Is it safe to eat baked potatos left on counter overnight?

It's not recommended to eat baked potatoes left on the counter overnight. Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Bacteria thrive at room temperature. While a hot baked potato starts out safe, as it cools, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

* Spoilage: Even if you don't get sick, the potato will start to spoil overnight. The texture will change, becoming less firm and potentially developing an unpleasant odor.

Here's what you can do instead:

* Refrigerate: As soon as the baked potato is cool enough to handle, store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.

* Freeze: You can also freeze baked potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Always reheat leftover baked potatoes thoroughly to kill any bacteria that might have grown.