Microwave jacket potatoes are a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in just a few minutes. When we are short on time and want something comforting, a jacket potato in the microwave is our go-to. Unlike traditional oven-baked jacket potatoes, which can take up to an hour to cook, these can be ready in as little as 10 minutes.
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This recipe is as simple as washing and drying the potato, pricking it all over with a fork, placing it in the microwave and cooking for 10 minutes, depending on the size of the potato and the power of your microwave. Once the potato is cooked, top with your favourite toppings.
This is such a versatile meal that can be enjoyed plain with a bit of butter or loaded with toppings like baked beans, grated cheese, or sour cream - we have lots of ideas below.
If you are looking for other jacket potato recipes, then why not try our delicious Jacket Potato with Cheese and Beans, crispy Air Fryer Jacket Potato, healthy Microwave Sweet Potato or easy Slow Cooker Jacket Potato?
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Potato - There are many different types of potatoes available, but not all of them are suitable for making jacket potatoes. The best variety to use is the floury potato, which has a dry, fluffy texture when cooked. Examples of floury potatoes include King Edward, Maris Piper, and Russet potatoes. Waxy potatoes, on the other hand, are not recommended for making jacket potatoes as they tend to have a firmer texture and do not fluff up as well.
- Butter (optional) - This prevents the potato from being dry when serving.
- Toppings - Is there anything you can't put on a jacket potato? We have lots of topping ideas for you below.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to Make Microwave Jacket Potato
- Step 1: Wash the potato and dry with kitchen towel.
- Step 2: Pierce the potato all over with a fork and put into the microwave. Cook on high power for 8 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking.
- Step 3: Cut a cross into the cooked potato and pinch open. Serve with butter (optional).
Jacket Potato Toppings
The classic toppings for a jacket potato are butter and grated cheese - simple, but SO comforting. Simply slice open the potato in a cross and pinch it open and then add a generous dollop of butter, followed by a sprinkling of mature cheddar cheese.
But here are some of our other favourite toppings:
Baked Beans - Baked beans are a popular topping and provide a great source of protein and fibre. Simply heat up a tin of baked beans and pour them over the potato, then sprinkle with a little grated cheese if desired. Why not try our Slow Cooker Baked Beans recipe?
Tuna Mayo - Tuna mayo is a delicious and easy topping for a jacket potato. Simply mix a tin of tuna with some mayonnaise and sweetcorn (and some chopped red pepper for crunch), then spoon over the potato. For an extra kick of flavour, add some chopped spring onions, jalapeños or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Chilli Con Carne - This is a hearty and filling topping that is perfect for a cold winter's day. Simply heat up leftovers of chilli con carne and spoon it over the potato, then top with a dollop of sour cream and chive and some chopped fresh coriander.
Coleslaw - This is a refreshing and crunchy topping that adds a burst of flavour to a jacket potato. Simply mix some shredded cabbage, carrot and onion with some mayonnaise and a little vinegar, then spoon over the potato. Why not try our BEST Coleslaw Recipe or Mexican Coleslaw?
Take a look at our post on some healthy Jacket Potato Toppings.
Crispy Jacket Potato
Cooking a jacket potato in a microwave won't give you a crispy skin. So, if you want that then you will need to transfer the potatoes to a preheated oven (220°C/200°C(fan)/400°F/Gas Mark 7) and cook for around 10 to 15 minutes, until they crisp up.
To make them super crisp, brush some oil over the skins before they go into the oven and sprinkle some salt over them.
Dannii's Top Tips
- This recipe is based on a 1000w microwave. Adjust the time if your microwave has a different power rating. We use a Panasonic Combination Microwave.
- When selecting potatoes for jacket potatoes, it's important to choose ones that are roughly the same size. This will ensure that they cook evenly in the microwave. Potatoes that are too small may cook too quickly, while larger potatoes may take longer to cook and may not cook through evenly.
- It's important to let the potato rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the potato to finish cooking and helps to distribute the heat evenly throughout. If you cut into the potato too soon, it may be undercooked in the middle and overcooked on the outside. Letting it rest for a few minutes ensures that it's cooked perfectly all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the microwave used, so it is recommended to check the potatoes after a 5 minutes to ensure that it is cooking evenly. Ours took 8 minutes, but that is just for 1 potato. Once the potato is fully cooked, it should be removed from the microwave and allowed to cool for a few minutes before being cut open and served.
As a general rule, add 4 extra minutes per potato on to the cooking time. We wouldn't recommend cooking more than 3 large potatoes at a time. For an extra small potato, just add an extra 2 minutes.
Yes, don't skip this step because it allows some of the steam and heat to escape the potato so it doesn't split in the microwave.
More Microwave Recipes
If you've tried this microwave jacket potato recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
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Recipe
Microwave Jacket Potato
Ingredients
- 280 g (10 oz) of Potato
- Butter - optional
Instructions
- Wash 280 g of Potato and dry with kitchen towel.
- Pierce the potato all over with a fork and put into the microwave.
- Cook on high power for 8 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking.
- Cut a cross into the cooked potato and pinch open. Serve with Butter (optional).
Recipe Video
Recipe Tips
- This recipe is based on a 1000w microwave. Adjust the time if your microwave has a different power rating.
- When selecting potatoes for jacket potatoes, it's important to choose ones that are roughly the same size. This will ensure that they cook evenly in the microwave. Potatoes that are too small may cook too quickly, while larger potatoes may take longer to cook and may not cook through evenly.
- It's important to let the potato rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the potato to finish cooking and helps to distribute the heat evenly throughout. If you cut into the potato too soon, it may be undercooked in the middle and overcooked on the outside. Letting it rest for a few minutes ensures that it's cooked perfectly all the way through.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Kate says
They were perfectly cooked! Thanks for the clear instructions. 5 stars!
Dina and Bruce says
The perfect dinner for me when Bruce is out of town! Thank you!
Ned says
What a delicious potato! I loaded it up and wow, it was such an amazing dinner! Thank you!
Tara says
Oh yum! I love how easily these potatoes come together using the microwave. All those topping options sound fantastic too.
Farah Abumaizar says
Love that this came about just when I had steak and needed an easy side. Will definitely try this microwave method, thanks for the recipe!
Ali says
Oooo this looks like such a tasty snack when I am hungry but lazy!! Going to save this recipe to try later.
Carrie Robinson says
I just love how easy this is! :) I love to top my baked potatoes with a few scoops of chili to make a meal of it.
Holly says
This is a great idea for busy weeknight meals. I think I will make them with some leftover brisket I have in the fridge!
Alison Corey says
Microwave jacket potatoes have truly revolutionized my busy weekday dinners. When time is of the essence and the craving for a comforting meal strikes, these microwave marvels come to the rescue.