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How to Microwave a Baked Potato

Fluffy, hot, soft and perfect! Tender and cooked through Every single time!

Prep Time
1 min
Cook Time
1 min
resting time
1 min
Total Time
12 mins
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 358 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 4-5 inch long Russet (Idaho or Baking Potato) about ½ - 1 lb
  • 4 Tbs water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Wash the potato well to remove any dirt and debris.
  2. Using a fork, poke holes in the potato with the fork tines 3-4 times on one side and then again on the other side.
  3. Wet the paper towel with the water and squeeze out any extra water. Wrap the damp paper towel around the potato.
  4. Place the potato in the microwave and heat for 4 minutes. Turn the potato and heat again for 3 minutes. Allow hot potato to sit in the microwave for 1 minute and rest.
  5. With a towel between your hand and the potato, give the potato a squeeze. If the sides give easily then the potato is done. If the potato remains hard to the squeeze, microwave in 1 minute bursts until the potato gives easily.

Notes

  • PRO TIP:  To get that perfect opening steakhouse slice across the top of your potato, use the edge of a fork tine rather than a knife! It will be fluffy and perfect, just like a TV commercial! 
  • Remember that all microwaves are not created equal and yours may take longer or fewer minutes to cook the potato.
  • Baking potatoes come in all sizes. If yours is smaller than 4 inches or more than 5 inches you’ll need to adjust the baking time as LESS for smaller and MORE for bigger.
  • You can easily bake several potatoes at the same time using this method. Use the chart in this post to help you decide how long to set your microwave.
  • If you would like a crispy skin, heat the broiler on your oven, paint the potato skin with melted butter and brush on the potato. Broil at high for 3-5 minutes until skin is crispy.
  • Top your potato with any number of yummy toppings, but start with butter, salt and pepper.

Nutrition Information

Calories 358kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 82g (27%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 26mg (1%) Potassium 1891mg (54%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin C 26mg (29%) Calcium 59mg (6%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 358

% Daily Value*

Calories 358kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 82g 27%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 26mg 1%
Potassium 1891mg 40%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin C 26mg 29%
Calcium 59mg 6%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.