These loaded potato skins with mayonnaise and chives are a mouth-watering and versatile starter, perfect for any occasion: from a casual aperitif with friends to a stylish buffet. Easy to make and bursting with flavour, these loaded skins will win over young and old alike.

Ingredients for 4 people:

• 4 medium èVita Residue-Free potatoes
• 150 g of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, to taste

Optional for decoration:

• Chilli powder
• Crumbled crispy bacon
• Grated cheese

Preparation

Thoroughly wash the potatoes under running water to remove any traces of soil. Cook them whole in salted boiling water for about 20-25 minutes, until they are soft yet still compact. Alternatively, you can cook them in the oven wrapped in tinfoil at 200°C for about 40-50 minutes. Once cooked, leave them to cool down slightly and then cut them in half lengthwise. Using a teaspoon, gently hollow out the inner flesh of the potatoes, leaving an edge of about 5 mm to prevent them from breaking. Keep the hollowed out flesh in a bowl.

Mash the potato flesh with a fork to get a creamy texture. Add the mayonnaise and chopped chives, stirring until you get a smooth mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can now fill your skins. Fill every potato skin with the mixture you’ve made, using a tablespoon or a piping bag for a more stylish result. Place the loaded skins on a baking tray lightly greased with extra virgin olive oil.

Bake the loaded skins in a conventional oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, until the surface turns slightly golden brown. Take the loaded skins out of the oven and leave them to cool down for a few minutes. Decorate them with a little fresh chives or, if you prefer, a sprinkling of chilli powder, crispy bacon or grated cheese.

Tips

• For a lighter version, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yoghurt or cheese spread.
• If you prefer a little crunch, you can add chopped walnuts or sesame seeds to the filling.

Your loaded potato skins with mayonnaise and chives are now ready to eat! Try them and surprise your guests with this simple yet irresistible recipe.