Delia Smith Jacket Potatoes Recipe

Delia Smith’s jacket potatoes are a simple yet deeply satisfying classic, with crisp, golden skins and fluffy, steaming centres. Baked slowly to perfection, they deliver a comforting balance of texture and flavour that works beautifully with a variety of toppings. This is an easy, foolproof recipe ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With a total time of around 1 hour 30 minutes, it’s well worth the wait for perfectly baked potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Jacket Potatoes

• 4 large baking potatoes (such as Maris Piper or King Edward)
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt

Optional Toppings

• Butter
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Baked beans
• Sour cream
• Fresh chives, chopped

How to Make Delia Smith Jacket Potatoes

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the centre of the oven for even cooking.
• Prepare the potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then pat them completely dry with a clean towel.
• Prick and oil: Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Rub all over with olive oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt.
• Bake the potatoes: Place directly on the oven shelf or on a baking tray. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes until the skins are crisp and the centres are soft when squeezed.
• Check doneness: Insert a knife or skewer into the centre. It should slide in easily without resistance.
• Serve and assemble: Cut a cross in the top of each potato, gently squeeze to open, fluff the interior with a fork, and add butter and your chosen toppings.

Tips

How do I get really crispy skins?

Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before oiling, and bake them directly on the oven shelf rather than wrapping in foil.

Why are my potatoes not fluffy inside?

They may need more baking time. Larger potatoes require longer to soften fully in the centre.

Should I wrap jacket potatoes in foil?

No, foil traps steam and prevents the skins from becoming crisp. Bake them uncovered for best results.

Which potatoes are best for baking?

Floury varieties like Maris Piper or King Edward give the fluffiest interior and crisp skin.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with butter and grated cheddar for a classic option
• Top with baked beans for a hearty meal
• Add sour cream and chives for a lighter finish
• Pair with a fresh green salad on the side

Storage

Room Temperature

Best enjoyed fresh, but can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours after baking.

Refrigerator

Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Freezing

Freeze baked potatoes once cooled for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Sodium: 300mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion size and toppings.

FAQs

Delia Smith Jacket Potatoes Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: Side DishCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Perfectly baked jacket potatoes with crisp skins and fluffy centres. A simple, comforting classic that pairs well with a variety of toppings.

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp sea salt

• Butter, to serve

• Grated cheddar cheese

• Baked beans or toppings of choice

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
• Wash, scrub and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
• Prick with a fork, rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Place directly on the oven shelf and bake for 1 hour 15–30 minutes.
• Check they are tender inside by inserting a knife.
• Cut open, fluff the centres and add toppings before serving.

Notes

• Do not wrap in foil for crisp skins.
• Choose floury potatoes for best texture.
• Reheat in oven to maintain crispness.