Learn the secrets to making a perfect British-style jacket potato. Once you try this fluffy baked potato, there's no going back!
This Is the Secret to Better Baked Potatoes
Updated on Nov. 28, 2023
It wasn’t until my husband and I moved in together that I realized I’d been making baked potatoes wrong my entire life. My versions were OK but hardly inspired enthusiasm at the dinner table. Thankfully, as a Scotsman, he knows a thing or two about making jacket potatoes, the epitome of the perfect fluffy baked potato. Over in the UK, they’ve elevated it to an art. Once you adopt the Brits’ tricks, you’ll never make a baked potato any other way.
What Is a Jacket Potato?
Jacket potatoes are the British sibling to our classic American baked potato. However, a few slight tweaks to the recipe yield drastically different results. The jacket potato boasts crispy skin with phenomenally fluffy insides, the likes of which I’ve seldom encountered in the States.
Russet potatoes are a great go-to. Here in the UK, we tend to use a variety called King Edward. Either way, their size and flavor are ideal for baking. Learn more about different types of potatoes.
How Do the British Make a Fluffy Baked Potato?
It’s absurdly easy! To achieve that flawless, ultra-fluffy inside, slice a cross-shape into your potatoes, about ¼ inch thick. This lets the steam escape, which helps create that soft cloud-like interior. If you want extra, extra crispy skin, take a pastry brush dipped in extra virgin olive oil, give the outer shells a quick once over, then liberally season with salt and pepper.
Bake the potatoes at 400° F for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, depending on your oven.
Then, take the potatoes out and slice deeper into the existing cuts. Pop the spuds back in the oven for another 10 minutes. The last step is to plate your jacket potato and crown it with a pat of butter. (Pick up some Kerrygold. You’ll thank me later.)
Now that you know the essentials, you can try different toppings on your jacket potato. Check out these killer baked potato recipes for inspiration:
Pulled Pork TatersThis recipe is as hearty as it gets—part barbecued pork, part potatoes, but completely delicious. My family can't get enough of this comforting, warm-you-up baked potato dish. —Shannon Harris, Tyler, Texas
Steakhouse Baked PotatoesOn weekends, we often have salad, steak and a baked potato. This twist on that classic steakhouse dinner combines all three into one easy dish. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Loaded Baked Potato RoundsI was trying to create an appetizer that could be served at my teenaged daughters birthday party that the kids would love but that would appear elegant enough for the adults to be interested as well. These are made with simple ingredients yet yield a sophisticated result. Feel free to get creative with the flavors. Try shredded white cheddar in place of mozzarella or thyme instead of the rosemary. Take it up another notch by topping the rounds with smoked fish. —Amanda Digges, South Windsor, Connecticut
Baked Potato PizzaThis baked potato pizza recipe is for anyone who loves loaded baked potatoes! It combines potatoes, bacon, green onions and cheese with pizza crust for easy eating.
Eggs Benedict Baked PotatoesThis is a new way to do breakfast potatoes! This baked potato dish would be eggs-cellent for brunch or a breakfast-for-dinner evening! The options are endless, but one thing's for sure: Once you get a taste, you'll want more! —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Loaded Baked Potato DipI never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Baked PotatoesThese slow-cooker baked potatoes are so easy—just add your favorite toppings. Save any extra potatoes to make baked potato soup the next day. —Teresa Emrick, Tipp City, Ohio
Hungry Man's Baked PotatoesSweet potatoes are topped with bacon, veggies, pulled pork and goat cheese for a unique take on a baked potato dinner.
Pepperoni Pizza Baked PotatoesThese tasty taters were a spur-of-the-moment recipe I created from leftovers! It's a true mash-up meal that combines two dinnertime favorites into one super-fun meal. —Dawn E. Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Twice-Baked PotatoesTwice-baked potatoes are similar to loaded baked potatoes, except every bite boasts the perfect mix of toppings! Butter, cheddar cheese, bacon and chives give this twice-baked potato recipe its signature flavor.
Hasselback PotatoesEye-catching fan-cut hasselback potatoes get a dose of herbs and cheese, creating an aromatic, bubbling cheesy top when they're pulled out of the oven.
Cheesy Stuffed Baked PotatoesThese special stuffed baked potatoes are a hit with my whole family, from the smallest grandchild on up. I prepare them up to a week in advance, wrap them well and freeze. Their flavorful filling goes so nicely with juicy ham slices. —Marge Clark, West Lebanon, Indiana
Bacon Cheddar Potato SkinsThese potato skins will be an absolute favorite appetizer or side whether served at a barbecue, tailgate party, holiday dinner or as part of an everyday family meal.
Hasselback Sweet PotatoesHasselback sweet potatoes may look like a fancy restaurant dish, but they're super easy to prepare. Buttery and naturally sweet, this must-try side is beloved by everyone at the table—even the pickiest eaters.
That's Amore Baked PotatoesWe add a touch of Italy to these baked potatoes with beefed up spaghetti sauce, pepperoni and more. Now, that's amore!
Two-Tone Baked PotatoesOne potato...two potato...this recipe is doubly wonderful as far as spud lovers are concerned. I have a reputation at home and at work for trying out new recipes. Everyone is glad I took a chance on this one.
-Sherree Stahn, Central City, Nebraska
Baked Potato SoupThis baked potato soup recipe tastes just like a loaded baked potato but in soup form! Bowls of the cozy soup are served with sprinkles of cheddar cheese and smoky bacon.
Taco Tater SkinsI wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they're also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan
Loaded Baked Potato SaladThis loaded baked potato salad turns everyone's favorite game-day food into an irresistible summer side! Plus, the ingredients can be customized for your crew's liking, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings.
Chili Dog Baked PotatoesThese chili dogs are nestled in baked potatoes for a delicious and satisfying meal. They're perfect for a barbecue, but they're just as tasty any time of year! —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Parmesan Baked PotatoesIt always amazed me that this simple recipe could make potatoes taste so good. Mom liked to make them for Easter because they were more special than ordinary baked potatoes. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Beef Stuffed PotatoesEasy to make and endlessly customizable, this creative recipe takes the humble spud to new heights by filling it with a savory mixture of ground beef, sour cream and spices, then topping it all off with melted cheddar cheese.
Baked Sweet Potato FriesWhen you want a super-simple, crispy, flavorful side dish, turn to this baked sweet potato fries recipe. It takes only a little seasoning to create an oven-baked fry dish that will become one of your favorite ways to eat sweet potatoes.
Half Baked PotatoesCut your potato in half, score it, then let the magic happen! These crispy, buttery baked half potatoes cook up nice and crispy, and taste twice as good as the whole ones.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with BaconThis side always takes my guests by surprise because of the smoky, creamy flavor. No doubt you'll get major kudos when you place these potatoes on your table. —Cynthia Boberskyj Rochester, NY
Parmesan Potato WedgesHere's a simple way to serve potatoes that has big flavor: cut into wedges, coat generously in garlic, paprika and Parmesan cheese, and bake until tender inside and crisp outside.
Ham and Broccoli Baked PotatoesThis loaded baked potato dish is a spin on a favorite family recipe I have made for years: ham and potato casserole. It's a great recipe when you have a tight food budget, and it tastes amazing! The potatoes and filling can be prepared ahead of time, then assembled prior to serving. —Patricia Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Twice-Baked Potato CasseroleOur reviewers all agree: This twice-baked potato casserole is a real hit! They love that it can be made in advance and tastes exactly like twice-baked potatoes (but with a fraction of the effort).
Cheddar & Spinach Twice-Baked PotatoesMy husband is a rancher who loves a hearty potato dish, so consider these spuds with cheddar and spinach cowboy approved! My crowd never leaves leftovers. —Jody Augustyn, Loup City, NE
Southern Loaded Sweet PotatoesFor a taste of a southern classic, we make sweet potatoes stuffed with pulled pork and coleslaw and manage to sidestep the calorie overload. —Amy Burton, Cary, North Carolina
Fancy Baked PotatoesI can't count the times I've turned to this tried-and-true recipe when company is coming. The potato filling is creamy and rich tasting, plus the servings are attractive. But the best part is you can spare yourself the hassle of mashing potatoes at the last minute. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
BLT Twice-Baked PotatoesTwo favorites go together in this hearty dish: BLTs and twice-baked potatoes. I like to serve these potatoes with grilled steaks or barbecued chicken. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
Taco Baked PotatoesStuffed with your favorite fixings, this baked potato recipe is an easy meal in one. Make it vegetarian by using smashed black beans instead of ground beef. —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire
Breakfast Baked PotatoesHearty, savory and packed with protein, these breakfast baked potatoes are a fantastic dish to serve at your next brunch party.
Corned Beef Baked PotatoesCorned beef and potatoes make a good team! This yummy dish is an easy way to use up any leftover corned beef, or you can buy a small amount at a deli. You can even make these ahead, or make extra to freeze for later. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Fiesta Egg & Potato BoatsOn a whim, I stuffed eggs into potato shells as a way to use up leftover baked potatoes. It’s the brunch dish people ask for the most. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
