How do you reheat a baked potato? While it is best to eat a potato when it is fresh out of the oven, it is possible to reheat them (it won’t be the same, but it can do). The process is pretty easy and it will only take a couple of minutes to get it reheated properly.
All of the methods I list below will get the job done, obviously some will be quicker than others.
Using The Microwave
The microwave is by far the quickest and most effective option available when it comes to reheating a baked potato. You need to ensure that you do not microwave the potato that is wrapped in foil, as the foil in the microwave could lead to disastrous results.
Note: You should remove all the fillings and toppings before reheating the potato, especially sour cream.
Steps
- Cut the baked potato in two and place in a microwave safe container
- Place a damp paper towel over the container (this will help it from drying out)
- Microwave the potato on high for about 1-2 minutes.
- You can cut the potato in two to check and see if the potato is fully reheated (Some microwaves are more powerful than others)
- If still cold on the inside, microwave for a couple more seconds.
- Once your dish is piping out, take out, let it cool and enjoy.
- You could add a little bit of water if you find the chili to be too thick
Using the Oven
The oven is another excellent method to reheat the baked potato (you probably baked it in there in the first place). While the oven gets the job done, it can take a bit longer than using the microwave.
Note: You should remove all the fillings and toppings before reheating the potato, especially sour cream.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place on a baking sheet.
- Place in the oven for about 15-20 minutes.
- Check to ensure that the potato is fully reheated, if not let it stay in the oven for a couple more minutes.
- Once finished, you can take out and serve.
Using the Skillet
You can always use the skilled to reheat a baked potato, but this is just if you plan on mashing it up. Think of bootleg mashed potatoes or you just want it heated up without having to use the microwave or wait on it in the oven.
Steps:
- Heat a skillet on medium heat and add a little olive oil/butter to it.
- Chop up the baked potato and throw it in the heated skillet
- Stir the potato chunks around, ensuring that each side is fully heated.
The Problem With Reheating Baked Potatoes
There are some concerns with baked potatoes and botulism/food poisoning. This arises when the original baked potato is left in the foil and allowed to cool down for a considerable time period. If you had baked a potato in foil and left it in the aluminum foil for hours, it would be a good idea to discard it. Not removing the foil could lead to the botulinum bacteria growing.
You should never store a baked potato that is still wrapped in the foil inside the refrigerator. Remove the foil before storing.
