Ten Tips to Make the Perfect Jacket Potato

The humble jacket potato, a quintessential comfort food, has graced dinner tables across the UK for decades. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a hearty supper, there’s nothing quite like the combination of a crispy skin and a fluffy interior, all topped with your favourite fillings. Achieving the perfect jacket potato is an art, but it’s easier than you might think. Here are ten tips to ensure your spuds are always spot on.

Chicken and Tomato Jacket Potato with Greek Yogurt

1. Choose the Right Potato

The foundation of any great jacket potato is the potato itself. Varieties like Maris Piper and King Edward are ideal due to their high starch content, which ensures a light, fluffy interior. Avoid waxy potatoes like Charlotte or Jersey Royals, as they won’t deliver the same texture.

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Baked Potatoes

2. Clean and Prep Properly

Before cooking, give your potatoes a thorough wash and scrub. Removing dirt and debris ensures a clean eating experience. Always leave the skin on, as it’s the key to that iconic crispy texture.

Tuna and sweetcorn topped baked potato

3. Poke Holes in the Potato

Use a fork to poke several holes around the potato. This step is crucial to prevent the potato from bursting as it bakes. A few well-placed pricks allow steam to escape, ensuring even cooking.

Jacket potato with mushrooms filling

4. Season the Skin

Don’t overlook the skin! Rubbing the potato with a little olive oil, sea salt, and cracked black pepper transforms it from bland to deliciously crispy. For an extra flavour boost, try sprinkling garlic granules or smoked paprika.

Jacket potatoes with chickpeas & red onion filling

5. Choose the Right Cooking Method

While microwaving is quick, nothing beats the taste and texture of an oven-baked potato. Air frying is another great option for achieving crispy skin in less time. However, for the perfect jacket potato, the oven reigns supreme.

Jacket Potatoes with King Prawns

6. Master the Baking Process

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Place your prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking tray. Bake for 1-1.5 hours, depending on size, turning halfway through. To check if they’re done, insert a knife into the centre; it should glide through effortlessly.

Jacket Potato with Cajun Salmon Dressing

7. Consider Pre-Cooking Techniques

If you’re short on time, start by microwaving your potato for 5-6 minutes before transferring it to the oven. This method ensures the inside cooks thoroughly while the oven crisps up the skin.

Sticky hot dog jackets

8. Perfect Your Toppings

A great jacket potato is only as good as its toppings. Classic options like butter, sour cream, and grated cheddar cheese never disappoint. For a more substantial meal, try chilli con carne, baked beans, or tuna mayo. Vegan alternatives like hummus or roasted vegetables also work beautifully.

Jacket potato with spinach curry sauce

9. Presentation and Serving

Once your potato is cooked to perfection, slice it open and fluff the interior with a fork. Add your toppings generously and garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for an extra touch of finesse.

Jacket Potato with Posh Sausage, Beans & Red Onion

10. Reheating and Leftover Tips

If you’ve made more than you can eat, don’t worry—jacket potatoes reheat wonderfully. Wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through. Leftovers can also be repurposed into delicious dishes like loaded potato skins or mash.

There you have it: ten simple tips to help you create the perfect jacket potato every time. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with toppings, the jacket potato is a dish that never fails to satisfy. Why not try these tips and share your favourite combinations in the comments? Happy baking!

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