How to Reheat a Baked Potato Perfectly Every Time

Cooked too many baked potatoes? Don’t want to eat them cold the following day? We’ll show you how to reheat a baked potato perfectly every time.

You may have cooked too many baked potatoes for dinner or find that you’re feeling full after eating half of a large one. Don’t throw them away or feel like you have to eat them cold. It’s really easy to reheat baked potatoes, making them perfect for a leftovers lunch or dinner. 

It’s important to ensure that the leftover baked potatoes are stored properly first. Allow them to cool completely and place them in an airtight container or reusable bag, they can stay in the refrigerator for up to five days. Do not refrigerate baked potatoes in aluminum foil as this can lead to food poisoning.

Aluminum foil should also not be used for reheating baked potatoes due to environmental concerns. Although aluminum foil is recyclable, it’s not always easy or convenient as it needs to be washed first, so often ends up in the landfill. However, the main environmental concern about aluminum foil is the way that it’s produced — it requires a high amount of energy which produces carbon emissions and can also lead to water pollution.

We’ll discuss how to reheat a baked potato perfectly, without the need for aluminum foil, and give some tasty tips on baked potato toppings. 

1. Reheat Baked Potatoes in the Oven

Reheating a baked potato in the oven is the most traditional way. This method will produce the best results but takes slightly longer than the others. 

1. Remove the baked potatoes from the refrigerator and from their individual containers and set them aside, to reach room temperature.
2. Place on a baking sheet or directly on the oven shelf and bake for twenty minutes at 350°F, turning halfway through. Reheating time will need to be adjusted for very large baked potatoes.
3. Remove from the oven and test the temperature by inserting a knife in the center and seeing if it comes out warm. If not, return to the oven for another five minutes.

2. Warm Up a Baked Potato in the Microwave

This is the fastest way to reheat a baked potato and uses less energy than the oven. Care should be taken to ensure the potato doesn’t dry out.

1. Cut the baked potato in half and place it on a microwaveable plate.
2. Place a damp sustainable paper towel alternative on the top of each half.
3. Heat for two minutes then test the temperature by inserting a knife in the center and seeing if it comes out warm. If not, return it to the microwave for another minute. Reheating time will need to be adjusted for very large baked potatoes.

3. How to Reheat a Baked Potato on the Stove Top

Wondering how to reheat a baked potato on the stovetop? It’s easy – you just need to be careful that it doesn’t burn. 

1. Cut the baked potato in half.
2. Add a little olive oil to a skillet and warm on medium to low heat.
3. Place the baked potato halves skin side up in the skillet and cover. Cook for three to four minutes then turn and repeat on the skin side until crispy.
4. Remove from heat and place skin side down on a dish towel to remove the excess oil, then serve.

4. Warm up a Baked Potato in the Air Fryer

If you already have an air fryer at home, you can use it as a healthier option for reheating baked potatoes. 

1. Simply fry in the air fryer for three to four minutes for a crispy finish.
2. If it’s a large baked potato cut it in half and air fry each side separately if necessary.

Baked Potato Toppings

There are loads of baked potato toppings to try, so you don’t need to worry about eating a plain reheated baked potato. Consider the following options for toppings: 

1. Vegan chili
2. Guacamole
3. Hummus
4. Chickpea or vegan curry
5. Cream cheese and cauliflower
6. Broccoli and cheese
7. Vegan cheese or non-dairy sour cream

Read more:

• Sweet Potato vs. Russet Potato: Which Is Best?
• This Is the Best Way to Scrub Potatoes
• How To Store Potatoes to Keep Them Fresh Longer

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Tags: Food Food Waste Guide Healthy Eating