Mary Berry, the beloved culinary icon, has shared her secret to elevating the humble baked potato to new heights of deliciousness. In her cookbook, ‘Simple Comforts,’ she unveils four unique and scrumptious toppings that transform this classic comfort food into a culinary masterpiece.
Berry emphasizes the versatility of baked potatoes, suggesting they are perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. She recommends using a generous portion of each topping for four whole potatoes or eight halves, making them ideal for a family meal.
Each recipe is designed for simplicity and speed, with a preparation time of under 30 minutes. To get started, preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas 7) and bake four large potatoes for approximately an hour, ensuring they are soft in the middle. Once cooked, slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving the skins intact.
Berry’s four indulgent toppings:
Pesto Topping:
A harmonious blend of three tablespoons of basil pesto and 75g of coarsely grated Parmesan cheese creates a fragrant and flavorful topping.
Bacon and Mushroom Topping:
Four rashers of bacon, diced into small pieces, are fried until crisp. Add 50g of sliced button mushrooms and fry for a few minutes over high heat. Finally, incorporate 75g of grated mature cheddar cheese for an extra layer of richness.
Spring Onion and Soured Cream Topping:
Sauté four chopped spring onions in one tablespoon of olive oil until softened. Mix the sautéed spring onions into the potato flesh along with four generous tablespoons of soured cream. For a touch of color and warmth, dust with paprika.
Pepper and Goat’s Cheese Topping:
Roast two large red peppers until softened, or use two chargrilled peppers from a jar. Cut the peppers into strips and mix them with one tablespoon of soft goat’s cheese and one tablespoon of chopped fresh basil leaves.
Final Touches:
To complete the dishes, arrange the potatoes in a roasting tin. For the pesto topping, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. For the bacon and mushroom topping, scatter with cheddar cheese. For the spring onion and soured cream topping, dust with paprika. Drizzle all toppings with a touch of olive oil.
Return the potatoes to the oven for about 15 minutes, allowing the toppings to become golden and the skins to crisp. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve piping hot.
With these delectable toppings, Mary Berry’s simple baked potatoes become a culinary delight, transforming a humble comfort food into a gourmet experience. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to impress your loved ones with these extraordinary baked potato creations.
