There’s something deeply comforting about a baked potato. It’s a humble food, really. But when you take that crisp-skinned, fluffy interior and pile it high with goodness, it transforms. It becomes a meal that feels both indulgent and utterly satisfying.

I fell back in love with this dish on a chilly beach day in Ireland, where they call it a 'potato jacket'. It’s the perfect canvas for a quick, budget-friendly, and delicious dinner that everyone seems to love.

The Story Behind the Spud

My husband and I rediscovered this classic on a trip. After a bracing visit to a stunning, but freezing, Irish beach, we stumbled into a cozy little cafe. The entire menu was potato jackets. You could build your own with all sorts of toppings.

It was the warm, nourishing hug we needed. That experience brought the loaded baked potato right back into our weekly meal rotation. It’s casual Friday food at its very best.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

This recipe is all about building layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

• Russet Potatoes (2, medium to large): The sturdy foundation. Their thick skin gets beautifully crisp, and the inside bakes up light and fluffy.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/2 tbsp): For brushing. This helps the skin crisp up and the salt to stick.
• Sea Salt: Used both for salting the skin before baking and for finishing. A flaky salt, like Maldon, adds a lovely final touch.
• Good Quality Butter (2-4 tbsp): The first layer inside the potato. It melts right into the fluffy flesh, adding rich, creamy moisture.
• Rotisserie Chicken (1/2 cup, diced or shredded): A fantastic shortcut for easy protein. It adds heartiness and savory flavor.
• Steamed Broccoli Florets (1/2 cup): Brings a pop of color, fresh texture, and a nutritional boost. It pairs wonderfully with the cheese sauce.
• Bacon (1 slice, cooked crispy and chopped): The salty, smoky crunch that takes everything over the top. It’s the ultimate garnish.
• Chives (1 tbsp, chopped): A fresh, mild oniony bite that brightens up all the rich ingredients.
• For the Cheese Sauce: Warm milk (1/2 cup), butter (1/2 tbsp), flour (1/2 tbsp), sea salt, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup). This homemade sauce is silky, flavorful, and far superior to anything from a jar.

How to make Loaded Baked Potato (aka: Potato Jacket)?

The magic happens in stages. First, we bake the potato to perfection. Then, we build the flavorful toppings and a simple cheese sauce. Let's get started.

Step 1- Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Give each potato a good scrub and dry it thoroughly. Brush them all over with the olive oil, then sprinkle generously with sea salt. This is the secret to that irresistible, crispy jacket.

Place them directly on a metal baking sheet—no foil needed. Bake for about one hour, or until a fork slides into the center with no resistance.

Step 2- Prep the Toppings

About 20 minutes before the potatoes are done, start your toppings. Dice or shred the chicken. Cook the bacon until crispy, let it cool, then chop it. Steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 5 minutes.

Chop your chives and shred the cheddar cheese if you haven’t already. Having everything ready makes assembly a breeze.

Step 3- Make the Cheese Sauce

Warm the milk gently in the microwave or a small pot. In a separate small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the flour—this is your roux, and it will thicken the sauce beautifully. Let it cook for just a minute.

Add a pinch of salt and a few turns of black pepper. Now, slowly stream in the warm milk while whisking constantly. Let the mixture thicken slightly.

Finally, add the shredded cheddar in two or three batches, whisking until each addition is completely smooth and melted. Turn off the heat.

Step 4- Assemble the Masterpiece

Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Make a long slice almost from end to end, then gently push the ends towards each other. This opens the potato up perfectly.

Drop in a generous pat of butter. Use a fork to fluff the insides and mash that butter right in, creating a buttery mashed potato-like base right inside the skin. Sprinkle with a little more salt and pepper.

Step 5- Load It Up

Now for the fun part. Add the diced chicken and steamed broccoli florets. Ladle over that glorious, homemade cheese sauce. Finish it all with a sprinkle of crispy bacon and fresh chives. Then, dig in. It’s warm, creamy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious.

Building Your Perfect Potato Jacket

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Think of the basic recipe as a template. You can swap ingredients based on what you have or what you’re craving. It’s a wonderful way to use up leftovers. Try pulled pork or chili instead of chicken. Swap broccoli for sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Love spice? A dash of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños would be fantastic. The potato jacket is your edible playground.

Tips

• For the crispiest skin, bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack with a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.
• Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they finish baking at the same time.
• If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes to start, then finish them in the oven for 20 minutes to crisp the skin.
• Always warm your milk before adding it to the roux for a cheese sauce. Cold milk can cause the sauce to become lumpy.
• For extra flavor, mix a little sharp cheddar into the potato flesh with the butter.

What to Serve Alongside

A loaded baked potato is certainly a meal in itself. But if you’re looking to round out the table, a simple, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness. In Ireland, they often serve potato jackets with a tangy coleslaw, which is another brilliant pairing.

For a lighter option, some steamed green beans or asparagus work wonderfully. Really, though, this is the star of the show. Sometimes, all you need is the spud.