Potatoes in their skins- delicious no.1 recipe!
Let the oven do all the hard work for you with these wonderfully easy, healthy baked potatoes, cooked right in their skins for maximum flavor and texture. These potatoes are not only simple to prepare but also wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly versatile — making them the ultimate comfort food that requires very little hands-on time. In just a few minutes of prep, you can have them ready to go in the oven, where they’ll roast slowly until the interiors are light, fluffy, and perfectly soft, while the skins turn golden and crisp. The contrast of textures — tender inside, slightly crunchy outside — makes every bite a delight.
Each filling recipe is designed to serve one, making it easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re cooking for. Whether it’s a cozy solo dinner, a family meal, or a gathering with friends, these baked potatoes can be customized endlessly to suit every taste and preference. From creamy, cheesy toppings to vibrant vegetables and fresh herbs, you can get creative and make each potato uniquely yours.
The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t require complicated steps or long preparation. In under 30 minutes, you can wash the potatoes, prick them with a fork to allow steam to escape, and season them lightly before baking. Then all that’s left is to let the oven work its magic. Depending on the size of the potatoes, baking times will range from 1 to 2 hours, but the result is always the same: golden, crisp skins encasing a tender, fluffy interior. It’s a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying, yet is surprisingly simple and nourishing.
Once cooked, serve the potatoes straight from the oven while they’re still warm. Add your favorite toppings — a dollop of creamy yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, roasted or sautéed vegetables, or a little melted cheese — to create a hearty, wholesome dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a leisurely weekend lunch, or even a make-ahead option for busy days, these baked potatoes offer a delicious, hands-off meal that everyone can enjoy. The comforting aroma, the inviting presentation, and the customizable fillings make this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
potatoes in their skin recipe Ingredient list:
To serve, sprinkle one baked potato with olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
lemon squeeze, to serve
Ingredients foe the mackerel;
One tiny fillet of flakes and peeled smoked mackerel
One tablespoon of soured cream
One teaspoon of horseradish sauce
Two teaspoons of freshly chopped chives
For the bacon and cheese filling;
Fry two streaky bacon rashers until they are crisp.
One tablespoon of half-fat crème fraîche
Two teaspoons of freshly chopped parsley
One tablespoon of grated cheddar
For the bacon and kale;
A handful of blanched and roughly chopped kale, two streaky bacon rashers, and one tablespoon of half-fat crème fraîche
For the pea and mint;
A handful of blanched and slightly smashed peas
Two teaspoons of plain yoghurt
Two teaspoons of fresh mint shreds
One tablespoon of grated Gruyère
Potatoes in their skins: step by step ingredients
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 210°C (190°C for fan-assisted ovens) or Gas Mark 6½. While the oven is warming up, take your potato and give it a gentle wash under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris, then pat it dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. Rub the entire surface of the potato with a small amount of oil, making sure it is evenly coated; this will help the skin crisp up beautifully during baking. Once oiled, sprinkle the potato generously with salt and a little freshly ground black pepper for flavor. Place the potato on a baking tray, making sure it has some space around it so the heat can circulate evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, adjusting the time depending on the size of the potato—larger potatoes may take longer to cook through. You’ll know it’s ready when the skin is golden and crisp, and a skewer or fork slides easily into the center.
Step 2
Allow the baked potatoes to cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle but still warm. Take a sharp knife and carefully slice into each potato, creating a shallow cut that leaves approximately a 3mm border around the edge—this will help maintain the structure of the skin. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the soft potato flesh, transferring it into a separate bowl. Once all the flesh has been removed, use a fork to mash it until smooth, adding any desired seasoning or butter at this stage for extra flavor. While you prepare the filling, place the empty potato skins back onto a baking tray and return them to the oven. Allow them to bake for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, or until they become crisp and slightly golden, ready to hold the mashed potato mixture or any other filling you choose.
Step 3
While the potato skins are crisping in the oven, you can prepare the filling. Choose the ingredients for your preferred filling, and gather them together. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients with the mashed potato, excluding the cheese for now. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until well incorporated, making sure the mixture is smooth and evenly seasoned. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Once the mixture is seasoned to your liking, it will be ready to spoon back into the crispy potato skins, with the cheese added on top if your recipe calls for it.
Step 4
Carefully remove the potato skins from the oven once they are crisp and golden, then spoon in the prepared filling, making sure each potato is generously filled. If you like, sprinkle a layer of grated cheese on top to create a rich, bubbling finish as it bakes. Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and turn lightly golden, and for the flavors to meld together beautifully. While the potatoes are finishing in the oven, prepare the salad leaves by tossing them gently with a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.