Jacket potatoes are a classic comfort food loved by many for their crispy skins and soft, fluffy insides. Whether you’re after a quick snack or a hearty meal, knowing how to cook the perfect jacket potato is a skill worth mastering. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know-from choosing the right potato to baking techniques and delicious topping ideas.
What Is a Jacket Potato?
A jacket potato is simply a potato baked whole with its skin on, which acts like a “jacket” during cooking. The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven while the inside becomes light and fluffy. In many places outside the UK, these are called baked potatoes, but the method and love for them remain the same.
Choosing the Right Potato
For the best jacket potatoes, go for large, floury varieties like Maris Piper, King Edward, or Russet potatoes. These types have the perfect texture to give you that fluffy interior and crispy skin you crave.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Jacket Potatoes
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Make sure it’s fully heated before putting your potatoes in to ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare Your Potatoes
– Wash your potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove all dirt.
– Dry them completely with a clean towel.
– Prick each potato several times with a fork or skewer to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting.
3. Oil and Salt the Skins
Brush the potatoes all over with olive oil or melted butter. This step is essential for crispy, flavorful skins. Then sprinkle a generous amount of sea salt or flaky salt on the skins to enhance taste and crunchiness.
4. Bake Your Potatoes
– Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray.
– Bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on size. They’re done when the skins are crisp and a knife or skewer slides easily into the center.
– For extra crispness, some recipes recommend starting at a higher temperature (220°C) for 20 minutes, then lowering it to 190°C for the remainder of the baking time.
5. Check for Doneness
Gently squeeze the potato with an oven glove or towel; it should feel soft inside. If it’s still firm, bake for another 10 minutes and check again.
6. Serve with Toppings
Once baked, cut a cross on the top of the potato and squeeze the sides to open it up. Fluff the inside with a fork and add your favorite toppings.
Quick Cooking Tips
– Microwave + Oven Combo: If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes for 8-15 minutes (depending on quantity), then brush with oil and finish in the oven at 220°C for 20 minutes to crisp the skin.
– Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: These methods work well for batch cooking but won’t give you crispy skins like the oven.
– Air Fryer: Can be used for crispy skins but may produce softer skins depending on preferences.
Ultimate Jacket Potato Toppings
Jacket potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be topped with a wide variety of delicious ingredients. Here are some popular choices:
– Classic butter and mature cheddar cheese
– Baked beans and cheese (a British favorite)
– Sour cream with chives and crispy bacon bits
– Tuna mayonnaise with sweetcorn
– Leftover chili or curry for a hearty meal
– Coleslaw for a crunchy contrast
– Pulled pork or sausage ragu for meat lovers
– Ricotta and roasted tomatoes for a vegetarian twist
– Coronation chicken or smoked mackerel with mayo for something different
Feel free to mix and match according to your mood and pantry!
Twice-Baked Jacket Potatoes (Optional)
For a fun twist, try scooping out the fluffy interior after baking, mixing it with ingredients like garlic, butter, mayonnaise, herbs, and cheese, then spooning it back into the skins and baking again until golden and bubbly. This makes a deliciously rich and filling meal.
Cooking jacket potatoes is simple but rewarding. With the right potato, a bit of patience, and your favorite toppings, you can enjoy a comforting, tasty dish any day of the week.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked jacket potatoes!