Jacket Potatoes

[Want-to-know]

Please settle an argument. How long should one cook Jacket Potatoes and at what temperature in a gas oven.

Thanks.

[Alibobs]

I don't think there is a definitive answer. I favour gas 6 for about an hour so the skins go quite dark as well.
You can put them in for several hours at a lower temperature quite happily.

Likewise you can rub oil in the skins, sprinkle with salt etc.

The only thing to remember is to prick them - otherwise they can explode all over the oven as I have found to my cost

[PatriciaH]

Depends on the size of potatoe, i always microwave mine for about ten minutes and then put them in a very hot oven for about 10- 15 minutes... i love the skin crispy, they take to long cooking just by the oven method, saying that i used to cook them before the microwave appeared for at least an hour to an hour and a half

[nickmo]

Gas 6 / 200c for 1� to 1� hrs.

If short of time, m/wave and then finish in oven to get the skins crispy. As above, a wipe of oil and a coat of good quality salt will enhance the skins.

Stand them for a few minutes when you take them out of the oven - don't cut them straight away.

The type of potato will affect the result - use the ones sold as bakers. Its not only the size but also the make up of the tattie that is important.

[Alibobs]

No no Nickmo - I beg to differ! Leaving them to stand makes them go soggier more quickly! Cut into them straight away to let the steam out and they stay crispier.............as I said, no definitive answers!

[brionon]

Stick a skwewer through the middle ,it helps to cook the inside.

[alanmcn2005]

try the cheaters way.....microwave for 8 mins then in very hot oven for 5 mins

[Want-to-know]

Thank you all for the advice. Unfortunately I do not own a microwave oven.

The potatoes I use are Tesco's baking potatoes - do not know their proper name, e.g. Maris Piper, Jersey, New, etc. We use a gas oven. The problem we have is that the centre of the potatoes are not always soft.

I cook the potatoes for 1-1/2 hours on a gas mark7 for an hour, then no. 5 for a half an hour. My other half, however, insists on cooking on a gas mark 5 temperature for only an hour.

Whoever cooks our spuds, itt is pot luck if they come out properly cooked!