Omar Khalid
Baked potatoes are a delicious, versatile meal that can be topped with anything from chilli to pulled pork to cheese and broccoli. However, they can take a long time to cook in the oven. If you're short on time, you can cook a perfectly fluffy and tender baked potato in the microwave in under 10 minutes. This simple hack will save you a lot of time in the kitchen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total cook time | Depends on the size of the potato and the wattage of the microwave |
| Average cook time | 10 minutes |
| Potato type | Russet potatoes are recommended, but any starchy potato can be used |
| Potato preparation | Scrub the potato, prick it with a fork, rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper |
| Potato wrapping | Wrapped in a damp paper towel |
| Microwave-safe dish | Yes |
| Microwave power | Full power |
| Potato toppings | Butter, Cheddar, sour cream, bacon, chives, nutmeg, parsley, mayo, Greek yogurt, blue cheese, feta, goat cheese, hot sauce, sriracha, avocado, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, paprika, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Potato preparation: scrub, prick, and pat dry
Preparing your potato is a crucial step in the microwaving process. First, scrub your potato under running water to clean it thoroughly. You can use a potato scrubber to do this. Next, use a fork to prick the potato several times on each side. This allows steam to escape while the potato is cooking. Aim for around four or five pricks on each side, or five to six pricks in total. Pricking the potato also helps to ensure it doesn't explode in the microwave. Finally, pat the potato dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
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Cooking time: 10 minutes, or 5 minutes each side
Cooking a baked potato in the microwave is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, fluffy, and tender potato in just 10 minutes or less.
First, scrub the potato under running water and pat it dry. Poke holes in the potato with a fork, piercing it four to six times on each side. This allows the steam to escape. You can rub the potato with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice.
Now it's time to microwave. Place the potato in a microwave-safe dish and cook it on full power for 5 minutes. Use tongs or a fork to flip the potato over, as it will be hot. Then, microwave it for another 5 minutes. If your potato is on the smaller side, you may want to reduce the cooking time to 3 to 4 minutes per side, with additional 1-minute bursts as needed.
After microwaving, let the potato cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle. Cut the potato lengthwise so that it opens and forms a natural bowl. You can add butter, cheese, sour cream, or any other toppings you like. Enjoy!
Please note that cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potato and the wattage of your microwave. Larger potatoes may need an extra minute or two. It's always a good idea to check your potato's progress by piercing it with a fork to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
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Potato toppings: butter, cheese, sour cream, chives
To make a delicious microwaved baked potato with toppings, start by scrubbing your potato under running water and patting it dry. Pierce the skin with a fork to allow steam to escape. You can brush the potato with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper, or just with salt on its own. Place the potato in a microwave-safe dish and cook for around 5 minutes. Flip the potato, then microwave for another 3-5 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your potato and the wattage of your microwave, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Once your potato is cooked, let it cool until it's safe to handle. Cut it lengthwise and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then mash the inside with a fork. Now it's time for the toppings! Classic baked potato toppings include butter, cheese, sour cream, and chives. You can also add bacon crumbles or fresh herbs like parsley or scallions. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favourite.
If you're making a loaded baked potato, start by baking the potato as described above. Then, slice it in half and use a fork to break apart the potato. Add butter, salt, and pepper, then mix. Top with cheese, sour cream, chives, and any other desired toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
You can also try making twice-baked potatoes with sour cream and chives. First, bake the potatoes as usual. Then, carefully remove the top 1/4 section of each potato and scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Mash the potatoes and beat in sour cream, butter, chives, pepper, and salt until smooth. Stir in shredded cheese, then spoon the mixture back into the potato skins. Bake at 375 F for about 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. These potatoes can also be made in advance and frozen for up to three months.
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Potato types: russet, red, yellow
Russet potatoes are large starchy potatoes with thick skin that crisps up nicely in the microwave or oven. They are often used to make silky mashed potatoes, gnocchi, or baked and fried dishes. Russets are also more consistent in texture and taste than other potatoes.
Red potatoes are waxy and smaller to medium in size, with smooth red skin. They are high in moisture, which keeps them firm during the cooking process. Their thin skin requires little to no preparation, and they add an appealing colour and an earthy flavour to a dish. Red potatoes are best grilled, steamed, roasted, or stewed, and they work great in potato salads.
Yellow potatoes are also waxy and can be anywhere from the size of a marble to a baseball. Their light tan to golden skin and rich, buttery flavour give them a savoury taste when baked, roasted, or mashed. When grilled, their skin caramelises, giving them a delightful crunch. Yellow potatoes are often used to make mashed potatoes.
When microwaving a baked potato, it is important to first scrub the potato under running water, prick it with a fork, and place it on a microwave-safe plate. The cooking time depends on the size of the potato and the wattage of the microwave. For a single potato, microwave for about 5 minutes on each side, and for multiple potatoes, microwave for 5 minutes, flip, and then microwave for another 5 minutes.
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Potato doneness: squeeze to test, soft is done
When cooking a potato in the microwave, it is essential to know when it is done to achieve the perfect level of doneness. While visual cues, time estimation, and other tips are helpful, the "squeeze to test, soft is done" method is a simple and effective way to determine potato doneness.
The "squeeze to test" method is a straightforward technique that anyone can use. First, remove the potato from the microwave using tongs or oven mitts, as it will be hot. Then, hold the potato firmly and give it a gentle squeeze. The potato is done when it feels soft to the touch and yields to gentle pressure. If it still feels firm or hard, it needs more cooking time.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potato and the wattage of your microwave. For larger potatoes, increase the cooking time by a minute or two. Additionally, ensure that you prick the potato with a fork several times before microwaving to allow steam to escape. This technique works well with Russet potatoes, which have thick skin that crisps up nicely and starchy insides for a fluffy texture.
The "squeeze to test, soft is done" method is a quick and easy way to determine potato doneness. It is a valuable tool for cooks of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned home chefs, to ensure perfectly cooked, tender, and fluffy potatoes every time.
While the "squeeze to test" method is simple and effective, there are other ways to test potato doneness without poking or squeezing. One method involves using a sharp knife. Stab the potato about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through, aligning with the longest axis of the potato. Lift the knife and shake gently. If the potato easily slides off the knife, it is done. If it requires force to remove the potato from the knife, it needs more cooking time. This technique minimizes damage to the potato and helps maintain its shape.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to microwave a potato in plastic. However, you can bake a potato in the microwave by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and microwaving it on high for 3 minutes. Then, using an oven mitt, squeeze the potato to test for doneness. If it is soft, it is done. If not, microwave for another 2 minutes and check again.
As mentioned, it is not recommended to microwave a potato in plastic. Russet potatoes are a good variety to use for microwaving as they have thick skin that crisps up nicely and starchy insides that result in a fluffy filling.
It is not recommended to microwave a potato in plastic. You can microwave a potato on high for 3 minutes, and then in 2-minute increments until it is soft.
It is not recommended to microwave a potato in plastic. To check if your potato is done, use an oven mitt to squeeze the potato. If it gives, it is done. If it is still firm, continue microwaving in 2-minute increments until soft.
