Traditional British Jacket Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 potatoes
• salt for seasoning

For serving

• 100g of butter
• 80g grated cheddar cheese
• a few sprigs of chives
• 200g baked beans

### You will also need

• Tin foil

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C and prepare your ingredients.

Cut pieces of tin foil large enough to wrap each potato individually.

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and prick them all over with a fork.

Place each potato on a piece of tin foil. Season with a pinch of salt and then seal tightly.

Place the wrapped potatoes on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes.

After this time, remove the foil and return the potatoes to the oven for a further 15 minutes to allow the skin to crisp.

Larger potatoes will need more time. For potatoes around 250g, the total baking time is approximately 1 hour. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer—if it slides in easily, the potato is cooked. If not, bake for a little longer.

While the potatoes are baking, prepare your preferred toppings.

Grate the cheddar cheese, open the tin of baked beans, and reheat just before serving. Finely chop the chives.

Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven. Score the tops and open by gently pressing the sides to fluff the insides.

From a block of butter, cut approximately 100g and divide into four even chunks.

Place a chunk of butter into the opening of each potato, then sprinkle generously with cheese.

Top with the warmed baked beans and garnish with chopped chives.

Your perfect, traditional British baked potato is ready.

Tips

I use Maris Piper potatoes — they’re ideal for baking thanks to their light, fluffy texture. I typically choose ones that weigh around 250g each.

When it comes to serving, feel free to choose a variety of toppings and customise them to your taste.

Here are a few topping ideas that are always a hit in my home:

• Cheddar cheese
• Baked beans
• Tuna mayonnaise
• Coleslaw
• Leftover chilli con carne
• Crème fraîche with bacon