Updated: Jul. 12, 2022
Your leftover spuds should be soft and fluffy! It's time to learn how to reheat a baked potato.
Whether they accompany a supper club-style menuor 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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Skillet Shepherd’s PieThis 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, CaliforniaGo to RecipeHave extra turkey, too? Give our leftover turkey recipes a try!
Taste of Home
Broccoli Potato SupremeMy 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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Also, check outthese best Potato Recipes for people who love spuds.
Pork Shepherd's Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pork Shepherd's PieOf 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, Etobico*ke, Ontario
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Also, try these easy leftover corned beef recipes so you don’t have to let the tender meat go to waste.
Taste of Home
Delicious Potato DoughnutsI 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
Meat Shell Potato PieGuests always comment on the presentation and flavor of this delightfully different dish. —Julie Sterchi, Flora, Illinois
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Editor's Tip: You get ready to chop potatoes for dinner and notice some unwelcome "eyes." Immediately, you wonder, Are sprouted potatoes safe to eat? Check if can you eat a potato that is sprouting.
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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Taste of Home
Bacon-Cheddar Potato CroquettesInstead 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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Check out this guide to learn how long Thanksgiving leftovers are good for.
Easy Potato Rolls Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Easy Potato RollsAfter 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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If you're looking to reheat your mashed potatoes without losing the original flavor, here's an easy way to do it!
Taste of Home
Holiday StromboliAt 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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Taste of Home
Glazed DoughnutsThe 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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Taste of Home
Cinnamon-Walnut Sticky BunsThe 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 CrustWhile 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. Learn to make instant pot mashed potatoes with leftover potatoes.
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Breaded Sea Scallops Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Breaded Sea ScallopsI 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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Crispy Mashed Potato CakesI 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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Taste of Home
Pierogi QuesadillasWhen 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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Chive Pinwheel RollsThese 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 Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Stuffin' MuffinsIf you love stuffing, you won’t be able to get enough of these fun muffin cups that make use of not only 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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Super Spud BrowniesThese moist and cakelike brownies came from my mom’s old cookbook. Mashed potatoes may seem like an unusual ingredient, but they work beautifully—this recipe took first place at a local festival. —Marlene Gerer, Denton, Montana
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Potato Pan RollsMy 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 DoughnutsOne 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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Best Cinnamon RollsWhen I married him, I discovered that my husband's family has the best cinnamon roll recipe! I asked his mom how to make homemade cinnamon rolls, and I've been making them ever since. Serve them with scrambled eggs, and you have a filling breakfast. As a variation, you can replace the filling with a mixture of raisins and pecans. —Shenai Fisher, Topeka, Kansas
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Taste of Home
Potato PuffsI 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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Loaded Stuffed Potato PancakesWhen 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 or melted cheese—or all three. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
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