Don’t let those leftover baked potatoes go to waste! Here are some creative and delicious ways to repurpose them into new dishes.
I love baked potatoes. Nothing beats a slow-cooked jacket potato that’s fluffy in the middle with a crispy golden brown skin, covered with lashings of butter and your favourite toppings.
For me, that’s typically either cheese and beans or tuna mayo if it’s a meal on its own or just butter and a little salt if I’m serving it as a side with steak.
Generally, we cook potatoes to order, so leftovers aren’t common. But sometimes plans change, or you think you can eat more potatoes than you can actually manage, and you’re left with a couple spare.
If you’ve cooked them in the oven (the best way, but the air fryer is a close second), then it’s been at least an hour. You won’t want to waste that delicious potato, not to mention the time or energy that it took to cook.
So, what can you do with leftover baked potatoes? Let’s take a look!
Can You Keep Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Yes, you can keep leftover baked potatoes for up to three days. They’ll be better the sooner you use them, though. I try to use all of my leftovers the next day when possible.
If you know you won’t need the potato, I recommend storing it before putting any toppings (even butter) on and even before cutting the potato.
Storing Leftover Baked Potatoes
Remove your leftover jacket potatoes from the cooking tray and place them in a clean tub or bowl or on a plate to cool.
You shouldn’t leave it out for longer than two hours, but you shouldn’t refrigerate when it’s still warm either because it will get soggy and affect the texture of both the skin and the potato inside.
Once cool, place in a sealed, airtight container or wrap tightly and refrigerate.
Can You Freeze Leftover Baked Potatoes?
You can freeze leftover jacket potatoes, but they can have a high water content, and the texture is unlikely to stay the same when they thaw. I don’t recommend it.
Reheating Leftover Baked Potatoes
The best way to reheat a baked potato is in the oven. Try 180 degrees C for 15 minutes to start with.
The air fryer is also a great option, start with 10 minutes and make sure the potato is piping hot before serving.
You can reheat in the microwave, but the skin will soften. It’s a good option if you are short on time.
As They Are
For me, the best way to eat a leftover jacket potato is hot with butter and cheese. Just like I’d eat them the first time. Of course, there’s plenty more that you can do with them, but little beats a fluffy cheese-topped jacket.
Baked Potato Pancakes
Or potato fritters, the same thing, really!
Scoop the potato middle of the skin, mash with some butter, add some spring onions and maybe some grated cheese, and fry in patties for a few minutes on each side.
You can add other fillings, and you could add flour and even breadcrumbs to the outside for a golden finish.
Hash browns is another similar option.
Loaded Potato Soup
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a fantastic way to breathe new life into leftover baked potatoes, turning them into a warm and hearty meal the whole family will love.
Simply mash or chop your baked spuds, then simmer them with stock, a splash of cream, and your favourite seasonings until beautifully creamy.
Top with grated cheese, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of chives for that classic loaded potato vibe. It’s comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for those chilly evenings when you fancy something simple yet delicious!
Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes
Simply slice the potatoes in half, scoop out the fluffy insides, and mix with grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a pinch of seasoning. Spoon the cheesy mixture back into the potato skins, top with a little extra cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling.
You might also know these as loaded baked potatoes or stuffed potato skins, but whatever you call them, they’re easy to make, packed with flavour, and guaranteed to disappear in no time!
Loaded Breakfast Hash
Loaded Breakfast Hash is a quick and tasty way to use up leftover baked potatoes while starting your day off right.
Chop your leftover potatoes into chunks and fry them until crispy with a bit of oil, onions, and peppers. Add cooked bacon or sausage, then crack in a couple of eggs to cook through. Top it all off with a sprinkle of cheese and a handful of fresh herbs for a hearty breakfast that’s as versatile as it is satisfying. Perfect for a lazy weekend morning!
I love a good hash, and it’s perfect for all of your leftover ingredients!
Baked Potato Nachos
Baked Potato Nachos are a brilliant way to turn leftover baked potatoes into a fun and tasty treat.
Slice your cold potatoes into rounds and arrange them on a baking tray. They’ll break up a bit, but don’t worry.
Sprinkle generously with grated cheese and pop them under the grill until golden and bubbling. Then pile on your favourite nacho toppings – think salsa, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, and maybe some cooked chicken or chilli for extra flavour.
They’re perfect for sharing a great twist on classic nachos and a fab way to use up the rest of last night’s chilli con carne.
Potato And Vegetable Curry
This one is better if your potatoes are a little firm. The softer they are, the mushier they’ll get, so make sure you add them later, after the vegetables have simmered long enough that they are soft.
Chop the potatoes into chunks and simmer them in a fragrant curry sauce with your favourite vegetables – onions, peppers, spinach, or peas work brilliantly. Add coconut milk and a spoonful of curry paste for a rich, creamy base, and let everything bubble away until beautifully tender. Serve with rice or naan bread for a comforting, budget-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavour!
Potato And Egg Breakfast Scramble
Chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and fry them in a little oil until golden and crispy. Whisk up some eggs, season to taste, and pour them into the pan, stirring gently until just set. Add a handful of grated cheese, cooked bacon, or fresh herbs for extra flavour. It’s an easy, filling breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings or a laid-back weekend brunch! It’s kind of a cross between scrambled eggs and a frittata.
Baked Potato Casserole
Slice or cube the potatoes and layer them in a baking dish with grated cheese, cooked bacon, and a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese. Sprinkle with a bit of seasoning, then top with more cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh chives or spring onions for a dish that’s perfect as a side or even the star of the meal.
Mashed Potatoes
Scoop the middle out of your reheated potatoes and mash with butter and milk or cream for a delicious mashed potato.
You could also mash it with some cheese and onion, top it with sliced tomato and grated mature cheddar and bake for a yummy cheese pie. Or mash with corned beef and bake to brown the top.
Shepherd’s Pie
That delicious mashed potato is a great side as it is. Or you can use it as a topping for shepherd’s pie, cottage pie, or fish pie. Anything that uses mash, or leftover mashed potato basically.
Leftover Baked Potato Au Gratin
Thinly slice the potatoes and layer them in a baking dish or casserole dish with a creamy garlic sauce and plenty of grated cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous sprinkling of cheese on top. Pop it in the oven until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden and crisp. It’s an easy, comforting side dish that’s perfect for pairing with a roast or enjoying on its own!
What To Do With Leftover Baked Potato Skins
For some of these recipes, like twice-baked potatoes, you can just use the skin with the potato. But for the recipes where you scoop the skin out, you are going to be left with some crispy potato skins that are too good to waste.
Turn them into crispy, flavour-packed snacks or sides by brushing them with a little olive oil, sprinkling with your favourite seasonings, and baking until golden and crisp. Fill them with cheese, bacon, and a dollop of sour cream for loaded potato skins, or use them as a base for mini pizzas with tomato sauce and toppings. They’re versatile, tasty, and perfect for using up every bit of your potato!
FAQ
Yes, you can save and reheat leftover baked potatoes.
You can, but the texture will change, so I don’t recommend it. Keep them in the fridge.
I try to use them the next day.
Yes, reheat, scoop the potato out of the skin and mash with butter, milk, salt and pepper.
Yes, as long as they’ve been cooled and then refrigerated.
Yes, make sure it’s over 75 degrees C in the middle.
You can warm and eat them as they are, or use them in one of the recipes above.
A simple sausage and bacon hash with fried eggs, a frittata, or a potato and egg scramble is a great way to use leftover baked potato for breakfast.
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