Quick Baked Potatoes

No more baking potatoes for an hour or more in the oven! Your microwave can get the job done in a matter of minutes.

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According to Potato Business, 41% of Americans prefer baking their potatoes over any other cooking method. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. A baked potato is so much more than potatoes wrapped in skin. You can top them with literally anything and make a hearty meal. They suit nearly every diet, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

This quick baked potato recipe uses the microwave to get the job done. That means no more waiting an hour or more to eat your baked potato. That can be a downside of this healthy dish—remembering to put the potatoes in the oven on time. Using the microwave method, you can free up the oven and not worry about planning so far ahead.

If you prefer a soft baked potato, you will enjoy quick baked potatoes. The microwave does a great job of cooking the potatoes thoroughly, making them fluffy and hot. And the best part is how quick it is. By the time dinner time comes around, most of us have been busy working and doing other things all day. Anything that can help speed up the process for dinner is helpful. Plus, quick baked potatoes can be cooked anywhere—even in the office—or any left over can be quickly reheated.

When it’s time to dig in, your potatoes will taste like whatever you top them with. The choices are endless, and even just a little salt and pepper is delicious when the potato is cooked correctly.

Are Quick baked Potatoes Healthy?

Baked potatoes are a great option for many diets! They are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and they are perfect for those avoiding meat. Potatoes are loaded with potassium, a necessary nutrient to maintain a healthy heart, nerves, and muscles. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that keeps your body’s tissues healthy and your immune system strong.

If you are on a low-carb diet, a baked potato may not be the best option since they are a starchy veggie full of carbs. Still, if you are allowed some carbs, choose a smaller russet potato and pair it with a protein to create a filling meal, such as baked cod, or a protein-packed salad like chickpea avocado salad.

Why russet potatoes are best

There are all kinds of potatoes available, so why choose russets when baking potatoes? The russet potato seems like it was born to be a baking potato. It has a nice meaty inside and tough, thick skin that can handle being baked and still stay in one piece. If you try baking other potatoes, such as red potatoes, you might end up with overdone potatoes that are mushy inside. Plus, there will be little to no skin left. The russet turns out perfectly and is your best option. There are many ways to cook potatoes and a time to use different varieties, but for baking, stick with the russet.

INGREDIENTS

1-4 medium russet potatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: butter, Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives or fresh herbs, hot sauce, avocado, salsa, paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Scrub and poke the potatoes, then place them on a microwave-safe plate.

Microwave

Cook the potatoes on high, adjusting the time based on quantity. Check for doneness and continue if needed.

Serve

Open the potatoes, fluff the inside, add toppings, and enjoy!

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Bake the potatoes as directed and allow them to cool, then place the baked potatoes in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I get a crispy potato skin in the microwave?

The microwave method doesn’t always work well if you prefer crispy potato skin; however, there is a little trick to help. After rinsing the potatoes, roll them in a little sea salt. The salt will help crisp up the skin as it cooks.

My potatoes aren’t cooking evenly

Microwaves are infamous for causing hot spots in foods and leaving some areas overdone while others are underdone. To prevent this from happening, pause the microwave halfway through the cooking process and flip the potatoes over so they cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Baked potatoes are fabulous for lunch or a quick dinner. They are low-calorie and filling, making them a healthy option as a meal or a side dish. Top your baked potato with microwaved bacon and shredded cheese, or keep it meatless and dairy-free with spices and chives.

Baked potatoes are perfect alongside oven-roasted vegetables or a tender London broil. For a simple dinner or lunch, enjoy a baked potato with any type of healthy muffin, such as apple cinnamon or oatmeal chocolate chip.