How To Reheat Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes, or jacket potatoes (if you're from the UK), are one of the most popular side dishes worldwide. They're often the star dish on dinner tables and in refrigerators as well! Yes, baked potatoes make great leftovers, but only if you know how to reheat them properly.
Since a classic recipe of baked potatoes often calls for butter, sour cream, and cheese; one wrong move and your spud will be a greasy, rubbery mess. So, how do you reheat a baked potato and keep it tasting great? Reheat them in the oven! Find the step-by-step guide below.
Reheating Baked Potatoes In The Oven
Not many will argue this - the oven is hands-down the best way to reheat a baked potato. The process is easy, quick, and mess-free and will still keep the original flavor and texture intact. However, as with all good things, there's a catch. If you're reheating multiple potatoes or a large one, it might take quite some time compared to other methods.
Here's what you need to do:
- First, take the potatoes out of the fridge and allow them to reach room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C).
- Line a baking sheet with some aluminum foil for easy cleanup later. However, if you want a crispy skin, you can place the potatoes directly on the rack or use a cookie sheet instead of the foil.
- Next, pop them in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.
- Take them out, and check if they're heated through. If not, bake for another 5 minutes, and they should be done!
Other Methods To Reheat Baked Potatoes
If you don't have an oven or are in a hurry, there are other methods you can try to reheat baked potatoes.
The Microwave
This is the quickest way to reheat a potato, but it's also the most likely to result in a rubbery texture. So, if you decide to use this method, do so with caution!
- To microwave a baked potato, start by piercing it a few times with a fork. It'll allow the steam to escape and prevent your potato from exploding.
- Next, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for one minute, then check if it's heated through. If not, give it another minute.
The Stovetop
- Start by heating some vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-low flame.
- Once the oil is heated, add the potatoes (cut them into small pieces if they're large).
- Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for about 4 minutes.
This method is great if you want to add extra flavor to your reheated potatoes! You can try sprinkling on some salt, pepper, or other spices before or while cooking.
The Air Fryer
This is our second-best method for reheating baked potatoes. It's quick and easy and gives you nice, crispy skin without added oil!
- To reheat in an air fryer, start by preheating it to 400D F.
- Next, place the potato in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Once they're heated through, take them out and enjoy!
On The Grill
If you're having a fun BBQ night and turning on the grill, why not reheat your potatoes on there as well? It'll add a nice smoky flavor to them!
- To do this, start by preheating the grill to 400D F.
- Next, wrap your potatoes in foil and place them on the grates.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, and voila!
In The Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is simply a smaller version of a regular/full-sized oven, so it's no surprise that this is another great way to reheat your spuds! The process also remains exactly the same as we discussed above, i.e., reheating your baked potatoes at 350D F for 15-20 minutes.
One advantage of using a toaster oven is that it'll not dry out the insides of the potato, instead, keep them light and fluffy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Eat Leftover Baked Potatoes?
You can eat leftover baked potatoes, provided you follow proper food safety guidelines. Baked potatoes can last in the fridge for up to three days. However, if you're still unsure, you can look for signs of spoilage, such as mold or bad odor.
Can Baked Potatoes Be Reheated The Next Day?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to store your baked potatoes properly in the fridge. And the next day, simply reheat them using any of the methods mentioned above. If you have frozen baked potatoes, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight or directly reheat them in the oven.
How Do You Reheat Baked Potatoes Quickly?
The quickest way to reheat baked potatoes is in the microwave or air-fryer. However, if you're using the former option, wrap your potatoes with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
Can You Reheat Baked Potatoes In Foil?