Microwave Baked Potato Recipe

If you're in a rush and don’t want to wait an hour for an oven-baked potato, this recipe is the answer! In just over 10 minutes, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked baked potato in the microwave. It might sound unbelievable, but trust us—this recipe lives up to the hype and is just as tasty as it promises.

Step-by-Step Guide to Microwave Baked Potatoes

Microwaving baked potatoes is a breeze! Here's a quick preview of the process, and you can find the full recipe below:

Prep the Potato

Rinse your potato under running water, poke it a few times with a fork, and set it on a microwave-safe plate.

Microwave and Slice

Microwave the potato for about 5 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 5 minutes. Allow it to cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle. Slice the potato lengthwise to create a natural bowl shape.

Add Your Favorite Toppings

Season with salt and pepper, then mash the inside with a fork. Add butter and Cheddar cheese, then return it to the microwave to melt the cheese. Finish with sour cream and any other toppings you like.

Microwave Time for Baked Potatoes

This 10-minute method usually yields a perfectly cooked potato—5 minutes on one side, then 5 on the other. Since microwave power can vary, you may need to adjust the timing slightly depending on your microwave's strength.

Best Potatoes for Baking

For the best microwave baked potato, we recommend using a russet potato. Its thick skin crisps up beautifully in the microwave, while the starchy flesh creates a light, fluffy interior that's perfect for baking.

That said, any starchy potato you have on hand will work for this recipe.

Topping Ideas for Your Baked Potato

Traditional toppings for baked potatoes include sour cream, Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh chives. But feel free to get creative! Top your potato with chili and melted cheese for a comforting twist, pulled pork and barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor, or pico de gallo and black beans for a zesty, Mexican-inspired dish.

Perfect Pairings for Baked Potatoes

These microwave baked potatoes can be a meal on their own. Just add your favorite toppings and you're set! If you want to make it a more complete meal, consider serving it with a Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. Alternatively, many enjoy serving baked potatoes as a side dish alongside hearty meat dishes. For some delicious pairing ideas, try these options:

Cast Iron Pan-Seared Steak (Finished in the Oven)
Chef John's Salisbury Steak
Garlic-Infused Chicken
Simple, No-Fuss Baked Salmon
Marinated Pork Chops

Community Tips and Praise from Dinogo

VIOLETSIVA shares: "This was amazing! One helpful tip – if you want your potatoes to come out extra fluffy and avoid dryness, try wrapping them in plastic wrap before microwaving. The skin won't crisp up, but the inside will come out just like it does in the oven."

"Yum!" says ecphan. "This recipe is fantastic! I've been searching for an easy microwave baked potato recipe (since I’m too lazy to bake them in the oven). It's absolutely delicious. I’ve never tried adding cheese to a baked potato before... I’ve been missing out! It really takes the flavor to the next level."

"This was amazing!" exclaims newtshe. "I used olive oil and oregano to season the potato. A fellow reviewer suggested adding a little water to the plate to prevent drying out, and it worked wonders. I’ll definitely be making another one tomorrow."

Editorial by Corey Williams

Ingredients List

• 1 large russet potato

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon sour cream

Instructions

Collect all necessary ingredients.

Rinse the potato and pierce it with a fork. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 5 minutes. Flip the potato and cook for another 5 minutes or until it’s soft throughout.

Take the potato out of the microwave and cut it in half lengthwise. Season with salt and pepper, then use a fork to gently mash the inside.

Top with butter and Cheddar cheese, then microwave for another minute until the cheese has melted.

Add a dollop of sour cream on top, and it’s ready to serve.

Helpful Tip

Nutritional Information (per serving)