Do you ever wonder how long do baked potatoes last? I did once after having too many baked potatoes for a family dinner. We should know the shelf life of baked potatoes to avoid ending up with spoiled and wasted baked potatoes in your kitchen.
Since I can’t put my mind at ease without knowing the answer to this question, I used my impeccable research skills to find the answer. What I discovered has fully solved my dilemma. To help those with the same query, check the answer below.
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How Long Do Baked Potatoes Last?
Just like any other perishables, baked potatoes don’t last long if they’re not stored properly. According to Eat By Date, baked potatoes can last up to 5-7 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. If stored in the freezer, they can last up to 6-8 months.
It’s never safe to leave your baked potatoes at room temperature for more than four hours because it increases the risk of bacteria contamination. After baking your potatoes, serve them immediately or store them in the freezer or refrigerator.
Also, it’s never advisable to leave the aluminum foil on your baked potatoes because it increases the growth of botulinum bacteria.
What Is The Link Between Botulism And Baked Potatoes?
Botulism is a serious case of a foodborne disease. It is manifested by consuming foods that have the botulinum bacteria. If not cured immediately, people infected with this foodborne illness may put them at very high mortality risks.
Baked potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil have been associated to botulism. The botulinum bacteria spores can thrive in baked potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil at room temperature or in an oven below 60 degrees Celsius.
To prevent the spread of bacteria, consume the baked potatoes not more than two hours of being cooked.
How To Refrigerate And Freeze Baked Potatoes
Another way to prevent botulism is to store the baked potatoes right away in the refrigerator or freezer. Make sure that you remove the aluminum foil before storing them in the refrigerator. Keep all baked potatoes in freezer bags or air tight containers.
Before you seal the bags. Make sure that you remove all air out as possible because oxygen can cause freezer burns. Label the date of storage so you can be guided when the baked potatoes will go bad.
You can also cut the baked potatoes before placing them in freezer bags as demonstrated by Mark Anthony in this video.
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Thawing Frozen Baked Potatoes
You can thaw frozen potatoes in the oven or microwave. To thaw in the oven, arrange each baked potato on a sheet pan and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 45 minutes or until the center reaches the temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unlike other frozen foods, it’s not advisable to thaw frozen baked potatoes in the refrigerator because you can allow the bacteria to grow.
If you want to thaw only a few pieces, you can use the microwave which thaws about 3-4 pieces. To microwave, follow these steps.
- Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe container
- Cover it with a plastic wrap
- Leave a little hole at the corner of the plastic wrap to let the steam out
- Heat the potatoes on high for about four minutes
Reheated baked potatoes should be consumed within two days of thawing. Never put back a previously frozen potato into the freezer.
How To Enjoy Your Thawed Baked Potatoes
Once your frozen baked potatoes are thawed, you can make them more interesting by doing these following recipe ideas.
- Transform baked potatoes into tasteful party appetizers by topping them with caviar and sour cream. If you can’t afford caviar, you can use a crumbled cooked egg yolk. Check the complete recipe here.
- Make a baked potato soup by mashing the potatoes and adding them to all-purpose flour, milk, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. You can make this soup to warm you during the cold night. Serve the soup together with a crusty bread and chopped vegetable salad.
- Make your baked potatoes more exciting by turning them into fries. Just fry the sliced potatoes together with onions and seasonings for about five minutes. Turn them occasionally and sprinkle with a bit of paprika. Check the full recipe here
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Final Thought
How long do baked potatoes last? Baked potatoes can last for 5-7 days in the refrigerator and 6-8 months in the freezer.
Never leave your baked potatoes for more than four hours at room temperature because it increases the risk of botulinum bacteria contamination. You can store the potatoes in a freezer bag or airtight container.
Have you tried storing your baked potatoes in the refrigerator or freezer? Let us know in the comments section below. If you like this article, share it with your friends.
