Few things in life are as simple and satisfying as a perfectly baked jacket potato. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside and steaming hot straight from the oven, it is a humble dish that can be made luxurious with just a pat of butter or transformed entirely with a generous scoop of beans and cheese. Whether served as a quick lunch or a hearty supper, jacket potatoes are the kind of comforting staple everyone should know how to make.

With just one ingredient and a little patience, you can master this British favourite and enjoy all the delicious possibilities it offers.

What Is a Jacket Potato?

A jacket potato is a whole potato baked in its skin until the outside becomes crisp and golden while the inside turns soft and fluffy. In the UK, it is usually served split open with a knob of butter and a choice of toppings, from baked beans to tuna mayonnaise or coleslaw.

Unlike mashed or boiled potatoes, jacket potatoes are all about the contrast between the crisp skin and the light centre. They are wholesome, filling and wonderfully versatile, which is why they remain a classic across homes, cafés and pub menus throughout the country.

Choosing the Right Potato

For the best jacket potatoes, use large floury varieties such as Maris Piper, King Edward or Russet. These types have a low moisture content and a fluffy interior that bakes beautifully. Waxy potatoes tend to stay firm and can result in a slightly denser centre, which is not ideal for jackets.

Look for potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Scrub them well to remove any dirt, but keep the skins intact. This is where much of the texture and flavour lies.

How to Bake Jacket Potatoes in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape as they bake. Rub the skins with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt for extra crunch and flavour.

Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray and bake for around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on their size. The skins should be crisp and dry, and the inside should yield easily when pierced with a knife.

For even crispier skin, some cooks recommend baking the potatoes for 20 minutes, then removing them from the oven and giving them a gentle squeeze with a tea towel to loosen the inside. Return them to the oven to finish baking and crisp up.

Speeding Things Up in the Microwave

If you are short on time, you can start jacket potatoes in the microwave and finish them in the oven. Microwave the pricked potatoes for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Then transfer them to a hot oven for 15 to 20 minutes to crisp the skin.

While not quite as perfect as slow baking, this method gives you a good balance of speed and texture and is ideal for busy midweek meals.

Toppings and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, slice open your jacket potato and fluff the inside with a fork. Add a little butter and season with salt and pepper. From there, the toppings are limited only by your imagination.

Classic options include baked beans and grated cheese, tuna mayonnaise with sweetcorn, or coleslaw. For something heartier, try chilli con carne, pulled pork or leftover curry. For a lighter option, top with cottage cheese and chopped herbs, or avocado and roasted tomatoes.

A side salad or steamed greens turn a jacket potato into a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them with grilled meats, barbecued vegetables or a poached egg for extra protein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrapping potatoes in foil during baking traps steam and softens the skin, which results in a texture more like a boiled potato. For that proper jacket finish, bake them uncovered.

Avoid overcrowding the oven. Giving each potato space allows the hot air to circulate and helps the skin crisp evenly.

Do not rush the baking time. Low and slow is the secret to the best jacket potatoes. A higher temperature or shorter bake may cook the potato but will not give that satisfying crunch.

Dietary Variations and Add-Ons

Jacket potatoes are naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for most diets. Use dairy-free spreads or plant-based toppings for vegan versions, or load them with lean protein and vegetables for a healthy option.

For extra flavour, mix herbs or garlic into the butter, or try sprinkling smoked paprika or grated cheese on the skin during the last few minutes of baking.

If you are cooking for children, smaller potatoes can be used for mini jackets with fun toppings like hummus and cucumber or cheese and tomato.

Final Thoughts: Simple, Comforting and Delicious

Jacket potatoes are a beautiful example of how good cooking does not need to be complicated. With just a little care and time, you can turn an everyday ingredient into a warm and satisfying meal that never goes out of style. Whether you keep them classic with beans and cheese or explore new flavour combinations, the humble jacket potato remains a staple worth celebrating.

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