Pin this A baked potato bar is a fun, interactive meal that lets everyone customize their own plate with perfectly baked potatoes and a variety of flavorful, affordable toppings.
I first put together a baked potato bar for a casual weekend dinner, and everyone enjoyed picking their favorite toppings. It has become a go-to for easy entertaining because it requires little prep and is always a hit.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Prick each potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake:
- Place the potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until skins are crisp and potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Prep Toppings:
- While the potatoes bake, prepare the toppings: cook and crumble bacon if using, chop vegetables, and arrange all toppings in separate bowls.
- Slice & Fluff:
- Remove potatoes from the oven. Let cool slightly, then slice open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Set Up Bar:
- Serve potatoes with toppings arranged buffet-style, and let everyone build their own loaded baked potato.
Pin this My kids always get excited to build their own potatoes and see how their creations compare with mine. It turns a simple meal into a memorable family tradition.
Affordable Topping Ideas
Frozen corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and steamed broccoli are all budget-friendly and add great color and texture to your potato bar.
Allergen Information
This meal is naturally gluten-free. For egg, soy, or nut allergies, check processed toppings and ingredient labels to ensure they meet dietary needs.
Make It Vegan
To make a vegan version, swap in plant-based cheese, non-dairy sour cream, and vegan butter. Offer extra veggies and beans for more choices.
Pin this Enjoy customizing your own baked potato creations and make it a fun food experience for everyone at the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Large russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy interiors and crispy skins after baking.
- → How do I ensure crispy potato skins?
Coat potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt before baking at a high temperature to achieve crispness.
- → Can this be adapted for vegan diets?
Yes, substitute vegan cheese, plant-based butter, and non-dairy sour cream to keep it plant-friendly.
- → What are some affordable topping ideas?
Black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and steamed broccoli add flavor without high cost.
- → How long does it take to bake the potatoes?
Potatoes typically bake for 55 to 65 minutes at 425°F (220°C) until skins are crisp and insides soft.
- → Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes provide a sweeter alternative with similar baking methods and topping options.