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Ultimate Jacket Potato

Print Recipe
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine British
Keyword Bin Juice Chic, Budget Friendly, Crispy Skin, Potato
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 4 Large Baking Potatoes Maris Piper or King Edward are best.
  • Olive Oil or Rapeseed oil.
  • Sea Salt Flakes Table salt works, but flakes give better crunch.
  • Butter Loads of it.

Instructions

  • The Heat: Pre-heat your oven to 220°C Fan (Yes, hot! This is the secret to the crispiness).
  • The Prep: Wash the potatoes and dry them thoroughly. Prick them a few times with a fork so they don't explode (that’s a mess you don’t need).
  • The Rub: Drizzle a little Oil over the potatoes and rub it in with your hands so they are glossy.
  • The Crunch: Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Sprinkle generously with Salt. The salt sticks to the oil and creates the crust.
  • The Bake: Put them in the oven (middle shelf) and walk away.
  • Timing: Check them after 1 hour. Give them a squeeze (with an oven glove!). If they yield easily, they are done. If they feel hard, give them another 15–30 mins.
  • The Surgery: Remove from the oven. Cut a shallow line across the top. Squeeze the sides to open it up.
  • The Mush: Use a fork to mash the inside flesh slightly, creating a fluffy texture.
  • The Toppings: Add a slab of butter immediately so it melts into the potato.

Notes

The Toppings Guide:
  • The Purist: Just butter and cheese. (My son’s favourite—he looks at me with disgust if I try to add a vegetable).
  • The Classic: Baked Beans and Cheddar.
  • The "Bin Juice" Special: Tuna Mayo and Sweetcorn. (Just try not to think about the story above while you eat it).
  • The Saturday Night: Leftover Chilli and a dollop of Sour Cream.