A microwave-baked potato you can make in a matter of minutes, complete with all of your favorite toppings. This method is so easy, producing a perfect fluffy potato every time. Plus, it only takes 7 minutes to make.
If you're looking to make a meal out of it, serve your potato alongside some baked chicken thighs or BBQ Meatloaf!
Check out these ideas for what to serve with baked potatoes for more recipes. Enjoy!
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The traditional method of making baked potatoes 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.
The fastest method is the microwave; alternatively, you can use the air fryer.
These potatoes are always cooked evenly all the way through, and to be honest with you, I don't know that I could tell the difference from those baked in the oven. Just try it; you'll never make them any other way!
🥘 Ingredients
There's not much to a microwaved potato. The toppings are where you can really get creative.
- Russet Potato - 1 medium-sized russet potato. Rinse it off, and scrub it with a potato brush or something similar if you have it available.
- Butter (optional) - 1 tablespoon of butter. 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 free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!
🥔 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 oftentimes, 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 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 works 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.
🔪 How To Make Microwave Baked Potatoes
The power of your microwave and the 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.
All you need is your microwave, silicone tongs, and a knife.
This recipe is for one single baked potato.
Step 1: Prep your potato. To begin, rinse and clean 1 russet 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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 it with butter, salt, pepper, or your favorite toppings.
You can use whatever toppings you like, so it's easy to switch it up week after week. See my baked potato bar post for more ideas.
💭 Angela's Pro 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.
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🥡 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
The best way to reheat a potato is by placing it on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can microwave for 2-3 minutes but it may make the potato a bit dry.
Learn more about how to reheat baked potatoes here!
❓ Recipe FAQs
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!
The exact time necessary to cook your potato will depend on a couple of factors, like the wattage of your microwave and the size of your potato. Obviously, a large potato will take longer to cook than a smaller one. In general, 7-8 minutes should be enough time to cook most standard-sized potatoes.
😋 More Easy Side Dishes
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad - Simple chicken salad that is made using rotisserie chicken.
- Jasmine Rice - Perfectly fluffy Jasmine rice that is made in your pressure cooker.
- Succotash - A delicious combination of vegetables, bacon, and butter beans.
- Cucumber Vinegar Salad - Cucumber, dill, tomatoes, and onions make this a tasty and refreshing salad.
- Instant Pot Collard Greens - Making collard greens is a snap when using your Instant Pot.
- Cream Cheese Pasta - A quick pasta dinner that can be enjoyed as-is or alongside your favorite proteins.
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📖 Recipe Card
Microwave Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 1 medium russet potato (medium to large baking potato)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- each, salt & pepper (to taste)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Prepare your 1 medium russet potato by cleaning it thoroughly to remove debris, then pierce it 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.
- 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 1 tablespoon butter, and to taste each, salt & pepper.
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.
Anonymous says
This recipe worked like a charm! The microwave timing was perfect for my potato, which I then smothered in butter and sour cream...yum!!!