There's nothing quite like a perfectly baked jacket potato – crispy skin giving way to a light, fluffy interior. And who better to guide us than the legendary Mary Berry? Her tried-and-tested method guarantees potato perfection every time.
The Secret to Mary Berry's Perfect Jacket Potatoes
Mary's approach focuses on two crucial elements: choosing the right potato and mastering the cooking technique. She recommends floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward, which deliver that sought-after fluffy texture.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 4 large baking potatoes (about 225g each)
- 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
- Sea salt flakes
- Your choice of fillings (butter, cheese, baked beans, tuna mayo, etc.)
Step-by-Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/425°F/gas 7.
- Prepare the potatoes: Scrub them clean and dry thoroughly. Prick all over with a fork.
- Crispy skin secret: Rub each potato with oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt.
- Bake directly on the oven shelf for about 1¼ hours until the skins are crisp and the insides soft.
- Test for doneness: The potatoes should feel soft when squeezed (use oven gloves!).
- Serve immediately: Cut a cross in the top and push the ends to open up. Add your favourite fillings.
Mary's Top Tips for Jacket Potato Success
"The key is in the preparation," says Mary. "Don't skip the oil and salt – they're what create that wonderful crispy skin. And always bake directly on the oven shelf for even cooking."
For extra fluffy insides, Mary suggests giving the cooked potato a gentle squeeze (while still in its skin) before opening. This helps separate the flesh for maximum fluffiness.
Creative Filling Ideas
While classic fillings like cheese and beans are always winners, why not try:
- Cream cheese and smoked salmon
- Chilli con carne
- Curried chickpeas with yogurt
- Ratatouille and goat's cheese
This versatile recipe works equally well as a quick weekday lunch or as part of a more substantial meal. The beauty of jacket potatoes lies in their simplicity and adaptability to whatever ingredients you have to hand.
