Microwave Boiled Potatoes

This recipe for microwave boiled potatoes is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and satisfying side dish! With their soft and fluffy texture, these potatoes are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Boiling potatoes in the microwave is a quick and easy cooking method, saving you precious time in the kitchen.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Microwave-boiled potatoes are ready in just a few minutes, making them a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• This recipe is incredibly easy to make, as it requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, and no need to monitor a stove-top pan of boiling water.
• These potatoes can be served in a variety of ways, making them a versatile side dish that can be customized to suit any occasion or taste preference.

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with full instructions for boiling potatoes in the microwave, or read on for all the details.

What do you need?

Potatoes

When it comes to microwave-boiled potatoes, picking the right potato variety plays a crucial role in getting the type of cooked potatoes you want: Russet, Yukon Gold, and red potatoes are all excellent choices for this dish:

• Russets are starchy and fluffy, perfect for making mashed potatoes, or to serve as boiled potatoes with a tender, fluffy texture.
• Red potatoes have a firmer texture and are great for holding their shape after cooking, making them perfect for potato salads.
• Yukon Golds and other gold varieties have a texture somewhere between the two, and are a good all-rounder. Ideal if you want to serve boiled potatoes tonight and save the leftovers for potato salad tomorrow!

Water

You need enough water to fill the bowl to a depth of around 1-inch once the potatoes have been added.

A microwave-safe dish and cover

To boil potatoes in the microwave safely, you will need a microwave-safe bowl or dish and a cover. Ceramic and glass bowls are popular choices for this purpose, but make sure the bowl you use is labeled as microwave-safe to avoid damage to your bowl or microwave oven.

Keep in mind the size of your bowl should be big enough to hold the potatoes and enough water to cover them, and a gap of around two inches .

Covering Options

Once you have your microwave-safe bowl and potatoes ready, you’ll need to cover the bowl to keep the heat in the bowl, and to prevent mess inside your microwave. There are a couple of options for this:

• Lid: Some microwave-safe bowls come with their own dedicated lids. Ensure the lid is also microwave-safe before using it.
• Plate: If your bowl doesn’t have a lid, you can use a microwave-safe plate as a cover. Make sure it is large enough to cover the bowl completely.
• Plastic wrap: A sheet of plastic wrap can also be used to cover your bowl. Ensure it’s microwave-safe to prevent melting or damage. Using plastic wrap allows you to check the progress of your potatoes without having to remove the cover completely.

Whatever covering you use for your bowl, ensure it has some small holes in it to allow the steam to escape!

How to boil potatoes in the microwave

This recipe is very simple to prepare, there are just a few key steps to getting it just right:

• Start by peeling your potatoes (or rinsing and scrubbing if you plan to keep the skin on). Cut them into 1-2-inch sized chunks. Small potatoes or baby potatoes can be microwaved whole.
• Next, place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with salt, and add enough water to fill the bowl to a depth of around 1-inch. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid, leaving a small opening to allow steam to escape.
• Microwave the potatoes on High for 5 minutes. When the time is up, check for tenderness with a fork. If they need more time, stir the dish, then continue to microwave potatoes for 1-2 minute intervals until they are fork-tender or cooked to your liking.
• Drain the water and serve the potatoes as desired. Don’t forget to use oven mitts when handling the bowl as it will be hot after being in the microwave oven, and use a colander to drain the water from the potatoes.
• Note: if you want to use the potatoes to make potato salad, rinse the potatoes with cold water until they are cool to the touch. This will stop the cooking process and help them to retain their texture.

How long to microwave boil potatoes?

The time it takes to boil potatoes in your microwave will depend on a few factors, including how large the potato pieces are, and the wattage of your microwave.

It’s best to check the potatoes every few minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly. To ensure even cooking, stir the dish to redistribute the potatoes each time you check their doneness.

Serving ideas

Serve boiled potatoes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a simple and delicious side dish, or take them up a notch with one of these tasty serving ideas:

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Mash boiled potatoes with minced garlic, butter, and milk for a flavorful and creamy twist.
• Potato salad: Toss boiled potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, and other ingredients for a refreshing and creamy salad.
• Mashed potatoes: Use a fork or potato masher to mash boiled potatoes, then top them with garlic, butter, and other toppings for a fun and unique side dish.
• Potato soup: Blend boiled potatoes with chicken or vegetable broth and cream to make a creamy and comforting potato soup.