Yes, you can reheat jacket potatoes, and the oven is the only method that brings the skin back to anything approaching crispy. A jacket potato reheated in the microwave will have a warm, fluffy interior but a soft, slightly leathery skin ; which is fine if the skin is not the point, but if you want the full experience of a proper jacket potato, the oven is the method to use.
Can You Reheat Jacket Potatoes?
Yes. Cooked jacket potatoes keep in the fridge for three to four days, stored whole or with the filling removed and stored separately. They should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Reheat to 75°C (165°F) throughout, which for a large potato means checking the very centre. Fillings such as cheese, baked beans, or tuna mayo should be treated according to their own storage rules and reheated or added cold after, as appropriate.
Reheating Jacket Potatoes in the Oven
The best method for the full crispy-skin experience.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Place the potato directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray.
- Rub the skin lightly with olive oil or butter and a pinch of sea salt.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes for a medium potato, or 20 to 25 minutes for a large one.
- Check by inserting a skewer or knife into the centre: it should slide through easily and feel hot throughout.
- The skin should be dry to the touch and crispy when tapped.
Reheating Jacket Potatoes in the Microwave
Fast and suitable when the skin quality does not matter, or when you plan to eat it with a fork straight from the skin.
- Prick the potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents pressure buildup.
- Place on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on full power for two to three minutes for a medium potato.
- Turn over and microwave for another one to two minutes.
- Check the centre: insert a knife tip and feel for heat. If still cold in the middle, add 60-second bursts.
Combination Method (Best of Both)
Microwave first to warm through quickly, then a short blast in the oven or under the grill to restore the skin:
- Microwave for two minutes.
- Transfer to a preheated oven at 220°C or under a hot grill for five minutes.
- The skin crisps up while the interior is already warm.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Time | Skin | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven (200°C, oiled skin) | 15-25 min | Crispy | Best full result |
| Microwave (pricked) | 3-5 min | Soft | Speed, skin not priority |
| Microwave then grill/oven | 7 min total | Crispy | Best speed/quality balance |
I have always made my jacket potatoes in batches, but I never thought of another way to reheat them other than the oven? I heard the microwave is okay? Can you reheat jacket potatoes?
Yes, the microwave is quite effective at reheating spuds, and it takes a fraction of the time it does in the oven. Before using either of these methods, ensure there are no perishable toppings! Meaning leave the salsa, sour cream, and similar toppings until you are ready to eat.
Microwave
Place your spud in a microwave-safe dish, and microwave on MEDIUM power for two minutes.
If you had the spud on its side, flip, and microwave for another minute.
Check for desired warmth, depending on the potato, it could take another minute to warm all the way through.
*There have been multiple cases where the skin of the potato will become soggy. You can wrap the spud in a paper towel to help reduce the condensation. However, it should be noted that the skins will not crisp up in the microwave.
Oven
For those of you who want to go a more traditional route, simply place your jacket potato onto a baking sheet.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Once the oven has come to temp, place the baking sheet on the bottom rack, closet to the heat.
Bake for 15-20 minutes and remove carefully as the insides will be extremely hot!
Now before anyone flips over not wrapping it in foil, this is left out because you want to have crisp skin. The foil keeps moisture in, therefore, soggy skins.