wrap the potato in a damp paper towel before placing it in the microwave. This will help to keep the potato moist as it cooks.
As you can see, there are many ways to make a baked potato in the microwave. So get creative and experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your perfect potato recipe. Enjoy!
What is the best time of day to eat baked potatoes?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people prefer to eat baked potatoes for breakfast, while others like them for lunch or dinner. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide when you want to enjoy your delicious potato creation.
How do you microwave 2 jacket potatoes?
To microwave two jacket potatoes, simply place them in the microwave side by side and cook for the recommended time. If your potatoes are large, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Be sure to check on your potatoes regularly and remove them from the microwave when they are cooked through.
What is the nutritional value of a baked potato?
A baked potato is a nutritious food low in calories and fat. It is also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
One medium potato contains about 110 calories, 0 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein.
How long do you microwave 3 potatoes?
It takes about 15 minutes to cook three potatoes in the microwave. But keep in mind that cook times may vary depending on the size and shape of your potatoes.
So be sure to check on your potatoes regularly and remove them from the microwave when they are cooked through.
What is the best way to store leftover baked potatoes?
Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When you are ready to reheat, simply place the potato in the microwave and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
As you can see, there are many ways to make a baked potato in the microwave. So get creative and experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your perfect potato recipe. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a way to jazz up your dinner routine or just need a quick and easy side dish, learning how to make a baked potato in the microwave is sure to come in handy.
You can have a delicious and nutritious potato anytime with these simple instructions and recipes. So what are you waiting for? Start microwaving! How do you like to top your baked potatoes?
We hope you enjoyed this article on How To Make A Baked Potato In The Microwave. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
