Jacket Potatoes

Easy to cook in the oven or the microwave, the range of toppings are limitless, but use what is in the fridge or cupboard to keep the costs down. The jacket potato (or the baked potato) should be a staple dish in your cooking skills. It’s easy and speedy to cook up whilst also being deliciously satisfying and filling.

Now, I’m here to provide you with tips on how to cook a jacket potato perfectly, and also how you can take it a step further.

Choosing the right potato:

You’ll want to use fluffy potatoes to get the most out of your jacket potatoes. These potatoes usually come in larger sizes and are the best for conjuring up that lovely light consistency you want from a jacket potato. Supermarkets usually stock ‘baking potatoes’ but if you’re seeking out a specific type then Maris Piper or Kind Edwards are good choices.

Microwave or oven, does it matter?

A microwaved jacked potato certainly has its conveniences if you’re in a rush or looking to rustle up a quick meal! However, if you want a perfect creation, the more time you give it to cook the better and that’s usually when it’s created in the oven. Increased time in the oven allows you to create that beautiful contrast of a fluffy centre and crispy golden skins.

In fact, using both the oven and microwave can be the best option – it cuts some of the cooking time but still delivers impressive results. Pierce your potato all over, you can use a fork to do this and  pop it in the microwave for 5-6 minutes before finishing in the oven for around 25-30 minutes (time depends on the size of the potato).  

Getting it crispy

You can wrap their jacket potatoes in foil when you bake it in the oven but if you want a crispy skin just pierce it and place it in a hot oven, If you are lucky enough to have an Aga then they take about 45 minutes. I pop one in the oven and then walk the dog or take a run, when I am home the potato is ready!

Once you’ve pre-heated the oven, place the potato on the middle shelf so it can be cooked evenly. It’ll take 50 – 60 mins if you’re starting the cooking in the oven. Test it’s ready by giving it a gentle squeeze using an oven glove or a prod with a fork – it should feel soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. The jacket potato is then ready for you to fill to your taste.

You may just want to butter it up as a side dish to a meal, serve with salad and garlic bread if you want to or you may want to make a full dinner out of the dish itself. Here are a few of my favourites:

Ingredients

Grated cheese and beans

Cheese and coleslaw

Chilli beans mix

Tuna and sweet corn

Beans and sausage

Sliced ham with grated cheese, using smoked ham will add a lovely flavour to this topping

Add to this list to create your own recipe reminders.

TOP TIP! I wrap my potato in a piece of kitchen towel so it is easier to hold when it is taken out of the microwave.