A microwave baked potato you can make in a matter of minutes, complete with all of your favorite toppings! Done in less than 4 minutes. This method is so easy, and it produces a perfectly fluffy potato every time!
Easy Microwaved Baked Potato Recipe
The traditional method of making a baked potato involves baking them in the oven at a low temperature for upwards of an hour. I don't know about you, but when I'm hungry the last thing I want to do is wait around.
This method of "baking" your potato in the microwave truly produces impeccable results, every time, in a fraction of the time they take in the oven!
These potatoes are always cooked evenly all the way through, and to be honest with you, I don't know that I could tell a difference from those baked in the oven. Just give it a try, you'll never make them any other way!
Have a delicious, filling side dish in a matter of minutes with a microwaved baked potato!
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❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe!
It's Quick! This method only takes 10-15 minutes! Even adding more potatoes doesn't change the time by much!
It's Customizable! You can use whatever toppings you like, so it's easy to switch it up week after week! Check out my baked potato bar for more ideas!
It's So Easy! You practically can't mess this up!
🥘 Ingredients
There's not much to a microwaved potato. The toppings are where you can really get creative!
- 1 medium Russet Potato - Rinse it off, and scrub it with a potato brush or something similar if you have it available.
- 1 tablespoon Butter (optional) - I highly recommend a pat of butter as a topping, at the bare minimum. Salted is my preference.
- Salt & Pepper - To taste. You'd be surprised how good a potato can be with some light, simple seasoning.
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*
🥔 Baked Potato Toppings
Baked potatoes are so versatile, the options for toppings are endless! Here are a few of my favorite baked potato toppings and combinations:
Classic - Classics are classic for a reason. Standard toppings usually include butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and often times, crumbled bacon and chives.
Cheese - Of course some good old fashioned cheddar cheese is always good, but you can dabble with different cheeses as well! Gouda cheese is a personal favorite!
Veggies - Load your potato with some sauteed veggies. A veggie spud is always filling and nutritious! Try sauteed mushrooms & onions.
Mexican - Add some Pico de Gallo, corn, and black beans. You can even throw in a little guacamole, salsa, or sour cream!
Broccoli & Cheese - Top your potato with some tender steamed broccoli and ooey, gooey cheese sauce!
BBQ Brisket - Toss some brisket in your favorite BBQ sauce and add a hefty mound right on top of your potato. I like to throw in some sauteed onions for good measure.
Chicken - Cut up & diced leftover chicken work really well with a potato. Try my split chicken breast or rotisserie chicken.
Chili - Talk about filling! A chili baked potato is an indulgent masterpiece. Don't forget some cheese and sour cream!
🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
The power of your microwave and size of your potato can affect cooking times. If using cheese or butter, add it while your potato is still hot, but be careful not to burn yourself!
- Prep your potato. To begin, rinse and clean your potato thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris. Then, pierce all sides of the potato with the tines of a fork. Set the prepared potato in the center of your microwave. *If cooking more than one potato, make sure that they are placed with space between for even cooking.
- Cook. Microwave your potato for 3-4 minutes on one side before flipping over and microwaving it for another 3-4 minutes on the opposite side. *Note that you need to add an additional minute for each side of cooking per additional potato.
- Check your potato. Use a knife to cut into your potato and check its doneness. It should feel light and fluffy, but not mushy or hard. If done, let the potato cool in the microwave for 1 minute before serving with butter, salt, and pepper, or your favorite toppings.
A large potato can often be a meal on its own! If you're looking to make a meal out of it, serve your potato alongside some baked chicken thighs or BBQ Meatloaf!
💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes
- Use the potato setting. If your microwave has a 'potato' setting, prepare your potato as instructed then place it in your microwave and select the potato option. It usually will cook a potato for anywhere between 5-7 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side, then check the level of doneness.
- Don't burn yourself! Use tongs or an oven mitt to prevent burning your hands while flipping or handling the hot potato.
- Large potatoes need more time. I always start any large bakers at 5 minutes per side and go from there.
🥡 Storing & Reheating
Once cooled, baked potatoes may be wrapped in foil and placed in a container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing whole baked potatoes often ruins their texture and is not recommended.
Reheating Baked Potatoes
The best way to reheat a baked potato is by placing it on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can microwave the potato again for 2-3 minutes but it may make the potato a bit dry.
😋 More Easy Side Dishes!
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Jasmine Rice
- Succotash
- Cucumber Vinegar Salad
- Instant Pot Collard Greens
- Cream Cheese Pasta
❓ FAQ
If you like to enjoy every last bit of your potato and the skin is getting too dehydrated in the microwave, try wrapping it in a wet paper towel! A wet paper towel will keep the skin nice and moist as the inside of the potato cooks.
Puncturing the potato is necessary so that the steam can escape without the potato exploding. Always puncture a potato in multiple places before putting it in the microwave!
📋 Recipe
Microwave Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 1 medium russet potato (medium to large baking potato)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- each, salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare your potato by cleaning it thoroughly to remove debris, then pierce the potato on all sides using a fork. Set the prepared potato in the middle of your microwave. *If cooking more than one potato, make sure that they are placed with space between for even cooking.1 medium russet potato
- Cook your potato for 3-4 minutes on high power, then flip and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. *Note that you need to add an additional minute for each side of cooking per additional potato.
- Check your potato by using a knife to pierce the potato. A well-cooked potato should feel tender, not too firm, and not mushy either. If done, allow your baked potato to set in the microwave for 1 minute before serving with butter, salt, and pepper.1 tablespoon butter, each, salt & pepper
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- Some microwaves have a 'potato' setting. Prepare your potato as instructed then place it in your microwave and select the potato option. It will heat the potato for anywhere between 5-7 minutes. Flip and repeat, then check the level of doneness of your baked potato.
- Use tongs or an oven mitt to prevent burning your hands while handling the hot potato.
- I usually start any large bakers at 5 minutes on high.
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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