Save A baked potato bar is a fun, interactive meal featuring perfectly baked potatoes and a variety of affordable, flavorful toppings that allow everyone to customize their own plate.
I first tried setting up a baked potato bar for a large family get-together. It was a hit because everyone enjoyed mixing and matching toppings to make their own ideal dinner plate.
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 & Inexpensive Toppings: 1 can (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 and Bake Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Prick potatoes several times with fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle kosher salt. Place directly on baking sheet and bake for 55 to 65 minutes until skins are crisp and potatoes are easily pierced.
- Prepare Toppings:
- While potatoes bake, cook and crumble bacon if using, chop vegetables, and arrange all toppings in separate bowls.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove potatoes from oven, let cool slightly, slice open lengthwise, fluff insides with fork. Set up baked potato bar by serving potatoes buffet-style with toppings for everyone to build their own loaded baked potato.
Save My kids still talk about the night we set up a potato bar. They loved choosing their own toppings and it quickly became a go-to meal for family birthdays.
Required Tools
You'll need a baking sheet, fork, small bowls for toppings, knife, and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and possible pork. It is gluten-free. For egg, soy, or nut allergies, review labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (without bacon or extras) has about 340 calories, 8 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Save This baked potato bar is sure to please a crowd. Enjoy your meal and the creative combinations everyone builds.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Large russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their starchy texture and fluffy interior once cooked.
- → How do I ensure crispy skins?
Rubbing potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt before baking helps achieve a crisp, flavorful skin.
- → Can I prepare toppings ahead of time?
Yes, chopping vegetables and cooking any meats beforehand streamlines assembly and serving.
- → What are some good vegan topping options?
Plant-based cheese, non-dairy sour cream or yogurt, and fresh vegetables like corn and jalapeños work well.
- → How long should potatoes be baked?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 55–65 minutes until skins are crisp and potatoes are tender inside.
- → Can sweet potatoes be used instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a great alternative and offer a naturally sweet flavor pairing well with toppings.