Jacket Potato with Cheesy Beans

A classic for a reason. A fluffy baked potato piled high with warm baked beans and a sprinkle of cheese. It's comfort food that fills you up for hours. Baking the potato takes time but costs almost nothing in electricity; microwaving is faster.

Approx. cost per serving: £0.55 (with cheese) / £0.40 (without)

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 1 large baking potato (20p)
• ½ x 400g tin of baked beans (20p)
• A small handful of grated cheddar (15p, optional)

Method:

1. Prick the potato all over with a fork. Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 60–75 minutes, or microwave for 8–10 minutes until soft.
2. Warm the beans in a small pan or microwave.
3. Split the potato open. Pour the beans over the top. Scatter with cheese if using.

Why it's gut-friendly: Potatoes are a gentle, easily digestible carbohydrate, especially when eaten with the skin for fibre. Beans are a prebiotic food, feeding good gut bacteria.