A baked potato, eaten hot out of the oven or cold from the fridge, is one of life’s great pleasures. If you’re making baked potatoes as part of a larger meal (such as Thanksgiving dinner), you might be worried about how to reheat them without ruining their perfect texture and flavor. The good news is that it’s not hard to reheat your baked potatoes so they taste just as delicious as they did when they came fresh out of the oven! With the right method, you can reheat your potatoes in the microwave or in the oven to perfection every time.
4 Tips for the Perfect Reheated Baked Potato
Baked potatoes are one of the most popular side dishes in America and at the same time, also one of the easiest to screw up! A well-baked potato that’s fluffy on the inside and deliciously crispy on the outside is a thing of beauty, but it’s not always easy to achieve. There are several different methods for reheating baked potatoes, including baking them in the oven, boiling them, or microwaving them.
Microwave
Whether you’re reheating potatoes from last night’s dinner or leftovers from last week, a few simple steps will ensure they taste just as good as they did when they were fresh. First, pierce each potato with a fork in several places and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Then heat them on full power until they’re hot all the way through (approximately 15 minutes). For best results, make sure your potatoes are cold before you microwave them.
Fridge
Don’t just stick your baked potato in the microwave, that will only make it soggy. Instead, wrap it in a damp paper towel, and place it in your fridge overnight. This technique allows you to get a crispy texture on your reheated potato without making it mushy.
Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F and place a baking sheet in there. Poke some holes in your baked potato with a fork, then place it on that baking sheet. Roast until warm, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil (you’ll use it shortly). Just before serving, drain and refill with fresh water; your potato should be good as new!
Boiling water
Boiling your potato first is a great way to ensure that it heats through completely, with no chances of turning into a cold, hard lump when you reheat it. Put your potato in a pot and fill it with enough water to cover it by an inch or two. Bring to a boil, then turn down to medium-low and cook until tender—about 10 minutes. Drain immediately and pat dry before proceeding.
Conclusion
A good baked potato can be prepared ahead of time and is easy to reheat. To make sure it’s still yummy, keep these four tips in mind: 1) Cut it open with a knife instead of ripping it apart; 2) Put it in a microwave-safe dish with a lid on top; 3) Add a little water (or chicken broth), cover, and heat until warmed through; 4) If needed, finish heating in an oven set to 300 degrees. Enjoy!
