If you love the comfort of a fluffy baked potato, but don’t have time to cook it in the oven for over an hour, you can easily do it in the microwave. 

How to cook a potato in the microwave

Simply take large potatoes and prick them all over with a fork. Place them evenly on your microwave plate and cook on high for up to 20 minutes (or until soft when pierced with a skewer). 

Cheat’s baked potatoes

Your potatoes are ready to eat when you remove them from the microwave, but if you have time you can pop them in a hot oven for 10 minutes to crisp up the skin. Find out exactly how to do it here.

Load up with butter or sour cream to serve as a side or fill them to make the best-ever jacket potatoes.

Microwave jacket potato filling ideas

Looking for inspiration? Our favourite baked potato fillings include:

  • Chilli con carne and sour cream
  • Tuna, corn and mayo
  • Cheese and baked beans
  • Coronation chicken
  • Mexican beans and guacamole
  • Bolognaise
  • Hummus, feta and chargrilled veg

And did you know that jacket potato grazing boards are now actually a THING?!

The best jacket potato recipes