How to Reheat Baked Potatoes in the Microwave

Many know that reheating potatoes is no easy task because they can easily burn under the wrong reheating temperatures. There are various options to reheat baked potatoes, but microwaving is the easiest and less messy method. Can you microwave baked potatoes without drying them out?

You can reheat baked potatoes in a microwave without ruining them by cutting them into two and covering them with dampened paper towels to prevent uneven heating. Ensure to warm the potatoes at 20-30 seconds intervals so you can check on them to prevent burning. The recommendable reheating temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.  

If you have experienced difficulties warming up baked potatoes, know that you are not alone. This problem is easily fixable when one is cautious and attentive to details. In this write-up, I will reveal some tips on how to prevent your potatoes from drying up and how to store them. 

Is it Safe to Reheat Baked Potatoes?

It can be quite risky to warm up potatoes as they are prone to exploding under high temperatures due to elevated moisture content. You have minimal chances of experiencing this misfortune when you follow the right reheating procedure.

To safely bake your potatoes, store them well because potatoes are one of the foods that can easily put one at the risk of food-borne illnesses. It is also not recommendable to leave the food at room temperature for a prolonged period because of exposure to harmful bacteria. 

How to Reheat Baked Potatoes in a Microwave

Most modern families own a microwave because of its functionality and time-saving aspect when reheating leftover food. However, most people also comprehend that this kitchen appliance is not that perfect as they may have ended up with either mushy or dried food more than once. 

Here is an elaborate guide on how to microwave baked potatoes:

1. If the potatoes are from the freezer, thaw them for about an hour at room temperature.
2. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe plate and cover with paper towels or plastic wrap. 
3. Reheat the potatoes for 3- 5 minutes. This time is not definite- your reheating period is contingent on the size of potatoes you have. Also, if you hadn’t stored the potatoes in the fridge, it takes less time to warm them. 
4. Ensure the internal temperatures get to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. When the potatoes are evenly heated, remove them from the microwave and let them stand for 2 minutes.
6. Your food should be ready to serve. 

How to Reheat Baked Potatoes Without Drying them Out

You may follow the steps given above but still end up with dried and unpalatable potatoes. As I mentioned earlier, microwaving baked potatoes is no easy task. Luckily for you, there are numerous things you can do, so your food has minimal chances of ending up unsavory. Here are some tips that will change your reheating experience:

1. Before microwaving your potatoes, moisten them. You can do this by brushing them with some water or olive oil. I recommend using olive oil to add flavor to the food. You can also rub the potatoes with seasonings of your liking before reheating. 
2. Using a knife, gently pierce the sides of the potatoes to attain and retain heat evenly. The piercing also prevents them from exploding in the microwave.
3. To assess if your potatoes are well warmed, piece them with a fork at the center. This way, you will determine if they are soft or not. 
4. Always cover the potatoes using dampened paper towels or plastic wrap. When you cover them, the steam doesn’t escape, hence making certain they are well humidified at all times. 
5. It is optional to cut your potatoes into two, but this prevents them from drying up since it’s more technical to warm up larger pieces of baked potatoes. 
6. After reheating, don’t leave the potatoes to stand for a long period. Eat them when warm and well-textured. 
7. Always defrost the potatoes in a microwave or thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw at room temperature for a short while before reheating to achieve the best results. 

How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes

After preparing your potatoes, let the ones you intend to store cool for approximately 2 hours. Package them in aluminum foil and ensure to wrap them appropriately so they do not contract bacteria from the fridge. Next, please put them in the refrigerator to last a maximum of 4 days.

Store the potatoes in the freezer if you want the potatoes to last longer. First, place them in a baking tray and put them in a freezer. They should be evenly spaced out, so they don’t stick on each other. 

Once they have hardened, remove the tray from the freezer. Put the food in freezer-safe bags and get rid of excess air before closing the bags and placing them in the freezer.