Best jacket potato topping ideas

Golden, crispy, and fluffy on the inside, jacket potatoes make for the perfect mid-week meal or cosy dinner. Discover how to bake the perfect one, top it with M&S favourites and get inspired with deliciously easy recipes.

Assistant Copywriter

Florence Head

Elevate the humble spud

If you’ve spotted jacket potatoes having a moment on social media lately, you’re not alone – loaded spuds are in the spotlight, and we’re here for it. Whether you love yours piled high with cheesy baked beans, spooned with spiced veggie chilli or topped with something a little heartier like spicy pulled chicken, there’s a jacket potato topping for every craving. Now you’ve nailed the perfectly fluffy, golden-skinned spud (see below for our foolproof method), it’s time to get creative with the toppings. From meat-free marvels to nostalgic comfort-food classics, we’ve rounded up our favourite ways to pile high.

Topping ideas for your jacket potato

Start simple with a knob of our luxuriously creamy Salted Jersey Butter and a pinch of Rosemary Anglesey Sea Salt melting into that fluffy centre. Add a handful of shredded Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar – rich, tangy and made for melting.

For toppings, go traditional with our Tuna and Sweetcorn Deli Filler, made with responsibly sourced tuna, sweetcorn and seasoned mayo. Or keep it comforting with our rich, tomatoey Baked Beans – packed with protein and full of flavour.

Craving something heartier? Spoon over our Beef Chilli Con Carne, slow-cooked with British beef, kidney beans and red peppers. Or for a plant-based twist, try our Plant Kitchen Vegetable Tikka Masala – full of vibrant veg in a spiced masala sauce.

Fancy mixing things up? Our Coronation Chicken Deli Filler is a royally good choice – tender British chicken in a delicately spiced mayo with juicy sultanas and apricots, made for piling high on jacket spuds.

For a veggie-friendly twist, warm through our Creamy Mushrooms – a rich blend of chestnut and button mushrooms in a silky cream sauce. Or if you'd like something fresher, try lightly steamed Tenderstem broccoli finished with a generous grating of our Cornish Cruncher Cheddar for a simple but indulgent upgrade.

Spoon over our Cheddar and Bacon Dip for a topping which is creamy and full of flavour– a rich, indulgent mix of mayonnaise, soured cream, mature cheddar, and smoky bacon.

Add your own touch to it – a pinch of sea salt, a twist of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce to make it your own.

Jacket potato topping recipes

How to make the perfect jacket potato

For the ultimate jacket spud, give it a good scrub, prick all over with a fork to let the steam escape, then rub generously with oil and a sprinkle of coarse salt.
Bake at 200°C for around an hour until the skin is irresistibly crisp and the centre is light and fluffy. Short on time? Microwave for 8–10 minutes to speed things up, then transfer to a hot oven for 15–20 minutes. You’ll still get that beautifully fluffy middle and golden, seasoned skin – just in less time.
To serve, crisscross the top with a knife and gently squeeze the ends to fluff it up – then load with your favourite toppings.

Follow the recipe

Which potatoes make the best jackets?

Choose your spud

Whether you're after classic comfort or something a little different, the right spud makes all the difference. Our Baking Potatoes are carefully selected from trusted Select Farms for their generous size and full flavour. Maris Piper is another favourite – soft, creamy and ideal for a traditional, no-fuss jacket.

Fancy levelling up your lunch? Our Speciality Baking Potatoes are picked for their superior texture and golden finish. And for that iconic soft, buttery bite, King Edward potatoes never disappoint. For something vibrant and naturally sweet, try our Speciality Purple Flesh Sweet Potatoes.

Jacket potato topping recipes

Take your spuds up a notch with our recipe ideas:

Greek-style butter bean stew - Slow-cooked onions, sweet tomatoes, and plump butter beans meet mint, oregano and lemon in this sunshine-packed stew. Pile it over a fluffy jacket and finish with tangy, marinated feta for a taste of the Med.
Beef and bean chilli - Spoon over tray-baked beans spiked with smoky ancho chillies and chipotle marinade, then finish with a dollop of cooling soured cream and a handful of fresh coriander.
Spicy chicken - Juicy British chicken meets smoky Mexican-style spices in this flavour-packed take on the classic jacket. Top with a spoonful of cooling yoghurt and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Loaded cheese and Marmite - Fluffy spuds scooped and mixed with spring onions and rich Marmite cheddar, then baked again until bubbling. Add a crisp green salad on the side and you’ve got comfort food, elevated.
Air fryer loaded potato skins - Pile on creamy sour cream and chive dip, scatter with cheddar, prosciutto and spring onions, then air-fry to golden, gooey bliss. Oven works too – just increase the time.
Veggie chilli - Rich, gently spiced veggie chilli spooned over roasted sweet potato jackets for a bowlful of warmth with a vibrant twist.

M&S recipes this way

Published 7.23.2025