When it comes to simple yet great-tasting food in the UK, few things can rival the jacket potato. Simple yet alluring, this potato delight has become a British staple over many years. "Baking the potato with its jacket", is the phrase that coined the term as the potato is usually cooked with its skin intact till it's crispy, and golden and has a fluffy interior that melts in your mouth interior. Whether eaten as a side or as a meal in itself, Jacket potatoes are a great way to put a spin on the way you make potatoes. 

Here we'll go over several creative ways you can make jacket potatoes, the easiest ways to make them, the topping, and dishes that go well with them. If you're someone that constantly looks for new ways to prepare meals then these recipes will be perfect for you. 

The name "jacket potato" was coined from the method of cooking by the British, the name likely emerged during this time to describe the cooking method of baking potatoes with their skins intact, which resembled a protective jacket which comes from the fact that the potato skin acts as a protective jacket during the baking process The origin of the jacket potato was believed to have stemmed from the region of Peru and Bolivia, where potatoes were first cultivated.

How to select the best potatoes to cook 

Choosing the correct type of potatoes to use for jacket potatoes is just as important as the cooking method used in making them. Ideally, you can use either sweet potatoes or Irish potatoes whichever your preference is but here are a few things you need to look out for: 

• Shape and Size: The shape of the potatoes matter, you should look out for large potatoes with a fairly uniform shape
• Potato Skin: The skin of the potatoes should be relatively smooth and unblemished skin. Avoid potatoes with cuts, bruises, or discolouration as these may affect the taste and texture of the jacket potatoes. 
• Firmness: Squeeze the potatoes to check for firmness. Potatoes that feel soft or mushy may be overripe or have a high moisture content, which can result in a mushy rather than fluffy texture when baked. 
• Storage: Freshness is key when it comes to potatoes. Look for potatoes that have been stored properly, as they tend to have better flavour and texture. Check the "sell-by" date on the packaging if you're buying pre-packaged potatoes.

Preparing the potatoes

Once you're sure you've chosen the right potato you can't just shove them into the oven, the next step is to properly prepare the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and get the right texture you're looking for. Here's how to prepare your potatoes: 

• Start by cleaning the potatoes under cool running water. You can use a vegetable brush or wipe your potatoes with your hands just ensure to gently scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. This step helps to clean the potatoes before cooking. 
• After washing them, use a paper towel to pat the potatoes dry with. This will help to remove excess moisture from the potatoes and help to achieve a crispy skin when cooking. 
• Take a fork or a knife and poke several holes in the potatoes. These holes will allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting under the pressure. Ensure to poke the potatoes thoroughly all over to ensure the steam escapes properly. 
• If you like your potatoes with a bit of kick then you can season the potatoes before cooking. Dribble a bit of olive oil or melted butter to help crisp up the skin and enhance flavour. Sprinkle salt, pepper, or your preferred seasonings on the skin for added taste.

Once you've prepped your potatoes, they are ready to be cooked, now we'll go through the best ways you can cook jacket potatoes but first preparing the potatoes properly ensures that they cook evenly, have a crispy exterior, and retain a fluffy interior, resulting in delicious jacket potatoes.

Ways to cook Jacket potatoes

There are a lot of creative ways to cook jacket potatoes but the goal is a crispy and fluffy texture at the end of either route you chose to take. We'll take you through the possible ways to cook them and the best steps to get the desired results.

1. Oven-baked jacket potatoes

Now you can shove them in the oven, oven baked jacket potatoes are one of the more popular ways to cook the potatoes. Once you've prepped your potatoes you can follow the steps below.

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This temperature makes sure the potato is cooked all through and gives it that crispy skin.
• Place your potatoes on an oven rack or a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. The heat from the oven rack allows for good air circulation and guarantees an evenly cooked jacket potato. Bake the potatoes for around 45-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the insides are tender.
• To check if the potatoes are properly cooked, insert a fork into the centre of the potato. If it easily slides in and out with no resistance, the potato is ready.

2. Microwave jacket potatoes

Jacket potatoes can also be made in the microwave, this is a very quick and easy method to cook your potatoes for people who may not have an oven on standby. Once you've prepped your potatoes you can follow the steps below.

Instructions

• Place your potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Ensure to leave some space between the potatoes to allow them to cook evenly.
• Microwave the potatoes on high power for about 5 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the power of your microwave.
• Carefully turn the potatoes using oven tongs to ensure even cooking. Microwave the potatoes again for an additional 5 minutes on the same power, or until the potatoes are tender. 
• To check if the potatoes are properly cooked, insert a fork into the centre of the potato. If it easily slides in and out with no resistance, the potato is ready.

3. Grilled jacket potatoes

Jacket potatoes are a great addition to the grill especially since they can cook alongside whatever you're grilling. Once you've prepped your potatoes you can follow the steps below.

Instructions

• Here's something you'll have to do a bit differently for grilling, parboiling the potatoes briefly before grilling can help ensure that the grilling process is sped up. Parboil the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly before proceeding.
• Preheat your grill to medium heat.  A medium heat setting is the preferred setting to prevent the potatoes from burning on the outside before the inside is fully cooked.
• Place the prepared potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the grill lid and let the potatoes cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender. Turn the potatoes occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the skin from burning.
• To check if the potatoes are properly cooked, insert a fork into the centre of the potato. If it easily slides in and out with no resistance, the potato is ready.

4. Air-fried jacket potatoes

Your air fryer can also be a great tool in making tasty jacket potatoes. Once you've prepped your potatoes you can follow the steps below.

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to around 200°C (400°F). This temperature will ensure you get crispy skin and thoroughly cooked potatoes.
• Place your potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Cook the potatoes for approximately 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the power of your air fryer.
• To check if the potatoes are properly cooked, insert a fork into the centre of the potato. If it easily slides in and out with no resistance, the potato is ready.

Toppings that go well with Jacket potatoes

When your potatoes are crisp and ready, you can garnish them with a variety of toppings, just make a lengthwise slit on your potato, fluff the inside and add your toppings. A few toppings that go well are:

• Butter: Just like in mashed potatoes, a pat of butter adds richness and a smooth texture to your potato.
• Sour cream: Sour cream is a popular topping that goes well with the earthy flavour of jacket potatoes, contributing elements of cream and tanginess.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon meat crumbled over jacket potato can add a smoky and salty contrast that complements the mild flavour of the potato.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed vegetables like broccoli, corn, or peas can be added to your jacket potato for a healthier option. They give extra nutrients and a burst of flavour.

Jacket potatoes are a style of preparing potatoes that is quick, and simple and brings flavor and texture to potatoes. This style of cooking allows you to transform a humble potato into a delicious treat. By following the steps and picking the right cooking technique, you can make potatoes with crispy, flavorful skin and a fluffy inside. Get the best potatoes and other amazing ingredients from us here at Niyis store.