Easy Lunches
Tuna and Sweetcorn Jacket Potatoes
Crisp baked potatoes with a straightforward tuna, sweetcorn, and yogurt filling.
A jacket potato is a useful lunch when you can let the oven do most of the work. The skin becomes crisp while the inside turns fluffy, leaving a ready-made base for a simple tuna topping.
The timing depends more on potato size than on the number in the oven. Start checking medium potatoes after about 50 minutes. The filling is quick enough to make while they finish, so keep it chilled until serving.
THE RECIPE
Tuna and Sweetcorn Jacket Potatoes
Amounts scale automatically. Keep piece sizes similar; pan size and cooking time may need adjustment. Round whole ingredients sensibly.
Ingredients
Method
Prepare the potatoes
Heat oven to 220°C / 425°F. Scrub potatoes, dry them, and prick each several times with a fork. Rub with oil and a little of the salt.
Bake until tender
Place on a baking tray and bake for 50–70 minutes. A knife should slide easily through the center; larger potatoes may need longer.
Mix the filling
Combine drained tuna, sweetcorn, yogurt, lemon juice, spring onion, pepper, and remaining salt to taste. Keep chilled while the potatoes bake.
Open and fill
Cut a cross in each cooked potato and squeeze gently from the sides using a towel to protect your hands. Fluff the center with a fork and spoon in the filling.
Small details that help
Dry skins crisp better
Patting potatoes dry before oiling helps the skins roast rather than steam.
Drain both cans
Excess liquid makes the topping watery.
Hot potato, cold filling
That contrast is fine when serving immediately. Keep the prepared filling refrigerated until needed.
Substitutions & ways to make it yours
No tuna
Use mashed chickpeas with the same yogurt and corn mixture.
Dairy-free
Replace yogurt with a suitable mayonnaise or dairy-free plain yogurt.
Short on time
Microwave potatoes until nearly tender, then finish in the oven for crisper skins. Timing depends on your microwave.
A couple of useful questions
Can I bake potatoes ahead?
Yes, then refrigerate promptly and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Should I wrap them in foil?
Foil traps steam and softens the skin. This recipe leaves them unwrapped for a crisper result.
