Baked potatoes in their skin

Delicious baked jacket potato recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

This simple baked jacket potato recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner. The potatoes become crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the filling can be customized to your taste. Here’s how to prepare them step by step.

Ingredients:
- 7 large potatoes (choose cooking varieties like Yukon Gold or new potatoes)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100 g cheese (preferably cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4-5 slices of crispy bacon (optional)
- Fresh herbs (e.g., dill or parsley) for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the potatoes
Wash the potatoes well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Make sure to keep the skin on, as it will add texture and flavor to your dish. Pour water into a large pot, add a tablespoon of salt, and place the potatoes in to boil. Boil for about 15-20 minutes until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. This step is essential for achieving a crispy skin later.

Step 2: Cooling and cutting the potatoes
Once boiled, remove the potatoes from the water and let them cool for a few minutes. When they are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1 cm border to maintain the potato structure.

Step 3: Filling the potatoes
In a bowl, mix the scooped potato flesh with olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated cheese. If desired, you can add chopped crispy bacon for extra flavor. Fill the potato halves with this mixture, pressing lightly to secure it.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the filled potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden, and the edges of the potatoes become crispy.

Step 5: Serving
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a pleasant appearance and vibrant flavor. Serve them as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside a juicy steak.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, like feta or goat cheese, for varied flavors.
- If you want a vegetarian option, you can add sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Make sure not to boil the potatoes too long, otherwise they will become too soft and won’t hold up during baking.

These baked jacket potatoes are a perfect combination of textures and flavors, and each bite will be an explosion of taste. Add them to your quick and simple recipe collection to surprise your guests with a delicious and creative dish!