How to Reheat a Baked Potato the Right Way

Whether they accompany a supper club-style menu or are topped with chili, baked potatoes are a popular side dish. They can make great leftovers, too. Make sure your leftover potatoes taste as great as they did when they first came out of the oven by using one of our methods below.

Find out which types of potatoes work best in which dishes, including the best potatoes for baking.

How to Reheat a Baked Potato

In the Microwave

Although reheating baked potatoes in the microwave is the quickest method, it can result in dried out potatoes. To prevent that from happening, cut the potato in half and cover each half with a damp paper towel. Place the potato in a microwave-safe dish and heat for two to three minutes, or until the potato is heated through.

Learn more about how to microwave leftovers (without destroying them).

In an Air Fryer

Reheating baked potatoes in the air fryer is a great way to ensure they’re crispy. Turn your air fryer to 350-400°, and heat the spuds for three to four minutes, or until they’re hot. The only downside to this method is the small capacity of your air fryer, meaning you may need to do a few batches.

On the Grill

If you’re firing up the grill for dinner, it’s easy to reheat your baked potatoes, too. Wrap them in foil and place them on the grill, which should be about 400°. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, and rotate them halfway through. This method keeps the potato skin crispy, but it can be a bit of a hassle to turn on the grill if you’re not already using it.

On the Stovetop

Using the stovetop is another quick and easy method for reheating your potatoes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium low. Cut the potato in half and put the cut sides down in the pan. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat and cook for three to four minutes. Once they’re heated, flip the potatoes so all sides get crispy. Serve with one of our easy egg recipes for breakfast!

The Best Way to Reheat a Baked Potato

Hands down, the best way to reheat a baked potato is in the oven. This method helps keep the potatoes from drying out. Preheat the oven to 350° F and take the potatoes out of the fridge so they reach room temperature. To achieve a crispy skin, place the potato directly on the rack. (A cookie sheet would work well, too.) Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the potato is heated through.

The only downside to this method? It’s a bit more time-consuming than zapping them in the microwave. But trust us, that extra time is well worth it.

Find More Ways to Use Up Leftover Potatoes

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Broccoli Potato Supreme

My family insists that this two-in-one casserole makes an appearance at all of our special meals. Every bite is doubly delicious! —Jane Birch, Edison, New Jersey

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Pork Shepherd's Pie

Of all the shepherd's pie recipes I've tried through the years, this version is my favorite. Although I live alone, I enjoy cooking and baking for friends and family. —Mary Arthurs, Etobicoke, Ontario

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Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast

Wow! The wine-warmed flavors in this recipe are amazing! Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special dish all ages will like. Serve with mashed potatoes to enjoy every last drop of the rich, beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas

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Delicious Potato Doughnuts

I first tried these tasty treats at my sister's house and thought they were the best I'd ever had. They're easy to make, and the fudge frosting tops them off well. When I make them for friends, the recipe is always requested. —Pat Davis, Beulah, Michigan

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Meat Shell Potato Pie

Guests always comment on the presentation and flavor of this delightfully different dish. —Julie Sterchi, Flora, Illinois

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Crispy Mashed Potato & Stuffing Patties

Talk about a fun way to use holiday leftovers! Making this turkey and stuffing patty is so fast. The family looks forward to this breakfast treat every year. —Kellie Ferea, Casa Grande, Arizona

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Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes

Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

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Bacon Potato Waffles

I like to garnish these great potato waffles with sour cream and chives, or even a simple cheese sauce. My mother used to sprinkle them with a touch of sugar. —Laura Fall-Sutton, Buhl, Idaho

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Easy Potato Rolls

After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. —Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri

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Holiday Stromboli

At our house, we wrap holiday leftovers in pizza crust as a yummy way to finish them off. Here’s to getting the flavor, without the all-day cooking. —Alia Slatton, Boulder, Colorado

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Glazed Doughnuts

The light coffee flavor in these tasty sugar-glazed doughnuts makes them a perfect start to the morning...on Christmas Day or any day. You'll find that the recipe is a delectable way to use up leftover potatoes. —Pat Siebenaler, Random Lake, Wisconsin

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Skillet Shepherd's Pie

This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California

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Cinnamon-Walnut Sticky Buns

The sweet honey-walnut topping and tender texture make these sticky rolls a surefire crowd-pleaser. —Debbie Broeker, Rocky Mount, Missouri

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Spinach Quiche with Potato Crust

While this recipe is delicious using ingredients exactly as listed, it’s also a smart way to make the most of any leftover potatoes and veggies. Use 2-1/2 cups leftover mashed potatoes and whatever cooked vegetables you have on hand. You can also substitute 1/2 pound Italian sausage for the bacon if you want a heartier quiche. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland

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Breaded Sea Scallops

I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. He says my breaded version is the best he's ever had. A tip I learned was to put them on a paper-towel-topped plate to soak up excess oil. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

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Grandma's Potato Dumplings

Don't be surprised if you make too many mashed potatoes on purpose. Day-old rolls and leftover spuds are scrumptious the second time around, turned into buttery potato dumplings. —Wendy Stenman, Germantown, Wisconsin

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Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes

I love finding ways to use holiday leftovers. These potato cakes use the mashed potatoes, stuffing and breadcrumbs. To go all out, add meat and cheese. —Jeri Psikal, Norman, Oklahoma

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Pierogi Quesadillas

When I had hungry children in the kitchen and nothing but leftovers, I invented these quesadillas. Now it's how we always use up our potatoes, meats and sometimes veggies. —Andrea Dibble, Solon, Iowa

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Grandma Russell's Bread

I remember as a child always smelling fresh homemade bread and rolls whenever I walked into Grandma's house. The warm slices were delicious and melted in my mouth! —Janet Polito, Nampa, Idaho

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Skillet Shepherd's Pie For 2

Leftover mashed potatoes? Add them to a few pantry staples and you'll have warm comfort food in no time! —Sharon Tipton, Orlando, Florida

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Chive Pinwheel Rolls

These light, pleasant-tasting rolls complement almost any entree. With the chive filling swirled through the golden bread, they're attractive enough for special occasions. -Ann Niemela, Ely, Minnesota

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Stuffin' Muffins

If you love stuffing, you won’t be able to get enough of these fun muffin cups that not only make use of leftover stuffing but also green beans, turkey, mashed potatoes, cheddar and gravy. It’s a taste of Thanksgiving in every bite! —Pauline Porterfield, Roxboro, North Carolina

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A Christmas Story Meat Loaf

I've watched the film “A Christmas Story” so many times since I was a kid. Now I have a family of my own, so I re-created the mom’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

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Mashed Potato Beef Casserole

This recipe came out of my mother's cookbook. The smudges and splatters show that Mom used it extensively to feed our large family. The tarragon really comes through to make a flavorful main dish. Now I prepare this recipe for our four children and six grandchildren. —Helen McGeorge, Abbotsford, British Columbia

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Super Spud Brownies

These moist and cakey brownies came from my mom’s old cookbook. Mashed potatoes may seem like an unusual ingredient, but this recipe took first place at a local festival. —Marlene Gerer, Denton, Montana

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Miniature Shepherd's Pies

These mini pies are ideal for nibbling at holiday parties. If ground beef isn't your preference, change up the flavor with ground lamb and a teaspoon of dried rosemary instead. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

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Potato Pan Rolls

My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to make because you use quick-rise yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming

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Swedish Doughnuts

One day, my father got a hankering for doughnuts and asked me to make him some. I ended up trying these. Dad—and everyone else—loved the results. They come out so golden and plump. —Lisa Bates, Dunham, Quebec

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Iced Cinnamon Potato Rolls

This recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who remembers making these rolls often. Now I make them often. Maybe they'll be a hit with your family, too! —Jonas Schwartz, Berne, Indiana

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Corn Potato Pancakes

I love combining different foods to see what I can come up with. I put last night's mashed potatoes to delicious use in these slightly crisp golden brown cakes. —Carolyn Wilson, Lyndon, Kansas

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Potato Puffs

I give this recipe out often. It's suitable for any meal, and a terrific use of leftover potatoes. They're great alongside sandwiches or hamburgers. —June Mullins, Livonia, Missouri

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Speedy Shepherd's Pie

Turn mashed potatoes and a few pantry staples into cozy comfort food. This recipe is really flexible, so if you have extra veggies on hand, stir them into the beef mixture for even more goodness. —Sharon Tipton, Winter Garden, Florida

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Loaded Stuffed Potato Pancakes

When I make mashed potatoes, I always cook extra so I can prepare these over-the-top potato pancakes. Fill them with sour cream, ranch dressing, melted cheese—or all three. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

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Whole Wheat Potato Rolls

My cousin’s classic-with-a-twist recipe is truly delish. Extra rolls freeze well. — Devon Vickers, Goddard, Kansas

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Individual Shepherd's Pies

These comforting little pies make a fun St. Patrick's Day surprise for the family. Extras are easy to freeze and eat later on busy weeknights.—Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee

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The post How to Reheat a Baked Potato the Right Way appeared first on Taste of Home.

Alexa Hackfort