Dinner

Perfect Jacket Potatoes with Smoked Salmon, Soft Cheese, and Capers Recipe

ByBen Miller November 8, 2025November 8, 2025

Introduction

Jacket potatoes are a comforting and versatile meal, perfect for any time of the day. With crispy skin and a soft, fluffy interior, they pair beautifully with a variety of fillings. This recipe features a delicious smoked salmon and soft cheese filling that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

A baked potato with a brown, slightly crispy skin sits open on a white plate with thin blue lines on the edges, resting on a white marbled surface. The potato's inside is soft and yellowish, topped with a layer of white creamy sauce, scattered green capers, chunks of pinkish salmon, and a sprinkle of black pepper. To the right side of the plate lies a silver fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 baking potato
Oil, for rubbing
50g light soft cheese
Squeeze of lemon juice
1 hot-smoked salmon fillet
1 heaped tsp capers
A little lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas mark 7). Rub the potato with a little oil and seasoning, then place it on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake the potato for 25 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 190°C (170°C fan/gas mark 5) and bake for a further 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes until the flesh is tender and the skin is crisp and golden.
Step 3: While the potato is baking, mix the light soft cheese with a squeeze of lemon juice and some seasoning in a small bowl.
Step 4: When the potato is cooked, slice a cross in the center and gently squeeze the base to open the top.
Step 5: Fill the potato with the lemony soft cheese mixture, then flake the hot-smoked salmon on top.
Step 6: Sprinkle with capers and a little lemon zest for a fresh, zesty finish.

Tips & Variations

For a quicker version, prick the potato with a fork, wrap in kitchen paper, and microwave on High for 8–10 minutes until soft. Rub with oil then flash under a hot grill to crisp the skin.
Try alternative fillings like corn, chilli & avocado salsa or smoky bacon beans for variety and extra flavor.
Use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of soft cheese for a tangier taste.

Storage

Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven at 180°C (160°C fan) until warmed through and skin is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep the skin crispy.

How to Serve

A baked potato with a light brown, slightly wrinkled skin sits open on a white plate with thin black rings near the edge. Inside, there is a soft, pale yellow potato flesh layer topped with a creamy white sauce. Small green capers are scattered over the sauce, and pieces of light orange salmon flakes with a slightly charred edge sit on top. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of baking potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes make a delicious alternative. Adjust baking times slightly as they may cook faster depending on size.

How do I know when the jacket potato is fully cooked?

The potato is done when the skin is crisp and golden, and you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork or skewer. The inside should be soft and fluffy.