Microwave Loaded Baked Potato
A baked potato sounds like an hour in the oven, which is why we used to skip it. The microwave turns it into a ten-minute dinner that only dirties the plate you eat from.
- Hands-on
- 2 min
- Total
- 12 min
- Serves
- 1
- Dishes
- 1 plate, 1 fork
Why this works for an ADHD brain
- It cooks on the plate you eat from, so there is exactly one thing to wash.
- Potatoes keep for weeks in a cool cupboard, so they wait for you.
- The topping can be whatever is already open in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 largerusset potato(about 10–12 oz)
- 1 tbspbutter
- ¼ cupshredded cheddar
- ½ cupcanned chili or frozen broccoli florets(pick one)
- 2 tbspsour cream or Greek yogurt
- to tastesalt and pepper
Steps
- 1
Scrub the potato and poke it 6–8 times all over with a fork.
- 2
Microwave on a plate for 5 minutes, flip it, then microwave 3–5 minutes more until a knife slides in easily.
- 3
Split it open, add the butter, salt and pepper, and fluff the inside with a fork.
- 4
Top with the chili or broccoli and the cheese, microwave 1 minute more, then add the sour cream.
Where this usually stalls
Not knowing if it is done.
Squeeze it with an oven mitt: if it gives easily, it is ready. If not, keep going in 1-minute bursts.
Even lazier version
Potato, butter, salt. That is a real dinner on a hard day, and it counts.
Easy swaps
- Sweet potato works the same way, usually a minute or two faster.
- Top with canned tuna and a spoon of mayo.
- Add leftover taco meat or a fried egg.
Leftovers
A cooked potato keeps 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave and add fresh toppings.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you microwave a baked potato?
A large russet usually needs 8–10 minutes total in a typical microwave: 5 minutes, flip, then 3–5 minutes more. Smaller potatoes need less.
Why do you poke holes in a potato before microwaving?
The holes let steam escape. Without them, pressure can build inside the skin and the potato may split open in the microwave.