Reheating a baked potato doesn’t have to result in a dry, lifeless side dish. In fact, with the right technique, your leftover baked potato can be just as delicious the second time around. Here’s the absolute best way to reheat a baked potato to ensure it retains its fluffy interior and tasty skin.

The oven method is often considered the best way to reheat a baked potato. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your cold baked potato and wrap it in aluminum foil — this helps retain the moisture in the potato. Place it on a baking sheet and pop it into the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through. The exact time will depend on the size of the potato.

Another tip for enhanced flavor is to add a pat of butter or a sprinkle of cheese on top before you wrap it in foil. This will melt into the potato, giving an extra flavor boost as it heats.

For those who are short on time, you can also use a microwave. However, you risk ending up with a less crispy skin. To mitigate this, cut the baked potato in half and place it on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for one minute intervals, checking its temperature after each interval. It should take about 2-4 minutes depending on the size of your spud and power of your microwave.

If you want to revive that crispy skin that makes a baked potato so appealing, take it out of the microwave once hot, quickly brush with olive oil or butter, and pop under your oven broiler for a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on it though; broilers can turn from friend to foe in seconds!

Remember that how you store your baked potatoes can affect how well they reheat. Don’t leave baked potatoes at room temperature for an extended period — not only does this reduce quality but could also create conditions ripe for bacterial growth. Store them in your fridge within two hours of cooking, and they can be reheated safely.

There you have it — by using these methods carefully, you can enjoy that perfectly reheated baked potato with all the warmth and comfort of its freshly-baked counterpart. Whether you choose the oven method for its consistent heat or use the microwave for its convenience followed by a quick broil for crispiness, following these steps will give you great results every time.