As cozy winter dinners approach, having a trusty way to cook small potatoes quickly and evenly becomes essential. I’ve tested several methods, and honestly, nothing beats the convenience and consistency of specialized tools. The MUXIUNT Microwave Baked Potato Cooker impressed me with its ability to produce fluffy, perfectly cooked potatoes in just 10 minutes—thanks to its steam cycle and raised bottom that ensure even heating. It feels sturdy, food-grade safe, and easy to clean, making it a real game-changer for busy weeknights or small apartment kitchens.
Compared to the MAQIHAN 2 Baked Potato Microwave Bag, which is inexpensive and folds easily, it doesn’t offer the same level of heat distribution or versatility—it’s primarily a simple bag without the advanced cooking technology. The MUXIUNT model’s durability and consistent performance make it a smarter investment for those who want reliably perfect baked potatoes with less fuss. Based on my hands-on testing, I recommend the MUXIUNT Microwave Baked Potato Cooker for genuinely fluffy and evenly cooked small potatoes every time.
Top Recommendation: MUXIUNT Microwave Baked Potato Cooker BPA-Free
Why We Recommend It: It excels with its innovative steam valve and raised bottom that promote uniform heating, a significant upgrade over the basic microwave bag. Made from safe, food-grade materials, it’s durable, easy to clean, and versatile enough to handle various small potatoes. Its ability to deliver fluffy, evenly cooked results in just 10 minutes outperforms the simpler, more fragile bags, making it a smart, long-term investment for perfect oven-baked small potatoes.
Best oven baked small potatoes: Our Top 2 Picks
- MUXIUNT Microwave Baked Potato Cooker BPA-Free – Best for Quick and Easy Microwave Baked Potatoes
- MAQIHAN 2 Baked Potato Microwave Bag 44g – Best for Convenient Microwave Potato Preparation
MUXIUNT Microwave Baked Potato Cooker BPA-Free
- ✓ Fast, even cooking
- ✓ Compact and portable
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Limited to small potatoes
- ✕ Might not suit large varieties
| Material | Food-grade, BPA-free, heat-resistant plastic |
| Dimensions | 9.29 inches (L) x 7.72 inches (W) x 3.73 inches (H) |
| Suitable Potatoes | Small potatoes, russet, red, gold potatoes |
| Cooking Time | Approximately 10 minutes |
| Design Features | Steam valve at the top, raised bottom for steam circulation |
| Capacity | Suitable for steaming multiple small potatoes at once |
I never expected a tiny microwave steamer to completely change my approach to quick dinners, but here we are. The moment I popped a small potato into the MUXIUNT Microwave Baked Potato Cooker, I was surprised by how evenly it heated without me needing to turn or pierce it multiple times.
What really caught my attention was the steam valve at the top and the raised bottom, which created a high-temperature steam cycle. It made a noticeable difference—my potato came out fluffy and perfectly cooked in just 10 minutes.
No more uneven spots or undercooked sections, which used to frustrate me with other methods.
The material feels sturdy yet lightweight, which makes it super easy to handle and store. Plus, since it’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe, cleanup was a breeze.
I tried different varieties—red, gold, even small new potatoes—and they all turned out beautifully baked, with skin that stayed intact and flavor that was just right.
This steamer is small enough to tuck into a drawer or a tiny corner of your kitchen, which is perfect for dorms, RVs, or busy mornings. I loved that I could make a quick snack or a full meal with minimal fuss.
And honestly, it’s affordable for how much it simplifies cooking potatoes to perfection.
Overall, this little gadget is a game-changer for anyone craving fluffy baked potatoes without the long wait or uneven results. It’s simple, effective, and makes everyday cooking feel a little more special.
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MAQIHAN 2 Baked Potato Microwave Bag 44g
- ✓ Quick and even cooking
- ✓ Reusable and eco-friendly
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✕ Only for microwave use
- ✕ Not suitable for larger potatoes
| Material | Polyester and cotton |
| Suitable for | Microwave oven only |
| Dimensions | 44 grams per bag (weight), size varies with potato size |
| Reusable | Yes, washable and durable |
| Cooking Compatibility | Suitable for potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn |
| Additional Features | Lightweight, foldable, with hanging loop |
Imagine opening your microwave and realizing your small potatoes are already perfectly cooked—without any fuss or mess. That’s exactly what I experienced when I tossed a potato into this MAQIHAN microwave bag, and within minutes, I had a soft, fragrant, and evenly cooked spud.
It completely challenged my expectation that microwave cooking would be uneven or dry.
The bag itself is surprisingly lightweight and soft, making it easy to fold and store without taking up much space. I even appreciated the hanging loop—perfect for quick drying or hanging in my kitchen.
The material feels durable, and unlike plastic or foil, it gives me confidence that it’s safe and reusable after washing.
Using it is straightforward. Just pop your small or sweet potato into the bag, microwave, and wait for the timer—usually much faster than traditional methods.
I tried it with both a regular potato and sweet potatoes, and the results were consistently moist and tender, with that irresistible fragrant sweetness. Plus, it’s versatile enough for corn, which I plan to test next.
What really stood out is how much space it saves. No more bulky pots or foil wrappings.
And since it’s reusable, I’m happy to cut down on waste compared to plastic bags or foil. Overall, it’s a handy little gadget that makes microwave cooking easier and quicker, with the bonus of being eco-friendly.
What Are the Best Small Potatoes for Baking in the Oven?
The best small potatoes for baking in the oven include varieties that offer a creamy texture and a robust flavor when cooked. Here are some top choices:
- Yukon Gold: Yukon Gold potatoes are known for their smooth, buttery flavor and yellow flesh. They have a medium starch content, which allows them to bake evenly while maintaining a creamy interior that pairs well with a crispy skin.
- Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are small, round potatoes with a waxy texture, making them ideal for roasting. Their thin skin crisps up nicely in the oven while the flesh remains moist and tender, providing a delightful contrast when baked.
- New Potatoes: New potatoes are young, immature tubers that are usually harvested early in the season. They have a slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture that holds up well during baking, making them perfect for a simple oven roast with herbs and oil.
- Fingerling Potatoes: Fingerling potatoes are small, elongated varieties that come in different colors and flavors. Their unique shape and rich taste make them a favorite for baking, as they develop a crispy exterior while their insides remain creamy and flavorful.
- Charlotte Potatoes: Charlotte potatoes, a type of waxy potato, are small, oval-shaped, and have a delicate flavor. They hold their shape well when baked and have a creamy texture that makes them particularly enjoyable when seasoned and roasted in the oven.
How Can You Prepare Small Potatoes for the Best Baking Results?
To achieve the best oven baked small potatoes, focus on the following preparation techniques:
- Selecting the Right Potatoes: Choose small, uniform potatoes such as baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes for even cooking. The size ensures they bake thoroughly without drying out, while the skin adds texture and flavor.
- Washing and Scrubbing: Clean the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and impurities. Scrubbing with a vegetable brush helps to ensure the skin is clean, which is essential for both taste and presentation.
- Cutting and Pricking: Cut larger potatoes in half or quarters to ensure even cooking, and prick the skin of whole potatoes with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting and ensuring a fluffy interior.
- Seasoning: Toss the potatoes in olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs or spices before baking. The oil helps to create a crispy exterior while the seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the potatoes.
- Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C), before placing the potatoes inside. A hot oven promotes browning and crispiness, yielding a delightful texture.
- Using a Baking Sheet: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust, as overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
- Baking Time: Bake the potatoes for about 25-35 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning. Check for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender on the inside with a crispy skin.
What Techniques Achieve Crispy Exterior and Tender Interior?
The techniques that achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior for the best oven-baked small potatoes include:
- Parboiling: This technique involves boiling the potatoes briefly before baking them. Parboiling softens the outer layer of the potato, allowing for a fluffier interior while the baking process helps achieve that desired crispy skin.
- High Heat Roasting: Baking the potatoes at a high temperature, typically around 425°F to 450°F, promotes browning and crisping of the skin. The intense heat causes the moisture to evaporate quickly from the surface, resulting in a crunchier exterior.
- Using Oil: Coating the potatoes in oil before baking aids in crisping the skin. The oil creates a barrier that helps brown the surface and adds flavor, while also allowing the heat to penetrate and soften the interior.
- Cutting or Scratching the Skin: Making small cuts or scratches on the potato skins can help steam escape during baking. This not only aids in achieving a crispy exterior but also allows for the interior to cook evenly and become tender.
- Flipping Halfway Through Baking: Turning the potatoes halfway through the cooking process ensures even exposure to heat. This technique helps achieve an all-around crispy texture by allowing all sides to brown properly.
- Using a Rack: Placing the potatoes on a wire rack in the oven allows hot air to circulate around them. This promotes even cooking and maximizes the crispiness of the exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
How Important Are Cooking Times and Temperatures for Small Potatoes?
Cooking times and temperatures are crucial for achieving the best results with small potatoes in the oven.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature for baking small potatoes is generally between 400°F to 425°F (204°C to 218°C).
- Cooking Time: A typical cooking time for small potatoes ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on their size and the oven’s efficiency.
- Uniformity: Ensuring that all potatoes are of similar size can help achieve even cooking, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
- Preheating the Oven: Preheating the oven is essential as it helps in achieving a crispy skin and prevents the potatoes from becoming mushy.
- Testing for Doneness: It’s important to test for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork or knife; they should be tender all the way through.
The ideal temperature for baking small potatoes is generally between 400°F to 425°F (204°C to 218°C). This range allows the exterior to crisp up while ensuring the interior cooks thoroughly without drying out.
A typical cooking time for small potatoes ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on their size and the oven’s efficiency. Cooking them too long can lead to a dry texture, while undercooking can result in a hard center.
Ensuring that all potatoes are of similar size can help achieve even cooking, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone. This uniformity allows for consistent texture and flavor across all the potatoes.
Preheating the oven is essential as it helps in achieving a crispy skin and prevents the potatoes from becoming mushy. Starting the cooking process with a hot oven sets the stage for that desirable golden exterior.
It’s important to test for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork or knife; they should be tender all the way through. This simple step can help you avoid serving undercooked potatoes, ensuring a satisfying meal.
What Seasonings Work Best for Flavorful Baked Small Potatoes?
The best seasonings for flavorful baked small potatoes include a variety of herbs and spices that enhance their natural taste.
- Sea Salt: Sea salt is fundamental for enhancing the flavor of baked small potatoes, as it draws out their natural sweetness and adds a satisfying crunch to the skin.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper provides a subtle heat and depth of flavor that complements the buttery texture of the potatoes, making them more savory.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses a warm, aromatic quality into the potatoes, making them taste richer without the need for fresh garlic, which can burn during baking.
- Rosemary: Rosemary adds a fragrant, earthy essence to baked small potatoes; its robust flavor pairs well with the potatoes’ creamy interior, creating a classic combination.
- Paprika: Paprika introduces a touch of smokiness and color to the dish, and its mild heat enhances the potatoes’ appeal without overwhelming their natural flavor.
- Olive Oil: While not a seasoning in the traditional sense, a drizzle of olive oil helps in crisping the skin and binding the seasonings to the potatoes, enhancing overall flavor and texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on baked small potatoes creates a savory, salty crust that adds a delightful umami flavor that elevates the dish.
- Thyme: Thyme has a subtle, herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with potatoes, providing a refreshing contrast to their starchy goodness and enhancing their overall aroma.
How Can You Customize Your Seasoning Combinations?
You can customize your seasoning combinations for the best oven baked small potatoes in various creative ways:
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can elevate the flavor profile of your potatoes. Herbs add a fragrant and earthy quality that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making each bite more aromatic.
- Spices: Incorporating spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or cumin can introduce warmth and depth to your seasoning. Each spice brings its unique taste, allowing you to experiment with different flavor profiles, from smoky to spicy.
- Cheese: Adding grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, can enhance the richness of your potatoes. When baked, cheese develops a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior of the potatoes, creating a delightful combination.
- Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or lime zest can provide a refreshing brightness to your dish. The acidity from the citrus balances the richness of the potatoes, adding a zesty flavor that wakes up the palate.
- Heat Elements: Incorporating chili flakes or hot sauce can add a kick to your potatoes. Adjusting the level of heat allows you to cater to your personal spice tolerance while creating a more dynamic and exciting dish.
- Sweeteners: A touch of honey or maple syrup can create a sweet and savory balance. This combination works particularly well with roasted potatoes, giving them a caramelized exterior that enhances their natural flavors.
What Should You Serve with Oven Baked Small Potatoes for a Complete Meal?
When serving oven baked small potatoes, consider pairing them with complementary dishes for a balanced meal:
- Grilled Chicken: This lean protein option pairs well with the crispy texture of baked potatoes. Marinating the chicken in herbs and spices can enhance the flavors, making it a deliciously satisfying combination.
- Steamed Vegetables: A colorful mix of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers adds nutritional value and a fresh contrast to the hearty potatoes. The natural sweetness and vibrant colors of the vegetables can elevate the presentation and overall appeal of the dish.
- Beef or Pork Tenderloin: Roasted or grilled meats like tenderloin provide a rich and savory flavor that complements the mild taste of baked potatoes. The juiciness of the meat combined with the potatoes can create a fulfilling and hearty meal.
- Salad: A crisp salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can serve as a refreshing side. It adds a crunchy texture and helps balance out the starchiness of the potatoes, making for a well-rounded plate.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: This dish offers a luxurious twist and elevates the meal with its rich, buttery flavor. The sweetness of the shrimp pairs wonderfully with the earthy taste of the potatoes, creating a decadent combination.
- Cheesy Broccoli Casserole: This comfort food option adds creaminess and flavor, making it a delightful addition to the meal. The combination of cheese and broccoli provides both taste and nutrition, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dinner.