I never really liked potatoes growing up. My parents would microwave them and they would come out unevenly cooked, dry and tasteless. But when Trevor and I were dating (many moons ago!), we were in England and he introduced me to the joys of a Jacket Potato.

In the US, a Jacket Potato is called a loaded baked potato and it would typically have butter or sour cream, cheese, bacon and some kind of seasoning. Maybe even some spring onions. But, in the UK, they have basically any topping choices you want, and they sell them everywhere. They even have Jacket Potato shops, stands, street vendors, they’re in the supermarket ready-to-eat areas…. they’re everywhere! And they truly love their potatoes.

When in college, Trevor would make this very simply, healthy and cheap dinner weekly. All you need is a potato, some butter (which everyone always has!), a tin of vegetarian beans and your cheese of choice (I also always find everyone in the UK has the largest hunk of cheese on hand, always!). A little love and a little time, and you have the perfect dinner.

What was your favorite easy dinner to make when you were younger? Let me know in the comments below! Happy cooking!