Believe it or not, it's totally possible to cook potatoes in the microwave. It happens to be a great way to make mashed potatoes fast from scratch.

Food cravings aren't always convenient, and sometimes when the hankering for this ultimate comfort food hits, there isn't enough time to prep them. Or maybe you are concerned you don't have the right potato choice. But with this recipe, the advantages are many. First, the potatoes are simple to prepare and cook: they're basically steamed in the microwave and then mashed with milk, butter, and seasonings. It's flexible; you can use any kind of potato you like, whether it's peeled russets or Yukon gold, or even unpeeled red potatoes. With the microwave, one of the most versatile side dishes—mashed potatoes from scratch—can be ready in less than 20 minutes, while you're prepping the main course.

Another speedy option for potatoes is this recipe for mashed potatoes using the Instant Pot or an electric pressure cooker. And many people swear by using a ricer for the potatoes to achieve the most fluffy and light mashed potatoes, with no lumps.