Quick Baked Potato

A quick baked potato can be the anchor for so many dishes. It can serve as a meal just by itself—add a few favorite toppings, like sour cream, butter, chives, and bacon bits, and you have a filling and tasty meal. Or you can scoop out the baked potato, leaving the skins as a nice shell, and mix the potato with cheese, herbs, BBQ, and more. Spoon the mixture back into the crust, top with more cheese(!) and bake. You now have a twice-baked potato.

This quick baked potato recipe uses the microwave—an easy method that will allow you to prepare baked potatoes for a weeknight dinner. If you want to turn this dish into an oven-baked potato recipe, simply pierce the potato with a fork and rub it down with oil. Set the potato on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, which keeps the potato elevated and allows air to circulate all around for even cooking.

Learn how to make a quick baked potato in the microwave, and dinner will be easier than ever.

Is It Better to Bake or Microwave Potatoes?

While oven-baked potatoes typically have a crispy skin, fluffy interior, and uniform texture, it can be a time commitment. Microwaving potatoes is fast, convenient, and can create an equally fluffy interior. Some recipes will call for a bit of both methods—microwaving the potato until tender to speed up the process, and crisping in the oven to finish.

Ingredients for a Quick Baked Potato

To make a quick baked potato, you'll need:

• Russet potato: While Yukon Gold or other varieties can also be used with success for baked potatoes, russets are known as the ideal baking potato. Their high starch content and low moisture content makes for a fluffy and light texture when baked, and their thick skin has a crisp result when baked in the oven. That being said, any potato can be cooked in the microwave, including sweet potatoes, for a quick and easy side dish any night of the week.
• Olive oil: Contributes flavor and helps improve the skin's texture when cooking.

How To Make a Quick Baked Potato

In under 15 minutes, this classic, comforting side dish will be ready to serve. If you've never tried this microwave method, you'll be amazed at how quick and easy making a baked potato can be. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare potato: Scrub a potato and pierce with a fork all over.
• Step 2. Cook the potato: Place in a microwavable bowl, and rub with olive oil. Microwave on HIGH until mostly tender, about 5 minutes.
• Step 3. Finish cooking: Flip potato, and microwave on HIGH until fully tender.
• Step 4. Let stand, and serve: Let stand 5 minutes before using.

Our Best Tips for Quick Baked Potatoes in the Microwave

For the best quick baked potato, keep this tips in mind:

• Don't forget to pierce: Pierce the potato to allow steam to escape and prevent the potato from bursting.
• Season as desired: Add seasonings as desired after rubbing with oil to help them adhere.
• Turn while microwaving: Once tender, turn the potato to ensure even cooking.
• Crisp the skin: Crisp the microwaved potato in the oven or air fryer for a crispy skin.

Variations for Quick Baked Potatoes

Split open your baked potato and stuff it with any number of fillings for a comforting side dish:

• Classic loaded: Top your quick baked potato with sour cream, bacon bits, chives, and shredded Cheddar for a classic crowd-pleaser.
• Chili: Ladle over hot chili, and top with sour cream, green onions, and cheese before serving.
• Tex-Mex: Fill the baked potato with browned beef or turkey, salsa, cheese, black beans, and guacamole or sour cream.
• Cheesy broccoli: Scoop out the potato and mix the interior with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, broccoli florets, and seasonings. Stuff back into the potato and brown in the oven if desired before serving.
• Buffalo chicken: Top the baked potato with shredded chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce, and top with blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing.
• Keep it simple: Coat the oiled potato with any mixture of seasonings, dried herbs, and salt, before cooking. Then serve with a pat of butter or dollop of sour cream.
  

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Quick Baked Potatoes

After cooling your leftover baked potato, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, air fryer, on the stovetop or grill until hot throughout. Top and serve as desired.

More Quick Potato Side Dish Recipes You'll Love

Smashed, mashed or roasted, these comforting potato side dishes will be ready in under an hour from start to finish:

• Smashed Fried Potatoes with Field Peas and Corn
• Oven-Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Potato Salad
• Smashed Baby Red Potatoes
• Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Potato, Leek, and Roasted Garlic Soup
• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.