Baked potatoes are a classic, delicious side dish that can be prepped ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners or parties. Preparing baked potatoes in advance allows you to have a hot side ready with minimal hands-on time when you’re ready to eat. However, there are some important factors to consider when prepping baked potatoes the night before to ensure they turn out perfectly crispy and fluffy.
Can You Prep Baked Potatoes The Night Before?
Yes, you can prep baked potatoes the night before cooking them. Pre-prepping baked potatoes includes washing, piercing, rubbing with oil or butter, and wrapping the potatoes. Once prepped, the raw potatoes can be stored overnight in the fridge until ready to bake.
It’s best to prep the potatoes right before refrigerating them instead of leaving them out at room temperature overnight. Storing the raw, pierced potatoes in the fridge prevents excess oxidation which could lead to darkening of the flesh.
Steps For Prepping Baked Potatoes Ahead Of Time
Follow these steps for perfect night-before baked potato preparation:
- Wash and dry potatoes thoroughly. Scrub any dirt off the skin under running water using a vegetable brush. Pat very dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel.
- Pierce potatoes several times all over with a fork. Poking holes will allow steam to escape during baking which prevents bursting.
- Rub potatoes all over with olive oil or melted butter. Coating the potatoes helps prevent too much moisture loss.
- Optional seasoning: Sprinkle or rub potatoes with preferred dried herbs and spices. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, oregano all taste great.
- Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil. The foil prevents exposure to air and keeps in moisture.
- Place foil-wrapped potatoes in a sealed container or bag and refrigerate overnight.
How Long Do Prepped Baked Potatoes Last In The Fridge?
Raw potatoes prepped a day in advance and stored properly in the refrigerator should last 1-2 days before baking. Any longer than 2 days may result in the potato flesh darkening or potatoes drying out too much.
What’s The Best Way To Store Prepped Baked Potatoes?
Here are some tips for ideal overnight storage:
- Make sure potatoes are wrapped tightly in aluminum foil with no openings.
- Place in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag.
- Store in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Place in coldest part of the fridge, usually bottom shelf.
How To Finish Cooking Prepped Baked Potatoes
When ready to cook prepped baked potatoes, follow these instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F-425°F.
- Place wrapped potatoes directly on oven rack or on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake until potatoes are fork tender, about 1 hour.
- Open foil and bake 5 more minutes to crisp skins.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately, or keep wrapped to retain heat.
The potatoes may take slightly less time to reach doneness since they were pierced and somewhat dried out overnight in the fridge. Check after 45 minutes and continue baking until fork tender.
Tips For The Best Pre-Prepared Baked Potatoes
- Choose large, uniform-sized russet potatoes. They bake up fluffier than red or yellow potatoes.
- Rub skins with oil or butter before wrapping to prevent moisture loss.
- Pierce potatoes several times all over before baking for even cooking and fluffy texture.
- Foil wrap each potato individually so they steam and cook evenly.
- Store prepped potatoes in the fridge no longer than 1-2 days maximum.
- Bake potatoes fully until fork tender before topping or eating.
What If I Don’t Want To Prep The Potatoes Ahead?
You don’t have to prep the potatoes in advance if you would rather prep them right before baking. Just allow extra time on the day you are baking them for prep.
To prep and bake potatoes the same day:
- Wash potatoes and poke holes over the skin.
- Rub with oil or butter.
- Season with salt, pepper, or other dried herbs/spices as desired.
- Bake potatoes directly on oven rack at 425°F for 1 hour until tender.
Can You Microwave A Pre-Prepared Baked Potato?
It’s best not to microwave a pre-prepared baked potato. The microwave can make the texture dried out and uneven. For best results, always finish cooking stored prepped potatoes in the oven.
Common Questions About Pre-Prepared Baked Potatoes
Should I wrap potatoes in foil or plastic wrap?
Foil is best for wrapping potatoes that will be prepped in advance. Plastic can help retain moisture but foil allows better heat circulation during baking for even, fluffy potato interiors.
What temperature should I bake potatoes that were prepped ahead?
Bake prepped potatoes at a high temperature, between 400°-450°F, to get the insides heated through and crispy skins.
Can I season potatoes a day in advance?
Yes, seasoning potatoes with salt, pepper, herbs the day before enhances the flavor. Just be sure to wrap well in foil to contain any rubs.
Should I oil/butter potatoes before or after poking holes?
It’s best to rub potatoes with oil or butter after poking holes. The oil helps seal the holes and retain moisture.
How long do baked potatoes last after baking?
Baked potatoes stored properly in the fridge should last 3-5 days after cooking. Reheat gently in oven or microwave before serving.
Helpful Tips For Using Leftover Baked Potatoes
Here are some delicious ways to repurpose any leftover baked potatoes:
- Make twice-baked potatoes by scooping out insides, mixing with cheese, bacon, etc, then stuffing skins and baking.
- Prepare loaded potato skins by topping baked wedges with cheese, sour cream, etc.
- Cube cold potatoes to make homemade hash browns.
- Slice potatoes and add to omelets, breakfast tacos or strata.
- Use mashed baked potato to top shepherd’s pie or potato pancakes.
- Make potato salad with chunked baked potato, dressing, onion, celery, etc.
Conclusion
Preparing baked potatoes ahead of time can streamline weeknight dinners and parties while still ensuring delicious, hot, fluffy spuds. Wash, pierce, oil, and wrap potatoes individually in foil, then refrigerate up to 2 days for the optimal pre-prep method. Finish cooking potatoes in a hot 400°F+ oven for about an hour until heated through and crispy. Pair pre-baked potatoes with your favorite toppings for an easy side to complement any meal.