How to Cook Potatoes in Microwave: From Easy Baked Potatoes to Gourmet Stuffed Potatoes

I. Introduction

When it comes to the microwave, most of us think of reheating leftovers or popping a bag of popcorn. However, did you know that a microwave can be a handy tool for cooking potatoes quickly and easily? In this article, we’ll explore different ways of cooking potatoes in a microwave, from simple and easy baked potatoes to more gourmet stuffed potatoes and even a cauliflower ‘potato’ that can be a delicious low-carb alternative.

II. Quick & Easy: How to Cook a Potato in the Microwave

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook a potato in the microwave, you’re in luck. All you need is a potato, a fork, some kitchen paper, and a microwave-safe dish.

To cook a standard baked potato, start by washing the potato and then drying it with kitchen paper. Next, use a fork to poke a few holes in the potato to allow steam to escape. Then, place the potato on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for about 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. Be sure to check the potato’s doneness by inserting a fork into it and checking if it goes in smoothly. If not, microwave the potato for another minute or two until it’s soft and tender.

Once your potato is ready, you can add different seasonings and toppings to make it more flavorful and interesting. Some classic choices include butter, sour cream, cheese, or herbs. You can customize your toppings depending on your preference and creativity.

III. Healthy & Delicious: Microwave Baked Potatoes

Microwave baked potatoes may not be as crispy as oven-baked ones, but they can still be a healthy and delicious alternative. One of the key benefits of using the microwave to cook potatoes is that it preserves more nutrients than other cooking methods, and requires less added fat.

If you’re looking for more variety and flavors, here are a few different recipes to try:

1. Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Honey: Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch pieces. Microwave for 6-8 minutes until tender. Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle honey.
2. Potatoes with Olive Oil and Garlic: Cube potatoes and toss with olive oil and minced garlic. Microwave for 6-8 minutes. Serve as a side dish or even for breakfast.
3. Microwave Potato Salad: Cook cubed potatoes in the microwave for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Combine cooked potatoes with pickles, mustard, mayo, and seasoning. Serve as a side dish for your next BBQ.

By experimenting with different spices and flavors, you can create several sides or even meals with microwave-cooked potatoes.

IV. College Cooking: How to Make a Baked Potato in Your Microwave

For college students (or anyone else) with limited cooking facilities, a microwave can offer an easy and tasty way to make a baked potato. However, making a baked potato in the microwave can be tricky if you don’t choose the right potato and approach it properly.

Here are some tips to consider:

1. Choose the right potato: try to use smaller or medium-sized potatoes, as large ones will take more time to cook and might not cook evenly.
2. Poke holes: As with any other potato, poke holes in the potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3. Wrap the potato in a wet paper towel: Wetting a paper towel will help the potato to steam and cook more evenly.
4. Microwave the potato: Cook on high for 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of the potato.

You can also use your college-student imagination to make the topping out of whatever you have on hand. From microwaving some frozen veggies to using canned chili, you can have a healthy and fulfilling meal only by using your microwave.

V. Gourmet Microwave Cooking: Stuffed Potatoes with Herbs and Cheese

A microwave can be a useful tool to create more sophisticated dishes as well. For irresistible stuffed potatoes, all you need is a few flavorful ingredients, such as herbs, cheese, or bacon.

Here’s how:

1. Wash the potato and microwave for 4-5 minutes or until cooked through.
2. Cut the warm potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/4 inch thick shells.
3. Mix the potato flesh with your desired filling such as bacon bits, grated cheese, and herbs.
4. Stuff the mixture back into the potato shells and microwave again for about 2-3 minutes or until everything is hot and cheesy.
5. Top with your desired toppings such as sautéed onions or sour cream.

While this dish may require a little more time and effort, it’s still much quicker than using an oven.

VI. Kid-Friendly Microwave Recipes: Potato Chips in Minutes

If you have kids at home, they might find cooking their own potato chips in the microwave fun and exciting. The best part is, this homemade snack can be a healthier alternative to store-bought chips, as you control the amount of oil and seasoning you use.

Here is a quick and easy recipe to try:

1. Thinly slice a potato into thin rounds, using a mandolin or sharp knife.
2. Place the potato slices on a paper towel and pat dry.
3. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
4. Microwave. Cook on high for 6-8 minutes, stopping about every two minutes or so to stir the chips, until crispy and golden-brown.
5. Sprinkle with salt or your favorite seasoning, such as paprika, garlic powder, or even ranch seasoning.

Encourage your kids to experiment with different seasoning combinations and see which ones they like best. Other kid-friendly potato recipes include potato skins or potato pancakes that can both be prepared in microwave.

VII. Low-Carb Microwave Cooking: Cauliflower ‘Potato’ in a Microwave

If you’re looking for low-carb alternatives to traditional potatoes, cauliflower can be an excellent choice. With the help of a microwave, you can turn cauliflower into a mashed potato or ‘riced potato’.

Here’s how:

1. Cut cauliflower into small florets and place in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add a splash of water and cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.
3. Microwave on high for about 6-8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender enough to mash or ‘rice’ with the help of a fork.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and your desired herbs or spices.
5. Serve hot or use as a side dish.

Other low-carb potato substitutes that you could try include turnips or rutabagas.

VIII. Conclusion

As this article shows, a microwave can be a versatile and convenient tool for cooking potatoes in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish, a creative way to satisfy your cravings, or a low-carb alternative to traditional potatoes, there are plenty of delicious and straightforward recipes to try. So why not grab a potato, or your preferred vegetable, and start experimenting with your microwave cooking skills today.