There’s nothing quite like a crisp jacket potato, fluffy inside and loaded with a tasty topping. Simple to cook and deliciously satisfying, the jacket potato is a great zero waste anytime all-rounder and a dish that all ages love.

The New PACKED Lunch

Now we’re spending more time at home, we’re after home-made lunches that are easy, filling, budget-friendly AND tasty. That’s why jacket potatoes are perfect. They are packed full of flavour, are a great base for a variety of fillings and a source of fibre when you eat the skin. Leftover chilli to eat from last night?  Trying out veganism? Wanting a no-fuss option? Just want to load up baked beans and cheese?  Jacket Potatoes have got you covered!

Keep reading for recipes, tips and cooking and nutrition info or browse the full jacket potato collection.

One classic jacket potato, many tasty fillings

It’s lunchtime. You’ve got your jacket potato cooked just how you like it.  But what topping to go for? How about this tasty combination of chilli and sour cream or maybe having with a nice prawn and avocado salad (you definitely deserve it).

 Jacket Potato served with Prawn and Avocado Salad

How to cook the perfect jacket potato

Here’s our quick cheats guide below to getting the classic jacket potato – crispy skin outside but all heart-warming fluffy potato inside.  Or take a look at our complete guide to cooking the perfect jacket potato…

1. Chose the right spud: fluffy potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward are good choices.  Pierce several times.
2. Microwave or oven? – A combo of both works well.  8-10 minutes in the microwave (900 W) and turn half way during cooking before crisping up in a preheated hot oven at 220°C, 200°C Fan, Gas Mark 7 for 20 minutes.
3. Getting it crispy: for crispy skin coat your potato with a little oil and season after microwaving and before popping in the oven.

Potatoes as part of a healthy balanced diet

The humble spud is not quite as humble as you may think when it comes to nutrition.  Potatoes pack quite a nutritional punch, seeing as they are naturally fat-free, a source of potassium, salt-free and low in sugar.  Potatoes are also gluten-free and when eaten with their skins on are a source of fibre.  Find out more about potato nutritional information.

Jacket Potato with Asian Inspired Slaw

Jacket potato FAQs

• What potatoes make the best jacket potatoes?  At the supermarket you will find bags of baking potatoes but you can also choose from a variety of potatoes which work well and come in different sizes; try fluffy potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward.  There are also brands selling frozen jacket potatoes.
• Where can I store potatoes?  Potatoes should ideally be stored in a cool, dry, dark place in a ventilated area, but not in the fridge.  Learn more about storing your potatoes.
• Do you wrap jacket potatoes in foil before cooking in the oven?  We think the skin gets crispier if you don’t (wrapping in foil retains steam and moisture).  If it is your preferred method then we would suggest removing 10 minutes before the end of the baking time.
• Can I cook jacket potatoes in the slow cooker?  Jacket potatoes can be cooked in the microwave, oven, microwave and oven, slow cooker or on the BBQ.  Check out the different times and temperatures needed.
• How do I know when a jacket potato is cooked?  It should feel crispy on the outside and soft squidgy on the inside.
• Can I keep cooked jacket potatoes in the fridge or store in the freezer?  Yes, cooked jacket potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer, cool, wrap in foil, transfer to a food container and freeze for up to 3 months.  Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven at 200°C, 180°C Fan, Gas Mark 6 for 40 minutes, or alternatively reheat in the microwave (according to your manufacturer’s handbook).
• I’ve got a jacket potato question…  Message us on one of our social channels and we’ll do our best to help.  Also look for #JacketPotatoHacks and #TheNewPackedLunch if you’re after tips and recipe inspiration.

Chicken, Spinach and Mushroom Jacket Potato

Discover more with LovePotatoes

Join the conversation and connect with us on our social channels.  Ask us your cooking questions, let us know what you think of our recipes, share pictures and videos of your jacket potato dishes and tag us in your posts with #TheNewPackedLunch