The jacket potato (or the baked potato) should be a staple dish in your recipe repertoire. It’s easy and speedy to cook up whilst also being deliciously satisfying and filling.
Now, this method is hardly rocket science but we’re here to provide you with tips on how to cook a jacket potato perfectly, and also how you can take it a step further. We also throw in a few of our own tasty potato recipes for good measure.
Choosing the right spud
You’ll want to use fluffy potatoes to get the most out of your jacket potatoes. Fluffy potatoes usually come in larger sizes and are the best for conjuring up that lovely light consistency you want from a jacket potato. Supermarkets usually stock ‘baking potatoes’ but if you’re seeking out a specific type then Maris Piper or Kind Edwards are good choices.
Microwave or oven?
This one is really a matter of time! Microwaved jacked potatoes certainly has its conveniences if you’re in a rush or looking to rustle up a quick meal presto! However, if you want a perfect creation, the more time you give it the better and that’s usually when it’s created in the context of the oven. Increased time in the oven allows you to create that beautiful opposition of fluffy centres and crispy golden skins.
In fact, using both the oven and microwave can be the best option – it sheds some of the time but still delivers impressive results. Pierce the spud several times, drizzle some olive oil over the skin and pop it in the microwave for 5-6 minutes before finishing in the oven for around 25-30 minutes (time depends on the size of the potato).
Getting it crispy
Some folk wrap their jacket potatoes to be in foil. This approach only retains steam and moisture, something you don’t want when you’re trying to get those skins lovely and crispy!
Giving your spud a few pricks with a fork or knife will better your chances of making the perfect jacket potato. This allows the steam to escape. You should also sprinkle a little salt on them for flavour. Once you’ve pre-heated the oven, place the potato on the middle shelf so it can be cooked evenly. It’ll take 50 – 60 mins if you’re starting the cooking in the oven. Test it’s ready by giving it a gentle squeeze (with an oven mitt of course!) or a prod with a fork – it should feel squidgy on the inside and hard on the outside.
Fill up!
The jacket potato is a fantastic base for a number of different takes and can be personalised to your taste. You may just want to butter it up as a side dish to a meal, or you may want to make a full dinner out of the dish itself – this can be achieved by using cheese, beans, chilli and tonnes more. Here are a few of our favourites:
Discover more delicious potato recipes across Love Potatoes.
Whether they are served up with sausages or mixed up with cheese and spinach, mashed potatoes are a spud staple that are super versatile and delicious. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to the texture – some prefer it smooth and buttery whilst others prefer it rustic and chunky. Whatever your preference, we just want you to get them right!
That’s why we thought we would share some tips on how to make mashed potatoes and get them perfect every time!
We think you’ll agree when we say there’s not much better than a crispy, fluffy, piping-hot roast potato on your plate. Spuds are an essential part of any roast and getting them right can make or break the meal! With this in mind we thought it would be a good idea to have a look at a few tips on how to make perfect and delicious roast potatoes.
Put on the oven, whack on some music and let’s get roasting!
As far as cooking skills go, boiling potatoes is not perhaps the most adventurous, but what they lack in glamour they more than make up for in versatility and usefulness! Whether you’re boiling some up for a salad or serving as a simple side-dish with garlic butter, you’ll want to make sure you get them just right!
