Fluffy, hot, soft and perfect! Tender and cooked through Every single time! Here's How to Microwave a Baked Potato Recipe in Minutes.
Perfect Baked Potato
This easy side dish made with the humble baked potato is the best way to deliver perfect hot potato s every single time!
Makes a great quick side dish, a baked potato bar, twice baked potatoes or simply russet potatoes with your favorite toppings like green onions, bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, cheese or a pat of butter.
A terrific way to stretch your food dollar for sure!
Why This Recipe Works
- Fast
- Easy
- Cheap
- Makes a PERFECT Microwave Baked Potato Every Single Time!
Here’s How It’s Done
STEP 1.
Wash the potato and poke holes in the sides with a fork or sharp knife 3-4 times per side.
STEP 2.
Wrap in a damp paper towel (you can also use plastic wrap)and Microwave for 3-4 Minutes on one side, flip it over and then do another 3 minutes and then allow to rest for 1-2 minutes. *** Cooking times may vary based on the wattage of your microwave or potato size***
STEP 3.
Give the sides of the potato a little squeeze and poke with a fork. If the sides give easily and the fork slides in without resistance, then it is ready to eat! If it still feels hard at all, microwave in 1 minute intervals until soft.
What Goes With a Baked Potato?
Everyone loves a large potato with a perfectly marinated pork chop. How about trying some broccoli on the side? We all love a great glass of iced tea!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How To Microwave A Baked Potato?
- Wash potato, poke holes 3-4 times per side with fork.
- Microwave potato for 4 minutes, turn it over, microwave for another 3 minutes.
- Allow potato to rest in microwave 1 minute, using towel over your hand, squeeze potato, poke with fork, if it is soft and gives easily, it is done. If not, then microwave in 1 minute bursts till soft. Remove with oven mitts!
PRO TIP: *** Cook Time may vary based on the wattage of your microwave***
Is It Safe to Microwave a Potato?
Yes! Absolutely it is safe to microwave a potato! First poke the holes in the side to allow steam escape. Use a microwave-safe plate
What Else Can I Do With Baked Potatoes?
We LOVE to make baked potato casserole at our house! We also love to chop up the leftover baked potato very small and make hash browns! So simple and easy!
What Kind Of Potato Do I Use for Microwave Baked Potato?
Use any type of potato, most people prefer a Russet Potato (also known as the Idaho Potato). The red potatoes and yellow potatoes have a waxy consistency, but you might like that better!
How Many Potatoes Can I Microwave At Once?
You can microwave as many potatoes as your microwave will hold in a single layer on the microwave disk. However, YOU WILL have to increase the cooking time. If you are making a number of microwaved baked potato s, it will be easier if you use the oven instead.
What Size Potato Do I Microwave?
For a baked potato, you’ll want single larger potatoes that is about ½ pound. You’ll find them in the grocery store listed as baking potatoes. Go for the ones that are 4-5 inches long. That’s about right size of your potato for dinner with other items on the plate.
How to Get a Crispy Skin on a Microwave Baked Potato?
To get a crispy potato skins on a microwave baked potato, after microwaving the baked potato, rub the baked potato with butter, olive oil or paint melted butter on the skin with a kitchen brush. Place potato under the broiler set at “Hi” for 3-5 minutes. This will make a delightful crispy skin.
Should I Microwave My Potato Wrapped in Foil?
NO! Don’t do that! You’ll have a real fireworks show on your hands, a veritable potato explosion. Save the foil for the oven and do not use it in the microwave.
Do I HAVE to wrap the potato in a paper towel first?
No, you don’t have to and your potato will still be cooked. The damp paper towel helps to keep the potato from drying out and to steam the skin slightly.
Do I Peel a Potato Before Baking It In the Microwave?
No. The skin of the potato makes a perfect wrapper to keep the insides moist and fluffy. Leave the skin on.
Can I Freeze a Baked Potato?
Yes, you can freeze baked potatoes. But honestly, they keep so long fresh and then are so easy to bake in the microwave, you might not want to take up valuable freeze space with frozen baked potatoes.
Can I Pressure Cook a Potato?
Sure can! Check out my article about pressure cooking baked potatoes!
How Long Is a Cooked Baked Potato Good For?
Your cooked baked potato is good for about 5 days if kept in the refrigerator.
What Kind Of Potato Toppings For the Best Baked Potatoes?
Many!
- Sour Cream
- Butter
- Chives
- Garlic Salt
- Bacon
- Onion Salt
- Cheese (all kinds).
- Broccoli
- Onions
- Peppers
- Veggies
- Mexi-melt cheese.
- Alfredo Sauce
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
- Kosher Salt
- Chili
- Broccoli Soup!
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pizza toppings
And LOTS of others.
Tips and Tricks for How to Microwave a Baked Potato
- Use a 4-5 inch long Traditional Russet Potato.
- Wash the skin well to remove the dirt. Potatoes tend to be dirty.
- Always turn the potato half way through cooking, otherwise, the bottom will be hard and the top soft.
- You’ll be able to tell if the potato is done if you give it a little squeeze and the sides give easily.
- The best toppings for a baked potato are MANY! Try things and see what you like!
- If you want to learn more than you ever wanted to know about potatoes, here is a great resource!
Watch Sarah Microwave a Baked Potato
Can Ya'll Help Me Out?
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How to Microwave a Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 1 4-5 inch long Russet (Idaho or Baking Potato) about ½ - 1 lb
- 4 Tbs Water
Instructions
- Wash the potato well to remove any dirt and debris.
- Using a fork, poke holes in the potato with the fork tines 3-4 times on one side and then again on the other side.
- Wet the paper towel with the water and squeeze out any extra water. Wrap the damp paper towel around the potato.
- Place the potato in the microwave and heat for 4 minutes. Turn the potato and heat again for 3 minutes. Allow hot potato to sit in the microwave for 1 minute and rest.
- With a towel between your hand and the potato, give the potato a squeeze. If the sides give easily then the potato is done. If the potato remains hard to the squeeze, microwave in 1 minute bursts until the potato gives easily.
Notes
- Remember that all microwaves are not created equal and yours may take longer or fewer minutes to cook the potato.
- Baking potatoes come in all sizes. If yours is smaller than 4 inches or more than 5 inches you’ll need to adjust the baking time as LESS for smaller and MORE for bigger.
- You can easily bake several potatoes at the same time using this method. Use the chart in this post to help you decide how long to set your microwave.
- If you would like a crispy skin, heat the broiler on your oven, paint the potato skin with melted butter and brush on the potato. Broil at high for 3-5 minutes until skin is crispy.
- Top your potato with any number of yummy toppings, but start with butter, salt and pepper.
Nutrition
A VERSE TO SHARE
Demonstrating the fruits of the spirit can be a challenge. That's why God calls us to it.
Matthew 5: 38-39
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
Lisa Curtis says
Thank you for sharing!! I searched and reviewed quite a few before I found your post as no one else provided full details. I was so delighted when I discovered your post, including detailed information about how the microwave actually works!!! I appreciate your style of writing and your kind personality!!!! Thank You and God Bless You, Lisa
Wendi Spraker says
I'm glad it worked out perfectly for you!
Monica Martin says
I had 2 large baking potatoes. I put holes on the sides on both and wrapped in a damp towel. I microwaved 8 minutes and turned upside down and 5 more minutes. Let rest a couple minutes and done! Absolutely fantastic and easier than plastic wrap. Thank you!
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Monica, I'm glad you enjoyed your potatoes. As long as you don't have MONSTER potatoes, these times work really great. Those MONSTER potatoes can be a trick. lol.
Amanda says
I followed these instructions but I used my little pampered chef steam bowl. I added some water in the bottom, poked holes in the potato then did what you suggested. My potato came out perfect! Thank you!
Wendi Spraker says
That's fantastic Amanda! Thanks for letting me know!
Wendi Spraker says
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Linda says
Never heard of paper towels truck will try it
Wendi Spraker says
OK. I'm glad your gonna give it a go.