Baked potatoes
English Baked potatoes, also known as jacket potatoes, are a classic dish that have been enjoyed by people all over England for decades. These tasty spuds are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect complement to any meal. They’re easy to make and incredibly versatile, which is why they’re a favorite in many households.
The origins of baked potatoes are unclear, but it’s believed that they’ve been around for centuries. There are records of potatoes being cooked in ovens as far back as the 17th century, and by the 18th century, baked potatoes were being sold by street vendors in London. Today, they’re a staple in many households and a go-to dish for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal.
The beauty of baked potatoes is their simplicity. All you need to make a perfect jacket potato is a high-quality potato, some butter or oil, and a few toppings of your choice. While cheese and bacon are popular choices, many people also enjoy chili, sour cream, chives, and even baked beans on top of their spud.
To get started with your English Baked potatoes, you’ll need to select the perfect potato. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their fluffy texture and crisp skin, but any large potato will do. Make sure to wash your potato thoroughly and dry it before baking it.
The key to a perfect baked potato is making sure it’s cooked all the way through. To do this, preheat your oven to 425 degrees and then use a sharp knife to pierce your potato in several places. Rub your potato with oil or butter and then sprinkle it with salt to help the skin get crispy. Place your potato directly on the oven rack and bake for about an hour, or until the skin is crispy and the inside is soft.
Once your potato is fully cooked, it’s time to add your toppings. Cheese and bacon is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative with your toppings. Sour cream, chives, scallions, and even chili can take your English Baked potatoes to the next level. Just make sure to be generous with your toppings, as they’re what give the dish its flavor.
In conclusion, English Baked potatoes are a classic dish that have been enjoyed by generations of people all over England. They’re simple to make, delicious, and incredibly versatile, making them the perfect side dish for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a comforting dinner, baked potatoes are sure to hit the spot. So why not give them a try tonight and discover why these spuds are a favorite in so many households?
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Chives, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Scrub the potatoes and dry them with paper towels. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times.
- Rub each potato with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and wrap in aluminum foil.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and unwrap them. Cut a deep cross into each potato and gently press the ends to open up the potato.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Pour the cream mixture over each potato, and sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over each potato.
- Place the potatoes back in the oven, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped chives before serving.
Enjoy your delicious English baked potatoes!