Speedy Spud Microwaved Jacket Potato

Speedy Spud How to Cook a Potato in the Microwave

By OliviaJuly 28, 2025

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4.50 (18 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction: Speedy Spud

Ever wondered how to cook a potato in minutes? I did! I always wanted a baked spud, and wanted it fast.

This is a super quick method to achieve easy sweet potato goodness or a classic baked potato!

Microwave Magic: Your Perfect Potato

Forget lengthy baking times. This recipe is all about quick microwave potato recipe . It is your new best friend for perfectly fluffy potatoes, fast! We're talkin' melt-in-your mouth deliciousness in a fraction of the time.

Think of it as a cheat code to a comforting meal. This simple method consistently produces delicious results. Ready for a quick lunch, side dish, or late night snack?

Brief Overview: Jacket Potato Vibes

This recipe is inspired by the classic British microwave potato jacket recipe . We're talking fluffy insides and crispy skins, all thanks to your microwave.

It's dead easy and only takes around 7- 17 minutes. This recipe will serve one hungry spud lover.

Main Benefits: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious!

This method gives you a fast path to healthy eating. A sweet potato in the microwave is packed with nutrients.

This is great for a quick lunch or dinner. What makes this recipe special? It's ridiculously fast and customizable. You can get Microwaved potato with cheese and beans .

Wanna know how to microwave a potato fast ? Let's dive straight into the simple ingredients you need.

Ingredients and Equipment: Get Your Spud On!

Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this super easy sweet potato recipe. Honestly, it's so simple, you probably have most of it already.

We will even explore how to cook a potato in minutes.

Main Ingredients

1 medium Russet potato ( 8-10 oz / 225-285g ). A good spud is firm. It must not have sprouts. Check for bruises.
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional).
Pinch of kosher salt. Sea salt is fine too.
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste).
Your favourite toppings! Cheese, beans, chilli... the works!

I remember one time, I tried microwaving sweet potatoes without poking holes. Big mistake! Let's just say cleanup was a nightmare. Don't be like me, okay?

Seasoning Notes

Garlic powder and onion powder are your friends. They add a lovely flavour. You can even use smoked paprika for a smoky kick.

Fresh herbs are also great. Parsley or chives add a pop of colour.

Don't have salt? Use soy sauce in a pinch. Honestly, it works!

Equipment Needed

Microwave. Obvious, innit?
Fork. Very important!
Microwave safe plate.
Potato masher (optional). This is for the mashed potato version.

You can use a butter knife instead of a fork. Just be careful! I have used a spoon before as well! This is a quick microwave potato recipe , so improvisation is key.

This recipe works perfectly with russet potatoes. But what about other varieties? It's time to delve into the world of how to cook a sweet potato .

I prefer to use sweet potatoes when I'm looking for a healthy alternative. You can also try a microwave sweet potato recipes .

The key to achieving the best texture when microwaving sweet potatoes is to keep an eye on them and to stop the microwave when ready.

Don't just leave it there! For an easy sweet potato , adjust the cooking time as needed, and you'll have a perfectly cooked spud.

One of my go-to microwave baked potato toppings is just cheese and beans. So simple, so good! And if you're feeling fancy, you can even make a microwaved potato with cheese and beans .

How to microwave a potato fast? The microwave potato jacket recipe is a staple, and it's surprisingly versatile.

Speedy Spud: The Ultimate Guide to Microwaving a Perfect Potato

Forget slaving over an oven for an hour. Seriously, who has the time? You can how to cook a potato to fluffy perfection in your microwave.

It's dead easy. This is your go-to for a quick lunch, side, or late night munchies. Top it with whatever you fancy and enjoy!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Speedy Spud Microwaved Jacket Potato presentation

Essential Mise en Place

Right, first things first. Grab a medium Russet potato. We're talking about 8-10 oz. Give it a good scrub under the tap.

Pat it dry with some paper towels. You'll also need a fork, a microwave safe plate, and optionally, some olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Time Saving Organization Tips

Honestly, there's not much to organize! This is about as simple as it gets. Just make sure you’ve got your toppings ready to go. Cheese and beans are always a winner.

Safety Reminders

Watch out, now! The potato will be HOT when it comes out of the microwave. Use oven gloves or a tea towel to handle it.

step-by-step Process: No Fuss, No Mess

How to Microwave a Potato Fast

Prepare: Wash and dry your potato. Simple as.
Pierce: Using a fork, stab the potato all over, about 6-8 times. This stops it from exploding! I once forgot this step and, honestly, it wasn't pretty.
Oil and Season (Optional): Rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Helps make the skin a bit crispier.
Microwave: Place on a microwave safe plate. Nuke on high for 5- 10 minutes . Check after 5 minutes .
Rest and Slice: Let it rest for 1- 2 minutes before slicing.
Fluff and Serve: Cut it open, fluff it up, and pile on your toppings.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Spud Game

Expert Techniques or Shortcuts

If you fancy a Microwave sweet potato recipe , swap out the Russet for a sweet potato. Cooking time may vary a tad.

Also, resting the potato is crucial! It helps it finish cooking and become fluffy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't skip the fork bit! Seriously. Also, make sure you use a microwave safe plate.

make-ahead Options

Microwaving sweet potatoes is also really easy and perfect for preparing in advance. You can even cook a batch of plain easy sweet potato and store them in the fridge, ready to be reheated and topped.

You can then re-heat it, microwave sweet potatoes for about a minute or until it warms up.

Recipe Notes for Your Speedy Spud

So, you've mastered how to cook a potato in the microwave. Let's talk about taking it to the next level, yeah? There is more than one Easy sweet potato recipe to use.

It's all about the details. Trust me, I've had my fair share of "oops" moments in the kitchen. Learn from them, and have fun! Here’s the next step when learning how to cook a sweet potato.

Serving Suggestions: Get Creative!

Forget boring! The plating makes all the difference. A dollop of brightly coloured salsa? Yes please! Scatter some fresh herbs.

Even better! For sides, think coleslaw for a bit of crunch. A simple side salad is perfect. As for drinks, what about an ice-cold beer? A sparkling elderflower pressé works too.

It's posh but easy.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries. Pop your cooked potato in the fridge. It will last 3-4 days . Make sure it's in an airtight container, mind.

Freezing is a bit tricky. The texture can change. Reheating is a doddle. Just microwave it again. Or, why not try frying it up?

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a change? Swap your regular potato for a sweet potato . The microwave sweet potato recipes are great! You can also adapt this recipe for special diets.

For a veggie option, try a Microwave potato jacket recipe with beans and cheese. For a gluten-free version, just check your toppings.

Be careful of sauces. Microwaving sweet potatoes is also great.

During autumn, think about seasonal swaps. Butternut squash mash instead of butter? Delicious!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

One medium potato is about 164 calories . It has a good bit of fibre. Plus, some vitamin C. Great for a quick and healthy bite, innit? If you want more toppings, remember that the calories go up quickly, especially if you add Microwave baked potato toppings like cheese and bacon.

Honestly, mastering how to microwave a potato fast is a game changer. No more waiting for ages. Now you can have your perfect Microwaved potato with cheese and beans in just minutes.

So, grab a potato and get cooking!

Microwave Sweet Potato Recipes The ULTIMATE Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it really take to cook a potato in the microwave? My microwave's a bit temperamental.

Microwave cooking times for potatoes can vary, a bit like London buses, you wait ages then two come at once. Generally, a medium sized potato takes between 5 and 10 minutes on high. Start checking for doneness around the 5-minute mark by piercing it with a fork.

If it’s still firm, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until it’s easily pierced.

Can I really cook a sweet potato using this method? They always seem to take longer than regular spuds!

Absolutely! This microwave method works great for sweet potatoes too. They might take a smidge longer than a regular potato, so add a minute or two to the cooking time. Just like with regular potatoes, make sure to pierce them with a fork first you don't want a sweet potato explosion in your microwave, now do you?

Help! My potato exploded in the microwave! What did I do wrong, and how do I prevent it next time?

Uh oh, sounds like you forgot to give your spud some air! Exploding potatoes are usually due to steam build-up. Make sure to pierce the potato all over with a fork before microwaving. Six to eight pokes should do the trick. This releases the steam and prevents a starchy bomb from going off in your microwave.

What are some tasty topping ideas? I'm bored of just cheese and beans!

Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a veggie option, consider a dollop of cottage cheese mixed with chives and a sprinkle of paprika, or some roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling carnivorous, leftover chilli con carne, pulled pork, or even crispy bacon bits are fantastic.

Don't forget a little something fresh like salsa, sour cream, or even a simple green salad on top for a balanced meal.

Is there a way to make the skin crispy when I how to cook a potato in the microwave? It always seems a bit...soggy.

Crispy skin from a microwave potato? It can be done! Before microwaving, rub the potato with a tablespoon of olive oil (or melted butter) and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps to crisp up the skin as it cooks.

Once cooked, you can also pop it under the grill (broiler) for a minute or two for extra crispness just keep a close eye on it!

How should I store leftover cooked potato? Can I reheat it later?

Leftover cooked potato should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it again (although the texture might be slightly different), or re-crisp in an oven or toaster oven.

Always ensure it's piping hot all the way through before serving.