To cook Little Potatoes in the microwave, place 1.5 lbs of potatoes with one tablespoon of water in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on high for five minutes, check tenderness, and continue cooking in 30-second intervals as needed. Add butter, seasonings, and serve.
Why You Should be Cooking Potatoes in the Microwave
Nutrient Preservation and Faster Cooking
The big question around microwave cooking is usually a question of whether or not it’s safe and good for you. In general, longer cooking methods also mean higher chances of nutrient loss when cooking produce. Because microwaving can sometimes significantly lower the cooking time (five minutes instead of the 15 it would take to boil for veggies like Little Potatoes) it can help to preserve nutrients as well as flavor!
Retains Color, Flavor, and Texture
Compared to a cooking method like boiling potatoes, using less water will help prevent nutrient and often color loss. Ever boil veggies like broccoli and wonder why it ends up coming out all soggy, dull looking, and bland? All the delicious vitamins and flavors end up in the swampy-looking water in your pot. Microwaving steams the veggies from the inside-out, helping them retain their vibrant colors.
Energy-Efficient
Because microwaves cook food from the inside out, they heat Little Potatoes much faster than ovens or air fryers. That means less energy used, less heat filling your kitchen, and perfectly cooked potatoes on your plate in just minutes — making microwave cooking a smart, energy-saving option for busy days.
| Potatoes | Wattage | Time (Total) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 small potato | 1000W | 4–5 minutes |
| 2 potatoes | 1000W | 6–7 minutes |
| 4 potatoes | 1000W | 8–10 minutes |
| 1.5 lbs (full bag) | 1000W | 5 minutes + 30 sec intervals |
An Easy Recipe for Steam Cooked Potatoes in the Microwave
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cook’s Tip: Be sure all the Little Potatoes are approximately the same size for even cooking. If sizes vary or you wish to cook more than a 1.5 lbs bag, then cook in batches.
You Need: 12 to 16 cup microwave-safe bowl with lid, spoon, and a sharp knife. Optional: use a microwave-safe steamer basket
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Little Potatoes
- 1 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine
- 2 Tbsp chopped chives or green onion, if desired
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Place whole Little Potatoes in a microwave-safe container with a lid and large enough to hold them in two layers maximum. Otherwise, cook in batches for best results.
- Add water.
- Set timer for five minutes and microwave on high.
- Carefully remove cover (the dish will be hot!). With a sharp knife test for doneness, the knife should pierce skin easily and potatoes will be soft inside.
- If not, stir potatoes and increase cooking time by 30 second intervals, testing until done.
- Stir in butter or margarine. You can also add chives or chopped green onion, if desired.
- Season to taste and enjoy!
How to Safely Cook in the Microwave (Container Tips and BPA Info)
Cooking veggies safely in the microwave comes down to the kind of container you use to cook them in, and what you use as a cover (to prevent you having to clean-up an impromptu splatter paint masterpiece on the inside of your microwave).
- Use microwave-safe containers (ceramic, glass, BPA-free plastics)
- Avoid plastic wraps and grocery bags
One thing to avoid is generic plastic wrap and plastic storage or grocery bags—they might melt onto your food. Not to be confused with packaging specifically designed to help your veggies steam quickly and safely in the microwave, we’re talking plastic like what you would find in the produce section of the grocery store.
Tip: Look for packaging that says ‘microwave-safe’ or ‘BPA-free’ when you’re searching for containers that are safe you to steam your potatoes and other veggies in.
How to Par-Cook Little Potatoes in the Microwave
Par-cooking is a simple kitchen hack to help reduce your oven roasting or grilling time when you’re in a hurry.
While your oven or grill heats up, take your favorite variety of Little Potatoes and place them in a microwave-safe dish.
Microwave on High for 3 to 5 Minutes
Cook the Little Potatoes on high for about three to five minutes (times might vary depending on your microwave). You’ll be able to tell if they’re done when you’re able to cut through the potato with little resistance, but without accidentally mashing the potato. Be careful when handling them right out of the microwave—they will be hot Little Potatoes!
Transfer your potatoes into a larger mixing bowl (preferably one with a lid). To add a bit of flavor after you’ve finished cooking them, you can toss them with olive oil and a combination of your favorite herbs and spices like:
- Garlic salt
- Dill
- Salt and pepper
- Chipotle powder
- Rosemary
- Paprika
Try out different combinations to see what you like best! Just add your oil (or melted butter, yum) herbs, spices, and seasonings into the sealable container and shake ‘em up to thoroughly coat.
Finish on Grill or in the Oven for Extra Texture
Par-cooking is especially helpful if you’re grilling and want to make sure everything cooks at the same speed—or even just to speed up cook times altogether. Try it with these Little Potato Brat Skewers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you need to pierce Little Potatoes before microwaving?
No, unlike bigger potatoes, you don’t need to prick them with a fork before cooking!
Can I microwave multiple potatoes?
Yes, follow the timing chart above for best results.
Can I cook Little Potatoes in plastic wrap?
No. Use BPA-free microwave-safe containers.
How do I store leftover microwaved potatoes?
Refrigerate in airtight container up to three days. Reheat gently. Read everything you need to know about storing Little Potaotes in this article
Bonus: Microwave Cleaning Hack
Okay we’ve all been there, you’re way past ‘hangry’ and you need to get food on the table now or else you might just eat last night’s potato chowder leftovers cold from the fridge. You put your bowl in the microwave, do some button mashing, and impatiently pace as the timer counts down much too slowly and it doesn’t even occur to you that you forgot to put a lid on it until you hear a faint sizzling sound, open the door, and —chowder everywhere.
Don’t despair. Eat your chowder. Then, grab some things you probably already have around your house to easily clean up the spill.
Then, follow these simple steps to easily clean your microwave.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup of water
- Lemon, lime, or orange slices
- A few tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Combine everything in a microwave-safe container (a glass or ceramic bowl will work)
- Microwave on high for a few minutes until the window is nice and steamy (about five)
- Let it sit for five minutes to cool down.
- Open the door, wipe it all down with a sponge
And there you have it—no more food splatter paint!
Microwave Ready Little Potatoes—If You Only Have Five Minutes
Quick Five Minute Solution
If you’re real short on time, or you just want an easy grab-and-go option, you can always pop one of our convenient Microwave Ready trays into your microwave and have fresh Little Potatoes in just five minutes.
How to Cook Microwave Ready Little Potatoes
Because you don’t need to wash or peel them before cooking, they’re a great option for getting freshly steamed potatoes with aromatic seasonings on your table, fast. The easy-to-peel steam tray is BPA-free (including the film you use to cover the tray) so you can safely cook your potatoes right inside the tray. And unlike bigger potatoes, you don’t need to pierce them with a fork before cooking!
Microwave Ready Flavors Available
Our Microwave Ready Little Potatoes come in five flavors, with no artificial colors or flavors (all plant-based and gluten-free too!). They’re perfectly delicious on their own as a side dish, but we also love adding them into dishes for ultra convenient full meal deals.
A Little Hot Honey™
The newest addition to our microwave ready flavors, this combinations is a little sweet with a little heat. The spice level is mild, but be sure to taste test before you give to your littles. Try them in these breakfast bowls!
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A Little Savory Herb™
A tantalizing blend of savory herbs and spices. Try them in this recipe for the easiest potato salad of all: Easy As 1-2-3 Potato Salad.
A Little Garlic & Parsley™
An exciting blend of leafed parsley, sweet garlic, and hand-picked herbs. Mix them up with hot sauce and blue cheese to make these Buffalo Wing Little Potatoes—perfect for a quick snack, or last-minute appetizer!
A Little Lemon & Garden Herb™
A zesty combination of garden herbs and lemon ready in just five little minutes. Try them in this Meal Prep Shawarma Bowl.
A Little Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme™
With classic herbs of rosemary, garlic, and thyme, these Microwave Ready Little Potatoes are ready to go with any of your favorite dinner go-to’s. Try them in this Healthy Cobb Salad.
We hope this guide helps you feel more confident with all of your microwave steam-cooking endeavours!
