Baked potatoes in their skin

Oven-Baked Jacket Potatoes – a Delicious Recipe for a Family Dinner

When it comes to family meals, nothing compares to a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones. Today, I present you with a recipe for oven-baked jacket potatoes, which is not only easy to prepare but also extremely satisfying. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home, and every time I make it, I am reminded of the moments spent with those dear to me.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 7 large red potatoes (about 1.5 kg)
- 50 g margarine
- Filling:
- 2 beaten eggs
- 200 g yogurt or sour cream
- 3-4 green onions, finely chopped
- 150 g cow or sheep telemea cheese, grated
- 100 g processed cheese, diced
- 100 g diced ham (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities. They will be cooked with their skins on, so make sure they are clean. Place the potatoes in a large pot of water and bring them to a boil. Let them boil for 20-25 minutes until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. Check them with a fork – they should pierce easily but not be completely cooked.

2. Cooling and scooping the potatoes
Once boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the insides of each half, being careful not to break the skin. This is where the magic happens! The flesh you scoop out will be the delicious filling.

3. Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, mash the scooped potato flesh and add the beaten eggs, yogurt or sour cream, finely chopped green onions, grated telemea cheese, processed cheese, and diced ham. Mix everything well until you get a homogeneous mixture. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings to your liking – a little salt and pepper can work wonders.

4. Filling the potatoes
Take each scooped potato half and generously fill it with the prepared filling. If you wish, you can add a small piece of butter on top of the filling for extra flavor.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C (high heat) and place the filled potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 10 minutes at high heat, then reduce the temperature to 180°C (medium heat) and continue baking for 40-45 minutes until the filling is golden and the potatoes are tender. You can check if they are ready by simply pressing them with a fork – they should yield easily.

Serving suggestions
These oven-baked jacket potatoes are delicious served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or pickles. A cup of yogurt or a garlic sour cream dip would add a refreshing touch to this savory dish.

Possible variations
- Vegetarian at the table? You can replace the ham with sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini.
- Want a spicier version? Add a pinch of chili pepper or a few drops of chili sauce to the filling.
- For cheese lovers: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta cheese, to add a distinct flavor.

Nutritional benefits
Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Additionally, they are rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. Adding cheese and eggs enhances the protein content, while green onions provide essential antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use white or sweet potatoes?
Of course! White potatoes offer a similar texture, while sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness and vibrant color. Feel free to experiment with what you like!

2. What other fillings can be used?
You have the freedom to add ingredients like olives, basil, spinach, or even ground meat. Be creative!

3. How can I store leftovers?
The stuffed potatoes can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days, and to reheat them, I recommend placing them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

This oven-baked jacket potato recipe is not just a simple dish but also a perfect way to gather the family around the table. I hope you will try this recipe and that it will become just as loved in your family. Enjoy your meal!