Loaded Pizza Potatoes Recipe

Jacket potatoes are a godsend when you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal that’s also versatile and satisfying. Today, I’m sharing our favourite twist on this classic jacket potato – loaded pizza potatoes. This is a meal the kids ask for time and time again, and one I have been making since my early Nanny days.

Loaded Pizza Potatoes are a perfect combination of crispy baked potato skins filled with all the delicious flavours of pizza. Plus, the beauty of this recipe is that you can customise the toppings to suit your taste buds.

They really are so simple to make, so simple that my children add all their own fillings and make their own these days.

Loaded Pizza Potatoes Recipe:

Ingredients:

Large baking potatoes (1 per person) – we like to make a couple of extras as the kids love them so much
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Butter
A little milk
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Your favourite pizza toppings:
– Pepperoni slices
– Cooked crumbled sausage
– Sautéed mushrooms
– Diced bell peppers
– Sliced black olives
– Diced onions
– Fresh basil leaves
– Peas/Sweetcorn
– Shredded cooked Chicken
– Any other toppings you love on your pizza!

Of course, you don’t need all of those ingredients; choose which fillings you would like.

Instructions:

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the potatoes:
Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry with paper towels. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Season and bake:
Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender.
Slice and scoop:
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes until they’re cool enough to handle. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out as much of the flesh as you can.
Mash well:
Mash the potato you have scooped out with a little butter and milk (as you would normal mashed potatoes)
Load ’em up:
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the mashed potatoes and mix well so the cheese melts. Now, it’s time to get creative with your toppings! Add your favourite pizza toppings into your mixture and mix it all together.
Reassemble:
Now it’s time to scoop your mixture back into the potato skins, adding a little grated cheese on the top for good measure
Back in the oven:
Place the loaded potato halves back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are heated through.
Serve and enjoy:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavour. Serve the loaded pizza potatoes hot, and watch them disappear in no time!

Filling Ideas:

Classic Pepperoni:
Load up your potatoes with plenty of pepperoni slices for that authentic pizza flavour.
Meat Lover’s Delight:
Combine cooked crumbled sausage, pepperoni, and bacon for the ultimate meaty feast.
Veggie Supreme:
Pile on sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, and onions for a veggie-packed delight.
Margherita Style:
For a classic Margherita flavour, keep it simple with just pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
BBQ Chicken:
Mix shredded cooked chicken with tangy barbecue sauce, red onions, and cilantro for a BBQ twist.
Hawaiian Paradise:
Embrace the sweet and savoury combo with diced ham, pineapple chunks, and red onions.

Convenience of Jacket Potatoes:

Jacket potatoes are a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still crave a hearty and wholesome meal. They require minimal prep – just scrub, season, and pop them in the oven. While they bake, you have plenty of time to prepare your toppings or attend to other tasks. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can fill them with just about anything you have on hand, making them perfect for using up leftovers or getting creative with pantry staples. And let’s not forget how satisfying they are – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and oh-so-delicious when loaded with your favourite toppings. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch, jacket potatoes are always a winner in my book!