Save 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 casual family dinner and was surprised by how much everyone enjoyed customizing their meal. The variety made even picky eaters happy and sparked new topping ideas.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 6 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt): 1 cup
- Green onions: 4, thinly sliced
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Bacon (optional): 6 strips, cooked and crumbled
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), rinsed and drained
- Frozen corn: 1 cup, thawed
- Diced tomatoes: 1 cup
- Broccoli florets: 1 cup, steamed
- Pickled jalapeños: 1/2 cup, sliced
- Salsa: 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Feta or goat cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled
- Ham: 1/2 cup, cooked and chopped
- Hot sauce or sriracha: To taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Prick each potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until skins are crisp and potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Toppings:
- While the potatoes bake, prepare the toppings: cook and crumble bacon if using, chop vegetables, and arrange all toppings in separate bowls.
- Slice and Fluff:
- Remove potatoes from the oven. Let cool slightly, then slice open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Set Up Potato Bar:
- Serve potatoes with toppings arranged buffet-style. Let everyone build their own loaded baked potato.
Save Everyone in our family loves creating their own loaded potato and mixing up the toppings. It's always a hit at birthday parties and game nights.
Serving Suggestions
Offer a variety of bowls and utensils so guests can serve toppings easily. Pair with a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Customize Your Bar
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are easy to add with dairy-free cheese, non-dairy yogurt, and plant-based butter. Sweet potatoes make a fun alternative for extra flavor.
Nutrition & Allergens
This meal is naturally gluten-free, and can be made vegan. Double check labels for processed toppings if serving guests with allergies.
Save Bring people together with this baked potato bar. It's easy, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I get crispy potato skins?
Rub the potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt before baking on a foil-lined sheet at 425°F for about an hour to achieve crisp skins.
- → What toppings pair well with baked potatoes?
Classic toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and bacon work well, as do veggies like black beans, corn, tomatoes, and steamed broccoli.
- → Can this bar accommodate vegan diets?
Yes, substitute vegan cheese, plant-based butter, and dairy-free yogurt for inclusive options at the bar.
- → How long does the baking process take?
Baking russet potatoes typically takes 55–65 minutes at 425°F until skins are crisp and the insides are tender.
- → What tools are needed to prepare the bar?
A baking sheet, fork, cutting board, knife, and small bowls for organizing toppings are essential for setup.
- → Are there gluten-free options at the bar?
Yes, the core ingredients and many toppings are naturally gluten-free; verify processed items when in doubt.