Jacket Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 largerusset potatoes
- 4 tspvegetable or other neutral-flavored oil
- ½ tspkosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped fresh chives
Directions
- 1
Line a baking sheet or 9x13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil. Scrub your potatoes under running water, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- 2
Prick the potatoes all over with a fork, then place them on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle a teaspoon of oil onto each potato, followed by 1/8 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasonings into the potatoes until they’re evenly coated.
- 3
Bake the potatoes until their skins are very crisp and they’re fluffy on the inside and easily pierced through with a knife, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Don’t be afraid to leave them in the oven for the full 2 hours, especially if they’re on the bigger side—they won’t burn, I promise!
- 4
Transfer the potatoes to serving plates. Use a sharp knife to cut into a potato lengthwise, creating a slice that goes from end to end but not all the way through. Use a pair of tongs to squeeze the potato from its ends and sides, so that the insides of the potato are pushed up and fluffed up a bit. For a traditional look, cut a cross into the tops of the potatoes, then give them a little squish from the ends so that the insides of the potato break up and become fluffy.
- 5
Add a large pat or two of butter to each potato, top with salt, pepper, and chives or green onions, and serve right away. Let leftover potatoes cool to room temperature then store in a lidded container, or wrapped individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, either microwave the potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes, or bake or air fry them at 350ºF for 20 to 30 minutes, until heated through. If you’ve wrapped the potatoes for storage, unwrap them before reheating. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!
Jacket Potatoes
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About this Recipe
Jacket Potatoes are a beloved British staple, taking the humble baked potato to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine a potato with an incredibly crispy skin that crackles with every bite, giving way to a light and fluffy interior that melts in your mouth. This isn't just a side dish; it's a comforting meal experience, surprisingly simple to master and incredibly versatile.
Our recipe focuses on achieving that signature contrast – the perfectly crunchy exterior and the cloud-like inside. The secret lies in using russet potatoes, which have the ideal starch content, combined with a generous rub of vegetable oil and kosher salt before a long, slow bake. This simple preparation creates a skin that's almost like a potato chip, a truly irresistible quality that sets British jacket potatoes apart. You'll find that with a little patience in the oven, you're rewarded with a potato that's far superior to many quick-baked versions.
Once your jacket potatoes are golden brown and wonderfully tender, the real fun begins: the toppings! While a classic dollop of butter, a sprinkle of fresh chives, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper are always a winner, these versatile spuds are a blank canvas for endless culinary creativity.
- Classic Toppings: Butter, cheese, baked beans, chili con carne, tuna mayo.
- Gourmet Ideas: Sour cream and bacon bits, pulled pork, roasted vegetables, or even a dollop of hummus.
- Pro Tip: To ensure an even crisper skin, pricking the potato all over with a fork before oiling helps steam escape, preventing sogginess. Don't skimp on the salt for extra flavor and crunch!
These hearty, satisfying Jacket Potatoes make an excellent side dish to any meal, from a Sunday roast to a simple weeknight dinner, or even a filling main course. Experience the ultimate comfort food with this simple yet sublime recipe.