Save to Pinterest A fun interactive meal featuring perfectly baked potatoes and a variety of affordable flavorful toppings for everyone to customize their own plate.
I first made a baked potato bar for a weekend get-together and was amazed at how fun and relaxed the meal became. Everyone loved building their own potato creations.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 6 large russet potatoes scrubbed clean 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt
- Classic Toppings: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) 4 green onions thinly sliced 4 tbsp unsalted butter 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled (optional)
- Affordable Toppings: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans rinsed and drained 1 cup frozen corn thawed 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 cup steamed broccoli florets 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños sliced 1/2 cup salsa 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Optional Extras: 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese 1/2 cup cooked chopped ham hot sauce or sriracha to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Prick each potato several times with a fork rub with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake Potatoes:
- Place potatoes directly on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until skins are crisp and potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Toppings:
- While potatoes bake cook and crumble bacon if using chop vegetables and arrange all toppings in separate bowls.
- Slice and Fluff:
- Remove potatoes from oven. Let cool slightly then slice open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Set Up Potato Bar:
- Set up the baked potato bar serve potatoes with toppings arranged buffet-style. Let everyone build their own loaded baked potato.
Save to Pinterest This potato bar has become a favorite for birthday parties and weeknight dinners in our family. It's always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Required Tools
Baking sheet fork small bowls for toppings knife cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cheese butter sour cream yogurt possible pork bacon ham gluten-free double-check processed toppings review labels for packaged products for egg soy or nut allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340 Total Fat: 8 g Carbohydrates: 58 g Protein: 10 g (per serving without bacon or optional extras)
Save to Pinterest Serve with a fresh salad or simple fruit to round out the meal. Enjoy making it your own favorite way every time!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I bake potatoes for the bar?
Scrub large russet potatoes, rub with olive oil and kosher salt, then bake at 425°F for 55–65 minutes until skins are crisp and insides tender.
- → What toppings work well for customization?
Combine classic options like shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and butter with affordable choices such as black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and steamed broccoli.
- → Can this be adapted for vegan diets?
Yes, substitute dairy toppings with vegan cheese, plant-based butters, and non-dairy sour cream or yogurt to accommodate vegan guests.
- → What tools help serve the potato bar smoothly?
Use a baking sheet for the potatoes, small bowls for toppings, a fork to fluff potatoes after baking, and knives for chopping as needed.
- → Any tips for adding extra flavor?
Include optional extras like crumbled feta or goat cheese, cooked ham, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or sriracha for added zest and variety.
- → How can the meal suit gluten-free needs?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just ensure processed toppings and add-ons are checked for gluten content.