Perfectly Baked Jacket Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 large baking potato
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 2 strips of crispy bacon, crumbled (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Wash the baking potato and dry thoroughly.
  3. Pierce the potato with a fork several times to allow steam to escape during cooking.
  4. Lightly coat the potato with the olive oil and season it with the salt and pepper.
  5. Place the potato on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the skin is crispy and the potato is tender when pierced with a fork.
  6. Remove the baked potato from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  7. Cut a slit lengthwise across the top of the potato, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  8. Push the ends of the potato towards the middle to open it up.
  9. Add the butter to the potato, allowing it to melt into the hot flesh.
  10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potato.
  11. Top with the sour cream, chopped fresh chives, and crumbled bacon (if using).
  12. Serve the jacket potato immediately while it's still hot.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
  • Experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs.
  • Add additional toppings such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
  • Try different types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or feta.
  • Make it a vegetarian option by skipping the bacon and adding grilled vegetables or roasted chickpeas.
  • For a healthier version, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
  • Add a protein element by topping the jacket potato with cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or pulled pork.
  • Create a Tex-Mex twist by adding salsa, guacamole, and jalapenos.
  • Make it a Mediterranean-inspired dish by adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
  • For a creamy and cheesy variation, mix some cream cheese or blue cheese into the potato flesh before adding the toppings.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for a classic, comforting Jacket Potato. This dish takes a humble potato and turns it into a satisfying meal that's not only delicious but also customizable to your individual tastes. Our recipe uses a large baking potato, crisped to perfection in the oven, then split open and filled with creamy, melted butter and shredded cheddar cheese. To enhance the flavor, we also add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkling of fresh chives, and optional crumbled bacon for a little extra indulgence. Baking the potato in the oven gives it a crispy skin that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy interior. It's a straightforward recipe, but the results are always satisfying. Whether you're making it for a simple lunch, a side dish, or a light dinner, this Jacket Potato is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. How do I make the potato crispy? To achieve a crispy skin, make sure to thoroughly dry the potato after washing it and before baking. Additionally, coating it with olive oil and baking it at a high temperature (200°C/400°F) will help to achieve a crispy texture.
  2. How do I know when the potato is done? You can check for doneness by piercing the potato with a fork. If it goes through easily and the flesh is tender, then the potato is done.
  3. Can I use a different type of potato? While a baking potato (such as Russet or Idaho) is recommended for the best results, you can use other types of potatoes. However, keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary.
  4. Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings such as cooked vegetables, different types of cheeses, or even salsa or guacamole.
  5. Can I make these ahead of time? Jacket potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, you can partially bake the potatoes ahead of time, let them cool, and then finish baking them when you're ready to serve.
  6. Can I microwave the potato instead of baking it? While microwaving is a quicker cooking method, it may not produce the same crispy skin as baking. If you prefer a crispy skin, it's recommended to bake the potato in the oven.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the potato in the oven.
  • Fork - Used to pierce the potato before baking.
  • Knife - Used to cut a slit in the baked potato.
  • Butter knife - Used to spread the butter onto the hot potato.
  • Grater - Used to shred the cheddar cheese.
  • Serving spoon - Used to add the sour cream onto the potato.
  • Chopping board - Used to chop the fresh chives.
  • Oven mitts - Used to handle the hot baking sheet and potato.

Origin stories

The humble jacket potato, known as a baked potato in the United States, is a staple dish in British cuisine. It has a long history dating back to the 16th century, when Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to England. While the potato was initially met with suspicion, it gradually gained popularity for its affordability and versatility. The term ‘jacket potato’ came into use because the potato is cooked and eaten with its ‘jacket’ or skin, which becomes deliciously crispy when baked. A well-made jacket potato, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and lavishly filled, is a thing of beauty and a testament to the simple pleasures of British cooking.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.