The simple baked jacket potato is one of the most versatile meals there is and can be dressed up so many ways. If you have a microwave, it takes a matter of minutes to cook, and if you’re using a conventional oven, you can pop one in, and leave it to cook while you go off and do something else. It’s a bit of a waste to cook one potato at a time in a conventional oven though, so if you can, plan to pop in a potato or two while you’re cooking something else. Then you can simply reheat it in 15 – 20 minutes when you want to eat it.
If you fancy something a bit different (and slightly sweeter), use a sweet potato instead. Follow exactly the same process to cook it.
The basics
Before you start, scrub the potato well to remove any dirt. Then prick it a few times with a fork to help it cook more evenly and prevent it from exploding in the oven.
In a conventional oven
If you like, you can rub it with a little oil and salt to help crisp up the skin. Cook it for an hour at 200°C, then test with a fork to see if it’s soft and cooked through. Depending on its size, it may need another 15 to 30 minutes.
In a microwave
Cook on high for 8 to 10 minutes, preferably on a piece of kitchen paper to help absorb the moisture. Once it’s cooked, you can crisp the skin slightly by rubbing it with oil and putting it under a hot grill, turning regularly.
Toppings
The only thing limiting you here is your imagination. Try one (or a combo) of these, depending on what feels right:
- Butter and grated cheese
- Cheese, bacon and spring onion
- Cheese and coleslaw
- Bacon and sour cream/cream cheese
- Roasted veggies and cheese
- Avo, feta and onion
- Baked beans
- Bolognaise sauce
- Chicken and mayonnaise
- Chicken and sweetcorn in cream cheese or cheese sauce
- Chicken and pesto
- Tuna and mayonnaise
- Cooked spinach and feta/cream cheese/yoghurt
- Mushrooms cooked in butter
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Scrambled egg and bacon
- Broccoli and cheddar or cream cheese
- Hummus
Baked potatoes are best served hot, but the filling can be hot or cold. Enjoy!