No more baking potatoes for an hour or more in the oven! Your microwave can get the job done in a matter of minutes.
According to Potatoes USA, 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 in a fraction of the time. 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 rolls around, most of us have been busy working and tackling other tasks all day. Anything that can help speed up the dinner process is a welcome relief. Plus, quick baked potatoes can be cooked anywhere—even at the office—and any leftovers 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.
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.
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 Juicy London Broil.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives or fresh herbs hot sauce, avocado, salsa, paprika, or butter
Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes clean under running water. Using a fork, poke each potato 5 to 6 times to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high. Adjust the cooking time based on the number of potatoes: 5 to 6 minutes for one, 10 to 11 minutes for two, or 15 to 16 minutes for four. Use a towel or oven mitt to check if they're soft enough.
- Carefully remove the potatoes from the microwave, make a slit on top, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite healthy toppings. DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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