A cook has outlined the best way to cook a jacket potato, claiming many people make a simple mistake when it comes to baking the perfect spud. Max McCann took to TikTok to share his method, which avoids pricking the potatoes or coating them in oil.
The Common Mistake
According to McCann, many people unnecessarily poke holes in jacket potatoes and coat them in oil before baking. Instead, he recommends simply washing and drying the potatoes, then wrapping them in foil. This method, he says, yields better results.
McCann's Method
In a TikTok video, McCann explained: "One thing that people tend to do with jacket potatoes that you don't need to do is poke them with a fork and also coat them in oil. Instead, just wash and dry the potatoes and then wrap them up in foil." He advises baking the potatoes in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about one hour and a half. After that, he removes the foil and bakes them for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a crispy skin. "They should end up super crispy like this and perfectly done inside," he added.
Expert Insight on Pricking Potatoes
Some TikTok users expressed concern that skipping the pricking step could cause potatoes to explode. However, experts from Southern Living explain that while potatoes contain water that turns to steam during baking, exploding is extremely rare. "Most potatoes naturally release steam through tiny imperfections in their skin, so there's usually no dramatic buildup of pressure to worry about," they note. They also point out that pricking can allow too much moisture to escape, leading to a drier interior.
Why This Method Works
McCann's approach focuses on retaining moisture initially by wrapping in foil, which steams the potato from the inside, then crisping the skin by baking uncovered. This two-step process ensures a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior without the need for oil. The result is a perfect jacket potato that can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings.
