Jacket potato party

It’s also brilliant if you have mates with dietaries - put out a range of toppings, many of which can be made ahead of time, or simply store-bought and let the DIY fun begin.

Ingredients

• 6 large baking potatoes, unpeeled, washed and dried
• olive oil, for drizzling
• sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping suggestions

• whipped butter (see Note)
• fried bacon lardons or thick cut bacon bits
• salmon roe (or caviar if you’re feeling fancy)
• chopped boiled egg
• seaweed salt or any other flavoured salt
• sour cream and chopped chives
• roast broccoli florets
• chopped green herbs (chives/parsley/dill)
• crisp fried shallots

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to as hot as it will go. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork to let the steam escape as they cook. Drizzle with a generous amount of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a wire rack and bake for 1 hour or until cooked through and tender.
2. When the potatoes are nearly ready, lay out the toppings on the table, make a cocktail and chat to your friends. Using a small sharp knife, make a cross in the top of each baked potato and squeeze to break up the potato a little. Pop the baked potatoes in a pretty bowl and serve. Easy.

Note

• For whipped butter, place 250 g softened butter in a stand mixer with ¼ cup milk or cream and use the whisk attachment to beat until light and fluffy. Season and flavour with whatever you fancy or leave as is.

Photography by Adam Liaw.

Want more from The Cook Up?

• Stream free here at SBS On Demand.

• Get the show recipes, articles and more here.

It’s also brilliant if you have mates with dietaries - put out a range of toppings, many of which can be made ahead of time, or simply store-bought and let the DIY fun begin.