Olivia Carter
Are you craving a delicious and comforting jacket potato but don’t have the time to bake it in the oven? Good news – you can easily cook jacket potatoes in both the microwave and oven! Whether you prefer a speedy meal or have some extra time on your hands, we’ve got you covered with these easy methods from the BBC.”
Microwave Method:
If you’re short on time and want to enjoy a delicious jacket potato without sacrificing taste, the microwave method is for you. Start by washing your potato thoroughly and patting it dry. Next, poke several holes with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning halfway through. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size and power of your microwave. Once cooked, let the potato rest for a few minutes before slicing it open and adding your favorite toppings.
Oven Method:
If you have a bit more time and want that crispy skin that only the oven can provide, the oven method is your go-to. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and wash your potato thoroughly. Using a fork, pierce the potato a few times to allow steam to escape. Rub the potato with a bit of oil, preferably olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor. Place the potato directly onto the oven rack and bake for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the skin is crisp and the inside is tender. Once cooked, remove the potato from the oven, slice it open, and add your desired toppings.
Whether you choose to cook your jacket potatoes in the microwave or oven, you’re in for a treat. These simple methods from the BBC will help you achieve fluffy and delicious potatoes that are perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy a comforting jacket potato made just the way you like it!
The Best Way to Cook Jacket Potatoes
Jacket potatoes, also known as baked potatoes, are a delicious and filling dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Here is the best way to cook jacket potatoes to perfection:
Ingredients:
| – 4 large russet potatoes |
| – Olive oil |
| – Salt and pepper to taste |
| – Toppings of your choice (e.g. butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives) |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Poke holes all over the potatoes using a fork. This allows steam to escape while they are cooking.
- Lightly coat each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Use a baking sheet or aluminum foil to catch any drippings.
- Bake the potatoes for about 60-75 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the inside is soft and fluffy. You can check if they are done by inserting a fork or knife into the center – it should glide through easily.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, make a cut lengthwise across the top of each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Fluff up the inside of the potatoes with a fork.
- Top the potatoes with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, or chives.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
By following these simple steps, you can cook jacket potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or as a main course, they are sure to be a hit!
Preparing the Potatoes
To start, you’ll want to choose the right variety of potato for jacket potatoes. Look for large, starchy potatoes such as Russet or Maris Piper, as they will yield the fluffiest results.
Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a scrub brush if necessary to get rid of any stubborn dirt.
Next, prick the potatoes all over with a fork. This will allow steam to escape during the cooking process, preventing the potatoes from exploding. Make sure to prick them on all sides.
Microwave Method:
If you’re using a microwave, place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high power for around 10 minutes. Turn them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Once the potatoes are cooked, leave them to rest for a few minutes. This will help to further steam the inside, resulting in a fluffy texture.
Oven Method:
If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 200°C (180°C fan). Place the pricked potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the potatoes. The skins should become crispy, and the insides should be soft and fluffy.
When the potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the oven using oven mitts as they will be hot. Let them cool for a few minutes before cutting into them.
Cooking in the Microwave
Cooking jacket potatoes in the microwave is a quick and easy method that saves time and energy. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking jacket potatoes in the microwave:
Step 1: Wash and Prick
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water. Use a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Once washed, use a fork to prick the potatoes all over. This will allow steam to escape during the cooking process and prevent them from exploding.
Step 2: Wrap in Kitchen Paper
Wrap each potato in a sheet of kitchen paper. This will help to absorb any excess moisture and prevent the potatoes from becoming too soggy.
Step 3: Microwave on High
Place the wrapped potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for approximately 7-10 minutes per potato, depending on their size. Halfway through cooking, turn the potatoes over to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the potatoes from the microwave. Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands as they will be hot. To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork into the center. If it goes in easily and the potatoes feel soft, they are ready.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow the cooked potatoes to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help to further soften the texture and make them easier to handle. Once rested, carefully remove the kitchen paper and cut a cross on the top of each potato. Fluff up the flesh with a fork and serve hot with your favorite toppings and fillings.
Remember to exercise caution when removing the hot potatoes from the microwave and using sharp utensils. Enjoy your delicious microwaved jacket potatoes!
Cooking in the Oven
Cooking jacket potatoes in the oven is a classic and reliable method. It allows the potato to cook evenly and develop a crispy skin while maintaining a fluffy interior. Here’s how you can cook jacket potatoes in the oven:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives, etc.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt. This will help to create a crispy, flavorful skin.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Bake the potatoes for about 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are soft. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes.
- To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork into the center. If it goes in easily and the potato feels soft, they are ready.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Cut a cross shape into the top of each potato and use a fork to fluff up the insides.
- Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives, or any other desired ingredients.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Now you can enjoy delicious jacket potatoes cooked to perfection in the oven. They make a satisfying and versatile meal or side dish that everyone will love!
Seasoning and Serving
Once your jacket potatoes are cooked, you can season them with various toppings and serve them as a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for seasoning and serving your jacket potatoes:
| 1. Classic Butter and Sour Cream | For a simple and traditional topping, cut open the cooked potato and add a pat of butter and a dollop of sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 2. Cheese and Bacon | For a heartier option, sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the potato. Place it under the grill or in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. |
| 3. Baked Beans | For a filling and tasty choice, heat up some baked beans and pour them over the potato. Top with grated cheese and return to the oven until the cheese has melted. |
| 4. Chilli Con Carne | Another hearty option is to spoon some chilli con carne over the potato and sprinkle with grated cheese. Place it back in the oven until the cheese is melted and the chilli is heated through. |
| 5. Tuna and Sweetcorn | For a lighter topping, mix together some tuna and sweetcorn, and spoon it onto the potato. Sprinkle with grated cheese and place it under the grill until the cheese is golden and bubbling. |
| 6. Mediterranean Veggie Filling | If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can sauté some Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Spoon the veggies onto the potato and top with crumbled feta cheese. |
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and flavors. Enjoy your homemade jacket potatoes!
Ideas for Toppings
Jacket potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Here are some delicious topping ideas to try:
1. Classic Cheese and Beans:
Spoon some baked beans and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the hot jacket potatoes. Place them back in the oven or microwave until the cheese has melted and the beans are heated through.
2. Sour Cream and Chives:
Top the jacket potatoes with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle freshly chopped chives. The creamy and tangy combination is sure to add a burst of flavor.
3. Tuna Mayo:
Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, finely chopped red onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spoon the tuna mayo over the jacket potatoes and garnish with some fresh parsley.
4. Bolognese Sauce:
If you have some leftover Bolognese sauce, heat it up and spoon it over the jacket potatoes. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
5. Guacamole:
Mash ripe avocado with lime juice, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Spread the guacamole over the jacket potatoes and add a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
6. Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables:
Roast an assortment of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Once cooked, chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and dried herbs. Pile the roasted vegetables onto the jacket potatoes for a tasty vegetarian option.
7. Greek Yogurt and Pomegranate:
Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and sprinkle some pomegranate seeds on top. This combination adds a refreshing twist and a delightful pop of color.
Feel free to get creative and mix and match different toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations. Jacket potatoes are a blank canvas just waiting to be transformed into a delicious meal!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook jacket potatoes perfectly in the microwave and oven:
1. Choose the right potato: Look for large, smooth-skinned potatoes such as Russet or Maris Piper potatoes. These varieties work well for jacket potatoes as they have a fluffy texture and hold their shape when cooked.
2. Pierce the potato: Before cooking, use a fork to pierce the skin of the potato several times. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting.
3. Microwave cooking: If you’re short on time, you can start by cooking the potato in the microwave. Place the pierced potato on a microwavable plate and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Then transfer the potato to the oven to finish cooking. This method helps to speed up the overall cooking time.
4. Preheat the oven: For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. This ensures that the oven is hot enough to cook the potato to perfection.
5. Oil and season: Rub a little oil over the potato skin and sprinkle with salt. This helps to enhance the flavor and creates a crispy skin when cooked in the oven.
6. Oven cooking: Place the pierced and seasoned potato directly on the oven rack and cook for approximately 1 hour or until the potato is soft and tender when pierced with a fork. Turning the potato halfway through cooking helps to ensure even cooking.
7. Check for doneness: To check if the potato is cooked, insert a fork into the center. If it goes in easily and the potato feels soft, it is done.
8. Be cautious when handling: Remember that the potato will be hot when it comes out of the oven or microwave. Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands when handling the hot potato.
9. Serve with your favorite toppings: Once the potato is cooked, it’s time to add your favorite toppings such as butter, grated cheese, sour cream, chives, baked beans, or bacon. Get creative and make your jacket potato delicious and satisfying!
Follow these tips and tricks to cook jacket potatoes that are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Enjoy the versatility and comfort of this classic dish!
FAQ
What is a jacket potato?
A jacket potato, also known as a baked potato, is a potato that is cooked whole with the skin on. It is typically cooked until the skin becomes crisp and the insides are soft and fluffy.
What is the best way to cook jacket potatoes?
There are several ways to cook jacket potatoes, but two of the most popular methods are using a microwave or an oven. Both methods can result in delicious jacket potatoes, but the oven method typically takes longer and gives a crispier skin.
Can you cook jacket potatoes in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook jacket potatoes in the microwave. To do this, you can first prick the potato all over with a fork, then place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high power for around 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and power of your microwave.
How do you cook jacket potatoes in the oven?
To cook jacket potatoes in the oven, start by preheating the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Prick the potatoes all over with a fork, then rub them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the insides are soft.
Can you save time by partially cooking jacket potatoes in the microwave and then finishing them in the oven?
Yes, you can save time by partially cooking jacket potatoes in the microwave and then finishing them in the oven. This method, known as “microwave then oven,” can help reduce the overall cooking time while still achieving a crispy skin and fluffy interior. Start by cooking the potatoes in the microwave for around 5-7 minutes, then transfer them to a preheated oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
