Jacket potatoes are medium-sized baked potatoes with crispy, golden skins and soft, fluffy interiors. Unlike mashed potatoes or fries, jacket potatoes hold their shape, making them perfect for a meal or a hearty snack.

We can enjoy them simply with butter or get creative with toppings like cheese, sour cream, herbs, or spices. They are comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home, even without fancy ingredients.

Today, we’ll walk through every step so we can achieve a perfect jacket potato that’s crispy outside and soft inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make four jacket potatoes, we’ll need the following ingredients:

- 4 medium-sized potatoes (around 200–250g each; russet or Yukon are ideal for fluffiness)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil or any cooking oil

- 1 teaspoon salt for seasoning the skin

Optional toppings:

- 50g shredded cheddar cheese

- 2 tablespoons sour cream

- 1 teaspoon chopped chives

- Pinch of black pepper

- Dash of paprika

These ingredients are simple, everyday items we probably already have at home. Jacket potatoes are perfect for quick meals, and their toppings can be adjusted to suit our taste.

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

1. Wash each potato thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.

2. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to avoid extra moisture.

3. Using a fork, poke 6–8 holes evenly around each potato. This prevents steam from building up inside during baking and ensures even cooking.

4. Rub about 1/2 tablespoon of oil over each potato, coating the skin evenly.

5. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of salt on each potato to enhance flavor and help the skin crisp up during baking.

This prep step is simple but important. A well-prepared potato will bake evenly, with a crispy skin and soft interior—exactly what we want.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (around 400°F).

2. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray lined with foil. Placing them directly on the rack allows the hot air to circulate, giving a crisper skin.

3. Bake for 50–60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Medium potatoes usually take around 55 minutes.

4. Halfway through baking, we can turn the potatoes to make sure all sides cook evenly.

5. The potatoes are done when the skin is golden and crisp, and the inside feels soft when pierced with a fork.

We can already smell the aroma filling the kitchen—it’s part of the joy of baking jacket potatoes!

Step 3: Fluff the Inside

1. Once baked, carefully take the potatoes out of the oven.

2. Place them on a plate and make a slit lengthwise across the top of each potato.

3. Using a fork, gently fluff the interior to make it light, airy, and soft.

Fluffing the inside is a small step that makes a big difference. It creates space for toppings to sink in and ensures each bite is fluffy and tender.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Now comes the fun part—adding toppings to make the jacket potato extra delicious.

1. Sprinkle 50g of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot potato so it melts slightly.

2. Add 1–2 tablespoons of sour cream for a creamy texture.

3. Finish with a pinch of black pepper, a dash of paprika, or a teaspoon of chopped chives for freshness.

We can also experiment with other toppings, such as sautéed vegetables, beans, or a light drizzle of olive oil. The beauty of jacket potatoes is their versatility—there’s no limit to what we can enjoy on top.

Quick Tips for Perfect Jacket Potatoes

- Choose potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking.

- Avoid wrapping the potatoes in foil if we want a crispy skin.

- Test with a fork or skewer to make sure the interior is fully cooked.

- Serve immediately for the best combination of crisp skin and soft, fluffy filling.

Following these tips helps us achieve consistent results every time, and we can tweak toppings to match our personal taste or what we have at home.

Enjoy Every Bite

Lykkers, homemade jacket potatoes are not just food—they’re a little moment of joy. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped exactly how we like, they make lunch, dinner, or even a snack feel special. Baking them at home is simple, fun, and rewarding—we get to enjoy the smell, texture, and flavor all at once.

Next time we’re craving something warm, filling, and comforting, let’s skip the ready-made options and make our own jacket potatoes. Once we taste that perfect crisp and fluff, it might just become our favorite easy meal.

So, shall we gather the ingredients this weekend and bake a batch together? Trust us, every bite will be worth it!