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The Ultimate Loaded Jacket Skins: A Budget-Friendly Weeknight Winner
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t break the bank? These Loaded Jacket Skins are a game-changer for your weekly meal plan. This easy loaded jacket potato skins recipe comes together with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it ideal when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Forget boring toppings; we’re elevating the humble potato into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece stuffed with sautéed savoy cabbage, smoky ham, and melted mozzarella.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or something fun to share, this recipe delivers every time. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or using up leftover potatoes, these loaded skins strike the perfect balance between crunchy textures and savory flavors. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to hit your fiber goals while keeping the whole family satisfied.
Why You’ll Love These Loaded Skins
In the UK, jacket potatoes are a kitchen staple, but the “loaded” trend of 2026 is all about maximizing flavor while staying budget-conscious. By scooping out most of the potato flesh (save that for mash tomorrow!), you create a crispy potato “vessel” that bakes beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
The addition of savoy cabbage is the secret weapon here. It adds a satisfying crunch and a boost of nutrients, perfectly balancing the richness of the melted mozzarella and salty ham. This easy recipe is a fibre-forward twist on a classic that feels like a premium gastro-pub dish made right in your own kitchen.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Skins
If you’ve ever wondered how to make jacket potato skins ultra-crispy instead of soggy, these tips make all the difference:
The Right Potato: For best results in the UK, choose Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes. Their high starch content creates a fluffy interior and a skin that crisps up perfectly.
Dry Is Key: After washing, dry your potatoes thoroughly with a tea towel. Moisture causes steaming, not crisping. Rub the skins with olive oil and a generous pinch of sea salt before baking.
The Air Fryer Shortcut: Short on time? Cook whole potatoes in the air fryer at 200°C for 35–40 minutes, then crisp the stuffed skins for an additional 5–8 minutes.
Don’t Over-Scoop: Leave about 0.5cm of potato flesh attached to the skin so it stays sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
Season Every Layer: Add a pinch of salt and pepper inside the empty skins before filling — it’s a small step that makes a big flavor difference.
This step-by-step approach ensures crispy results every single time.
Make It Your Own
While the cabbage and ham combo is a UK favorite, these loaded jacket potato skins are easy to customize. For a vegetarian option, swap the ham for sun-dried tomatoes or smoky paprika-roasted chickpeas.
These Loaded Jacket Skins prove that comfort food can be affordable, impressive, and incredibly easy to pull together. Ready to get cooking? Scroll down for the full recipe card and see how to make this simple favorite at home — and don’t forget to Save this Pin to your “Dinner Ideas” board for later!
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