microwave baked potatoes recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best microwave baked potatoes recipe

I love baked potatoes, and I’m not alone in my family. My kids can’t get enough of them, and they’re always a hit at family gatherings.

There’s something about the combination of the fluffy potato interior and the crispy exterior that just works. I’ve tried making them in the oven, but I have to say, microwaving them is a game-changer.

It’s so much faster and easier than traditional baking, and the results are just as delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to make individual servings for everyone in the family.

We often have baked potatoes with cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits, but you can top them with whatever you like. My kids love them with butter and chives, while my husband prefers them with chili and cheese.

The best part is that you can customize them to suit your taste preferences. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will be a hit with your family too.

I’ve even started using it for quick weeknight meals when I’m short on time. Simply poke some holes in a potato with a fork, cook it in the microwave for 3-4 minutes on each side, and you’ll have a perfectly cooked potato every time.

Microwave Baked Potatoes

4.6 from 1487 votes

This recipe delivers a perfectly cooked baked potato in a fraction of the time of a traditional oven. The microwave softens the interior while the final oven step creates a crispy skin.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time17 mins
Servings: 2Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Potatoes

2 medium russet potatoes (about 8 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2Pierce each potato 6 to 8 times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
3Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high power for 5 minutes.
4Flip the potatoes over and continue microwaving on high for another 4 to 6 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
5If you prefer a crispy skin, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 425°F (220°C).
6Brush the microwaved potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7Place the oiled potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
8Remove from the oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then split open and serve with your favorite toppings.

🔧Equipment

Microwave-safe plate
Fork
Paper towels
Pastry brush (optional)
Oven or toaster oven (optional for crispy skin)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 590mg🌾Total Carbs: 37g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For even cooking, choose potatoes of similar size. If you skip the oven step, the skin will be soft but still edible. Adjust microwave time based on your microwave wattage.

Watch Video Of How Microwave Baked Potatoes Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or an entertaining gathering with friends and family. My kids love helping me make these because they get to decide how they want their potatoes topped – it’s fun for everyone involved!

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile; you can add cheese, sour cream, bacon bits… whatever suits your fancy!

And since they’re so easy to make (just 3-4 minutes per side), we can have baked potatoes whenever we want without feeling like we’re slacking off too much.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Microwave Baked Potatoes

Q: What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of potato you like, but Russet or Idaho work particularly well due to their high starch content which makes them light and fluffy inside.

Q: How do I ensure my potatoes don’t become too hard or rubbery?

A: To prevent this from happening, make sure to poke some holes in the potato before cooking it using a fork – this allows steam to escape while it cooks which helps maintain its texture.

Q: Can I cook multiple potatoes at once?

A: Yes! Simply place all the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate or dish, cook them one at a time if necessary or all together depending on how much space you have available in your microwave – just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly due to differences in size.

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