When it comes to healthy eating on a budget, potatoes are an option that should rank at the top of the list. Potatoes are healthy, packed with a lot of essential vitamins and nutrients and are an extremely versatile food, making them great staples for your pantry.
Potatoes tend to have a moderately long shelf life and can be cooked in a number of different ways, whether you’d like the boiled, baked, fried, chopped, sliced, whole, or mashed.
One of the main things I love about baked potatoes is the versatility. Imagine taking a bite of a fresh, creamy, savory loaded baked potato one day that will leave you feeling satiated and satisfied, and the next day turning those same ingredients into mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even potato latkes.
But one of the caveats to cooking baked potatoes (or potatoes in general) is learning the proper way to store leftovers, especially if you have a tendency to bake too many potatoes at once. You want to make sure that your potatoes on day two or beyond maintain it’s same flavor and don’t come out to be dry and chewy with the texture changes that can happen if they aren’t stored properly.
If you want to know how to get your leftover baked potatoes to taste fantastic when you reheat them while ensuring food safety, today I’m sharing a guide on how to properly store leftover baked potatoes.
How To Store Leftover Baked Potatoes
Plastic wrap
An easy way to store your baked potatoes is to wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Before doing so, allow your baked potatoes to cool down to room temperature. Be careful not to let the baked potato sit out at room temperature for over 2 hours though as that would pose a food safety issue. Just wrap your baked potatoes in plastic wrap, seal them to ensure there is no air getting inside, and then store them in the refrigerator. They should be able to last for 3 to 5 days.
Airtight container
Storing your baked potatoes in an airtight container is probably one of the fastest and easiest methods you can use. Simply allow the potatoes to cool, then store them in an airtight container such as a plastic container with a lock lid or even a plastic storage bag. This will help keep your food dry and fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Freezer
If you know you’d like to repurpose your baked potatoes into another recipe, one of the best approaches you can take when storing it as a leftover is to freeze them first. After your recently baked potatoes have cooled completely to room temperature, place them in the freezer (with enough space in between where they aren’t touching each other). Then once frozen, take them out and place them in an airtight plastic bag. You may even opt to individually wrap them in aluminum foil after they’ve been cooled/frozen. Then finally store them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
Just note that if you’re opting to freeze them, for the best results, freeze plain potatoes that don’t contain dairy products like sour cream or seasoning and are slightly undercooked. All of these ingredients can be added when you’re ready to reheat. Just season and pop them right into the oven from the freezer.
How Long Do Baked Potatoes Last In The Fridge
When properly stored in an airtight container or packaging, baked potatoes in the refrigerator can usually last between 3 to 5 days. In the freezer, a potato can last up to 6 months. Proper storage can help extend the lifespan of leftover baked potatoes.
How To Reheat Baked Potatoes
The oven is the best method for reheating a baked potato. That way the outer skin can remain crispy and the inside can remain fluffy and moist. Reheating in the microwave for example could alter the texture of your baked potato, leaving it dry in the middle, and rubbery and chewy on the outside.
Follow these steps for the best way to reheat your leftover baked potato.
Step 1
Preheat the oven
Step 2
Remove the wrapping from the baked potato, and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 3
Heat in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Step 4
Season, eat, and enjoy.
Want to know how to store other types of leftovers? Check out these tips for what to do with leftover taco meat , leftover pulled pork recipes, and recipes for leftover spaghetti!
