A microwave-baked potato can be a great alternative if you are on a time crunch or don't own an oven. While you will sacrifice crispy skin in the oven, it can also save you 30 minutes or more.
Despite the negative reputation of the microwave in the cooking world, it can be used to cook potatoes.
You can get the same texture, flavor, and texture from a microwave potato as from an oven-baked potato. However, it is important to be aware of some things. Here are experts sharing their top tips for baking potatoes in the microwave.
How Long Can You Microwave Potatoes?
Remember that microwave-baked potatoes cooking time will vary depending on how powerful the microwave is as well as how large and numerous potatoes you have.
Jacket potatoes can take as long as 90 minutes to bake, but the microwave can do it in less time.
There are two downsides to using the microwave for cooking jacket potatoes. However, you can either halve the jacket potatoes or make loaded potato skins. Grill them or bake the jackets in a hot oven for a crispier result.
It is a great way to maximize the flavor of mashed potatoes by microwaving them whole. Leave them to cool after they're cooked. Peel the skin off. To heat the flesh, mix butter, milk, and a bit of grated cheese.
Basic Microwaved Jacket Potato Recipe
Serves 2
- Two large baking potatoes
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Butter
You Will Also Need The Following:
- Two sheets of kitchen roll
- One microwave-safe plate
Wash the baking potatoes, and use a fork to poke at the skins.
Spread a piece on a microwave-safe plate. Add the potatoes and another sheet of kitchen wrap. The potatoes will heat up in the microwave after 4 minutes. Continue cooking for four minutes. Cover the potatoes with the kitchen roll. Cook them for another 2 minutes until they become soft throughout, and their skin is wrinkled. Leave them to cool.
Top 5 Jacket Potato Recipes
You will get the best results by cooking your jacket potatoes in an oven. However, you can speed things up by using the microwave for cooking them.
Potato Skin Tacos
For a quick and easy vegetarian dish, you can make these spicy, cheesy potatoes and avocado with onion and tomato salad.
Mushroom Jacket Potatoes
You only need a few ingredients to create these delicious jacket potatoes and mushrooms. These potatoes are low in calories, healthy, and gluten-free, making them great for a quick lunch or dinner.
Jacket Potatoes with Whipped Feta and Sumac
Sumac's refreshing, sweet flavor contrasts the creamy whipped feta.
Baked Potatoes Topped With Spicy Dhal
Mix red lentils, chickpeas, and cumin with mustard seeds and turmeric, and serve them with a jacket potato and chutney.
Insider's Takeaway
Baking potatoes in the microwave is a time-saver. The only problem is that the skin won't be crispy. However, you can still bake your potatoes in the microwave.
Because cooking times vary greatly depending on what microwave you use, how many potatoes you're cooking, and how large your potatoes are, you can use the fork to check if they're done.