English Jacket Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

English jacket potatoes are a classic comfort food with a perfectly crisp, crackly skin and fluffy interior. This simple recipe shows you how to bake russet potatoes to golden perfection, ideal for serving with butter and seasoning.

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes (8 to 10 ounces each)
• Butter, for serving
• Flaky sea salt, for seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and place a rack in the middle position.
2. Step 2: Cut a cross shape about 1/4-inch deep into each potato. Place the potatoes cut-side-up directly on the oven rack and bake for about 2 hours, until the skin is very crisp and crackly.
3. Step 3: Using tongs, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and place them on a heat-proof surface. Cut deeper along the initial cuts, then gently push the opposite ends of each potato toward each other to open them and release steam.
4. Step 4: Return the potatoes to the oven rack and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove again and push the ends toward each other to fully open the potato.
5. Step 5: Top each potato with a generous dollop of butter, then season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding grated cheese or sour cream along with the butter.
• You can prick the potatoes with a fork before baking to speed the cooking time slightly, but the skin won’t be quite as crisp.
• Use a wire rack on a baking sheet if you prefer not to place potatoes directly on the oven rack.

Storage

Store leftover jacket potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for jacket potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best because of their starchy texture and thick skin, which crisps well. Waxy potatoes don’t produce the same fluffy interior or crispy skin.

Why do I need to bake the potatoes for so long?

The long baking time ensures the skin becomes very crisp while the inside turns light and fluffy, creating the ideal texture contrast that defines a good jacket potato.

English Jacket Potatoes Recipe

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This classic English Jacket Potatoes recipe yields perfectly crispy-skinned and fluffy-centered potatoes, baked to perfection. Ideal for a comforting side dish or a simple meal, these jacket potatoes are finished with butter, flaky sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper for a traditional and delicious taste.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: English

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 4 medium russet potatoes (8 to 10 ounces each)

For Serving

• Butter, as needed
• Flaky sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Arrange a rack in the middle of your oven and heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking and optimal crispiness for the potatoes.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Using a sharp knife, cut a cross shape about 1/4-inch deep into the top of each medium russet potato. Place the potatoes cut-side-up directly onto the oven rack to bake.
3. Bake the potatoes: Bake the potatoes on the oven rack for about 2 hours until the skins are very crisp and crackly, indicating a thoroughly cooked interior.
4. Initial opening: Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven with tongs and transfer them to a heat-proof surface such as a large plate, baking sheet, or cutting board. Cut deeper into the initial cross cuts, then gently press the opposite ends of each potato toward each other to open them slightly, allowing steam to escape and exposing the fluffy inside.
5. Return to oven: Place the potatoes back onto the oven rack and bake for an additional 10 minutes to further crisp and heat the exposed flesh.
6. Final opening and seasoning: Push the opposite ends of the potatoes toward each other once more to fully open. Top each potato with a generous dollop of butter, then season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

• Choosing russet potatoes is important as they have a starchy texture that yields fluffy interiors and crisp skins.
• Cutting the cross on top helps steam to escape and speeds up baking slightly while allowing seasoning to penetrate.
• Using tongs for hot potatoes ensures safety when handling.
• For extra flavor, you can add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chives after buttering.
• The long bake time ensures perfectly crisp skins but can be shortened slightly if using a convection oven—monitor closely to avoid burning.

Keywords: English Jacket Potatoes, baked potatoes, russet potatoes, crispy potato skin, classic English recipe, side dish