There's a reason the jacket potato is Britain's favorite comfort food. Two things make it perfect: a dry, salt-rubbed skin and a hot oven. This easy classic jacket potato recipe gives you crisp skin and a buttery center every single time.
If you’re new here, you may not know that I’ve been called the king of potato recipes. What can I say, I grew up with potatoes ever since I was a little boy, and I’ve always loved them! Potatoes are definitely one of my favorite foods, and I love to try potatoes out in new ways all the time! From my favorite Indian Aloo and Matar Sabji to Diner-Style Hash Browns to Curly Fries, I’ll eat potatoes in all shapes and forms!
I’ve made baked potatoes a couple of times before, but it wasn’t a frequent dinner. However, when I wanted to explore a classic British recipe, I knew I had to go for a loaded jacket potato - specifically with cheese and baked beans! The reason I wanted to make this combination for jacket potatoes is because I was watching lots of YouTube shorts of a guy running a food truck in England, and I had to just take on this challenge! Now, I’ve never had cheese and baked beans together for any occasion, so I admit I was hesitant with the combination, but let me tell you it’s well worth it, and I truly believe you’ll love it to make the best baked potatoes you’ve ever had! This recipe for jacket potatoes will show you how to make the perfectly crisp baked potatoes on the outside with a fluffy and flavorful inside - no sogginess will be present here!
I also absolutely am hooked on making jacket potatoes now, and I certainly want to make them more often! I was blown away by how easy and fast they are to make, and there aren’t many dishes involved either, which is always a massive bonus!
If you know someone who loves potatoes as much as I do, then be sure to put your heart on a plate with this British Style Baked Potato recipe as part of your Live to Cook one-month challenge! To get started on your cooking journey for free today, then sign up to my free email newsletter, plus all of my latest recipes will be sent straight to your inbox so you’ve always got new kitchen inspiration!
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Where Did the Jacket Potato Come From?▼
The humble jacket potato has been a beloved staple in British kitchens and street stalls since the Victorian era. Jacket potatoes were originally sold as a warm, filling snack to workers on the go. The signature crispy “jacket” was prized for making the potato easy to hold and eat without cutlery. Over the decades, this simple yet hearty dish evolved into a comforting classic—topped with everything from melted cheese and baked beans to tuna salad and coleslaw.
Fun fact: During World War II, jacket potatoes were a popular ration-friendly meal in the UK, proving that simple ingredients can create mighty tasty dishes!
Questions You May Have!
What Temperature Is the Oven For Jacket Potatoes?▼
390 F to 400 F works great for these jacket potatoes to get a fluffy soft interior and a crispy skin.
Should Baked Potatoes Be Wrapped in Foil?▼
You may commonly see that baked potatoes are wrapped in foil, and this is how “baking potatoes” are branded and sold at grocery stores. However, it’s really not needed at all! When you bake your potatoes wrapped in foil, this traps the moisture, resulting in steaming the potatoes instead of making them. As a result, you can expect a gummy inside with soggy skin. Whenever I bake without foil, I get a perfectly crisp outside with a fluffy and light inside. Trust me, if you’ve been complaining about soggy baked potatoes, try removing the foil and see what a difference it can make!
Can This Jacket Potato Recipe be Vegan?▼
Yes, this jacket potatoes recipe can most certainly can be vegan! If you want to top with baked beans, this should be fine since usually baked bean recipes are vegan. Just skip the cheese and instead of topping with butter, you can top with additional olive oil. Alternatively, you can use a vegan cheese if you want.
Are jacket potatoes healthy?▼
Potatoes often get a bad rap, but they’re actually a nutritional powerhouse wrapped in a crispy jacket! Here’s a quick look at what you’re getting from one large Russet jacket potato (without toppings):
Calories: ~311 kcal Carbohydrates: 67 g (a key source of energy!) Fiber: 5 g (supports digestion and keeps you full) Protein: 8 g (surprisingly decent for a veggie!) Vitamin C: About 45% of your daily needs (immune boost!) Potassium: Nearly 25% of your daily needs (heart and muscle health) Fat: 3 g (this will mostly come from your toppings, so you control this!)
Tip: To keep your jacket potato lighter, go easy on the butter and cheese or try plant-based alternatives. Adding baked beans or veggies boosts fiber and flavor while keeping it nutritious.
Can Diabetics Have Baked Potatoes?▼
Yes, they definitely can so long as the toppings are kept simple and won’t raise blood sugar. I would avoid baked beans with added simple sugars and instead stick to a light coating of cheese and perhaps tuna or coleslaw on top.
How Do I Know the Potatoes are Finished Baking?▼
Once the potatoes are done baking, they should be soft and fluffy inside and the skin outside should be crispy.
What if My Jacket Potatoes are Soggy?▼
If your potato skin isn’t as crisp as you hoped, try baking a few minutes longer directly on the rack. Remember, no aluminum foil!
Tools Needed to Make the Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
Ingredients for This Cheese and Beans Jacket Potato Recipe
Scroll to the bottom of this post or press the “Jump to Recipe” button for the FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD, which contains all ingredients and their quantities, plus you can save the recipe for later. The recipe card also helps you scale the recipe based on how many potatoes you’re looking to make so that you have enough toppings to really load up these potatoes!
For the Baked Potatoes
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are recommended here if you’re in North America. In the UK, the equivalent would be Maris Piper or King Edwards potatoes. Ideally, choose fairly large ones so that they are nice and satisfying! Keep in mind that the size of potatoes will impact the baking time.
Olive oil: A little bit to help crisp the potato skin.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to add flavor to the potato skin.
Toppings
Melted butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter. If you’re using unsalted butter, then you may want to add additional salt inside the potato when serving.
Cheese: I’ve got a blend of white cheddar and pepper Jack cheese.
Baked beans: As I mention in my free motivational guide to explore your potential in the kitchen, Make Cooking Fun!, being realistic with what you can and can’t achieve given your circumstances is key to setting realistic goals in the kitchen. While I would love for you to make some Homemade Heinz Baked Beans to top over these jacket potatoes, if you don’t have the time to do that, then don’t worry! The canned Heinz British Style Baked Beans were my childhood favorite - they are so delicious, and they’ll be wonderful here. I admit that I used canned beans when making this too! However, if you’ve already made baked beans and have leftovers, then this is a wonderful opportunity for you to use your baked beans!
Fresh chives: Chopped.
How to Make the Best Jacket Potato?
Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then dry completely. Prick all over with a fork (8–10 times).
Rub each potato with olive oil, then coat generously with sea salt and a bit of black pepper.
Place directly on the oven rack (or on a wire rack over a tray) and bake for 60-75 minutes, until the skin is crisp and a knife slides in easily.
Slice a cross on top of each potato and gently push the ends inward to open it up.
Add a pat of butter first to melt in the hot potato flesh.
Season the inside with salt, pepper, mix in the butter as you mash and fluff.
There's a reason the jacket potato is Britain's favorite comfort food. Two things make it perfect: a dry, salt-rubbed skin and a hot oven. This easy classic jacket potato recipe gives you crisp skin and a buttery center every single time. .
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then dry completely. Prick all over with a fork (8–10 times).
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then dry completely. Prick all over with a fork (8–10 times).
3
Rub each potato with olive oil, then coat generously with sea salt and a bit of black pepper.
Rub each potato with olive oil, then coat generously with sea salt and a bit of black pepper.
4
Place directly on the oven rack (or on a wire rack over a tray) and bake for 60-75 minutes, until the skin is crisp and a knife slides in easily.
Place directly on the oven rack (or on a wire rack over a tray) and bake for 60-75 minutes, until the skin is crisp and a knife slides in easily.
5
Slice a cross on top of each potato and gently push the ends inward to open it up.
Slice a cross on top of each potato and gently push the ends inward to open it up.
6
Add a knob of butter, then season with salt and pepper and fluff the inside with a fork.
Add a knob of butter, then season with salt and pepper and fluff the inside with a fork.
7
Add your desired toppings and serve immediately while hot.
Add your desired toppings and serve immediately while hot.
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Tested & written in Anadi’s kitchen
Tips to Make the Heartiest Jacket Potato Recipe
For the best fluffy interior stick to floury/starchy potatoes like Russet, King Edward, or Maris Piper.
For proper crispy skin on the potatoes, don’t foil wrap the potatoes. Instead bake them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Flip them once halfway through baking so both sides crisp up evenly.
Rest for 5 minutes after baking before cutting open — this helps the interior fully steam and fluffy.
You can double bake the potatoes if you scoop out the flesh, mix with cheese and butter, and return to the skins. Bake again until golden and bubbling.
Add butter while the potato is piping hot so it melts into the fluffy flesh. This is the base for any great topping.
Jacket Potato Fillings & Topping Ideas
Half the fun of a jacket potato is what goes on top. Trust me, there's no wrong answer. Here are a few of my favorite fillings, from proper British classics to a couple that are truly unique!
Cheese & Beans: The classic for a reason, plus it’s the combination in the photos here. Grated mature cheddar, a tin of beans, sorted.
What’s your ultimate jacket potato topping? Classic cheese and beans or something wild? Share your combos in the comments below and/or share your photos of your jacket potato using #cookingwithanadi!
How to Serve Jacket Potatoes▼
Depending on what toppings you’re adding to your British Baked Potatoes, they can be quite hefty on their own! However, if you want a side dish, you can’t go wrong with salad, where my Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Roasted Almondswould be perfect. Gurkensalat, or a German cucumber salad, would also be delicious here! You can also serve with vegetables of your choice, such as roasted cauliflower, Garlic-Butter Broccoli or Coconut Green Beans.
Seasonal Serving Suggestions for Your Jacket Potatoes
If possible, I recommend going with the seasons for ideas to make your jacket potatoes a complete meal with fresh ingredients!
Spring: Brighten up your jacket potato with a fresh pea and mint salad or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt mixed with lemon zest and chives. Light, vibrant, and perfect for those early sunshine dinners!
Summer: Keep it cool and crisp with a side of cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Add a scoop of homemade guacamole or fresh salsa roja on top for a refreshing twist.
Autumn: Embrace cozy comfort with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes tossed in garlic and rosemary. A side of garlic-butter broccoli or a warm apple and cabbage slaw pairs beautifully with the hearty jacket potato.
Winter: Go all in on warmth with a bowl of hearty vegetable soup or a rich slow-cooked chili to spoon over your potato. Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon or a warming mix of sautéed mushrooms and thyme for that ultimate winter indulgence.
Can I Make Jacket Potatoes in Advance?▼
No, I strongly suggest you don’t or else you’ll end up with soggy potato skins! However, here are some tips to help you prep so you’re ready to serve!
How long does a jacket potato take to cook?▼
This recipe bakes the potatoes for 60–75 minutes at 390°F (200°C). They’re ready when the skin is crisp and a knife slides in easily.
What are the best potatoes for jacket potatoes?▼
Floury, starchy potatoes give the fluffiest interior. In North America, reach for Russets; in the UK, Maris Piper or King Edward are the classics. Choose large, evenly sized potatoes so they bake through at the same rate.
Prepping Tips for Jacket Potatoes
Before you’re ready to serve your jacket potatoes, you can do the following to set you up for success:
Grate the cheese in advance and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve
Make your baked beans in advance, if making them from scratch
Chop your garnish and store in a plastic bag or cover them with plastic wrap.
How to Make a Jacket Potato in the Air Fryer
Short on time? The air fryer is my shortcut to a jacket potato with an even crispier skin than made in the oven. What I love about the air fryer is there's barely any preheating, and the way the air whips around the basket crisps the skin beautifully. It's the same method I use for the first bake in my Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, just without the scooping.
1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). 2. Wash and thoroughly dry your potatoes, then rub all over with a little olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. 3. Prick each potato all over with a fork. 4. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 40–50 minutes, flipping halfway, until a knife slides in easily and the skin is crisp. 5. Rest for 5 minutes, then split open, fluff up the middle with a fork, and add a knob of butter while it's piping hot.
Don’t Forget Your Printable Recipe Card!
For a quick, easy-to-follow version of this Classic Jacket Potato recipe, complete with exact ingredient amounts and scaling options, be sure to scroll down and hit the “Jump to Recipe” button.
Perfect for printing, saving, or sharing! I guarantee future self will thank you next time you crave the crispiest, fluffiest jacket potatoes around!
How Long Does It Take to Bake a Jacket Potato?
At 390°F (200°C), two large Russet potatoes need about 60 to 75 minutes in the oven. The exact cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes — smaller spuds are ready closer to the hour mark, while big, dense Russets can take the full 75 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is crisp and a knife slides into the center with no resistance. Baking them directly on the oven rack (or on a wire rack set over a tray) lets the heat circulate all the way around, so the skin crisps evenly instead of steaming on the bottom.
Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments! If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to post it on social media and tag it with #cookingwithanadi and mention me @cooking.with.anadi. Thank you! Made this? I'd love it if you left a ⭐ rating below! It truly helps other cooks find the recipe!
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Crispy, creamy Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Irish Style loaded with rich flavors. A quick and satisfying side dish the whole family will love. Ready faster than the oven!
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Recipe history
June 21, 2026 — Updated the recipe with new information and air fryer instructions to address user questions.
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