Preheat the oven to 425°F and position a rack in the center.
Scrub the potatoes and pat dry. Prick each potato all over with a fork.
Rub potatoes with olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
Set potatoes directly on the oven rack with a sheet pan underneath. Bake 65–75 minutes, turning once, until skins are crisp and centers are tender.
Split each potato lengthwise and fluff the flesh with a fork.
Dot with butter, add sour cream, and sprinkle with cheddar. Return to the oven 2–3 minutes to melt, if desired.
Finish with chives and serve hot.
Notes
Try topping with baked beans and cheddar for a classic UK twist, or tuna mayo and sweetcorn for a hearty lunch. Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge; re-crisp at 400°F for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for 6–8 minutes.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy English Jacket Potatoes flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.