If you are looking for a quick side dish recipe, try microwave baked potatoes. This is an easy and super tasty dish that is a perfect base for any family dinner. The main advantage of a baked potato recipe is the time it takes to prepare. You will only spend 12 minutes in the kitchen.
Microwave Baked Potatoes are a game-changer when it comes to quick and satisfying side dishes. In just 12 minutes, you can elevate a humble potato into a canvas for culinary creativity. The simplicity of this recipe is a testament to the beauty of minimalism in cooking, allowing the natural flavors and textures to shine through.
What is Microwave Baked Potato?
Microwave baked potato is a quick dish that you can prepare at any time with minimal effort. In just a few minutes, you can have a perfectly cooked potato that’s soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. With a few easy steps and a microwave, you’ll have a delicious baked potato. You can serve it with different toppings: butter, cheese, bacon, and others.
How to Make a Baked Potato In the Microwave?
Let’s take a look at the main steps of the microwave baked potato recipe:
Prep Potato
Scrub the potato thoroughly under running water. Then pierce it several times with a fork to create small holes to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Cook and Cut
Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 5 minutes. Then flip the potato over and microwave for an additional 5 minutes. When cooked, carefully remove the potato from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes. Then slice it to open.
Finish With Toppings
Sprinkle the potato with salt and pepper and mash the inside with a fork. Add your toppings, such as butter and cheddar, and microwave the potato to melt the cheese. Top with sour cream and enjoy!
How Long to Microwave Baked Potatoes
The cooking duration for a microwave baked potato can vary depending on the microwave’s wattage and the size of the potato. An approximate cooking time is 5 minutes on one side and 5 minutes on the other. However, it is better to check if the potato is cooked through with a fork or a knife; it should be soft inside.
Best Potatoes for Baked Potatoes
Let’s find out which potato is best for a microwave potato recipe. You can get russet potatoes. They are a perfect option for this recipe because they have a thick skin that crisps up in the microwave. They also have a very starchy inside for a perfectly fluffy filling. However, if you do not have russets at home, you can use starchy potatoes.
Baked Potato Toppings
Go easy when finish the potato. Exercise creativity when selecting toppings for your microwave baked potato. You can enhance your dish with:
- Cheese;
- Sour cream;
- Butter;
- Bacon;
- Fresh chive;
- Pulled pork.
What to Serve With Baked Potatoes
Microwave baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and can serve as both a standalone meal and a delightful side dish. They pair wonderfully with various accompaniments, such as grilled or roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, grilled chicken, coleslaw, and various other side dishes. Its adaptability allows you to create a complete and satisfying meal around the baked potato or use it to complement other dishes on the table.
An interesting dish that can be served as a good side dish for a light main course of lean fish or seafood. However, it can also be a full-fledged vegetarian lunch because, thanks to the cheese, this dish contains a decent amount of protein per serving. Cooking potatoes in the microwave has several advantages: it not only saves your time but also preserves the maximum of its beneficial properties (unlike long baking in the oven at high temperatures) and does not produce glycation products (unlike frying in a pan with oil). Therefore, I definitely recommend this dish for your healthy diet. However, I do not advise pairing this potato with heavy meat dishes (such as steaks or sausages), and I also urge caution in using such a recipe for those prone to high cholesterol.
1. Gather all necessary ingredients.
2. Scrub the potato and prick it with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate.
3. Microwave on full power for 5 minutes. Turn the potato over, and microwave until soft, about 5 more minutes.
4. Remove the potato from the microwave, and cut it in half lengthwise. Season with salt and pepper, and mash up the inside a little with a fork.
5. Add butter and Cheddar cheese. Microwave until melted, about 1 more minute.
6. Top with sour cream, and serve.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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For an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the potato skin with a light coat of olive oil before microwaving. This not only enhances the crispiness of the skin but also adds a subtle richness to the overall taste. Don't forget to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the exterior for that perfect touch of seasoning. Microwave Baked Potatoes are not just a time-saver but also a versatile base for an array of toppings. Experiment with a combination of classic choices like butter and cheddar or explore bolder options like pulled pork or fresh chives. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, so let your taste buds guide you to create a personalized masterpiece with every microwave-friendly bite. Enjoy the journey of culinary exploration with this quick and delicious recipe!
