How to Make Baked Potatoes in the Microwave

Baked potatoes are a quick side dish when cooked in a microwave.

Making baked potatoes in the microwave allows you to serve this vegetable in about one-fourth the time it takes to bake a potato in the oven. If you find that microwaving potatoes changes the texture of the flesh or skin too much for your tastes, cook them halfway in the microwave, then finish them off with about 20 minutes in the oven, suggests food writer Sharon Tyler Herbst.

Things You'll Need

• Fork
• Microwavable plate

Instructions

1. Scrub potatoes clean.

2. Poke several holes in the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape.

3. Microwave on high. The amount of time needed will depend on the power of the microwave and the size and number of potatoes being cooked. One potato might take four to six minutes to cook; four of them could take 10 to 12 minutes.

4. Let potatoes stand for about five minutes before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to poke holes with the fork!

• Don't overcook the potatoes

References

• The New Food Lover's Tiptionary; Sharon Tyler Herbst