- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: British
- Course: Main Course or Side Dish
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes (Russet or Maris Piper)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped spring onions
- Crispy bacon bits
- Baked beans
- Tuna mayonnaise
- Coleslaw
- Chili con carne
- Fresh parsley
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Fork
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F Fan).
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, removing any dirt from the skins. Dry them completely using a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Pierce the Potatoes
Using a fork, prick each potato several times on all sides. This allows steam to escape during baking and helps prevent the potatoes from bursting.
Step 3: Season
Rub each potato with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and black pepper, ensuring the entire skin is seasoned.
Step 4: Bake
Place the potatoes directly on a baking tray or oven rack.
Bake for 1 hour 15–20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
The potatoes are ready when the skins are crispy and a knife slides easily into the center.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes.
Cut a deep cross into the top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to fluff up the inside with a fork.
Add butter immediately so it melts into the fluffy potato.
Finish with your favorite toppings and serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- Choose large, evenly sized baking potatoes for even cooking.
- Dry the potatoes thoroughly before adding oil to achieve crispier skins.
- Avoid wrapping potatoes in foil, as this traps moisture and softens the skin.
- For extra crispy skins, leave the potatoes in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Jacket potatoes pair perfectly with:
- Fresh garden salad
- Grilled chicken
- Homemade chili
- Baked beans
- Cheese and sour cream
- Tuna mayonnaise
- Steamed vegetables
- Garlic mushrooms
Storage
Allow leftover potatoes to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 15–20 minutes to restore the crispy skin. Avoid microwaving if you want the skin to remain crisp.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Potassium: 920 mg
- Vitamin C: 22 mg
- Calcium: 40 mg
- Iron: 2 mg