Pin A fun, interactive meal featuring perfectly baked potatoes and a variety of affordable, flavorful toppings for everyone to customize their own plate.
I remember hosting our first baked potato bar on a rainy weekend, and it quickly became a crowd-pleasing favorite that everyone loved customizing together.
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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
- Steamed broccoli florets: 1 cup
- Pickled jalapeños: 1/2 cup, sliced
- Salsa: 1/2 cup
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro: 1/2 cup
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese: 1/2 cup
- Cooked chopped ham: 1/2 cup
- Hot sauce or sriracha: To taste
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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, 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 Potato Bar:
- Serve potatoes with toppings arranged buffet/style. Let everyone build their own loaded baked potato.
Pin Our family loves choosing their favorite toppings, and it's always a hit with guests of all ages for special occasions and casual nights alike.
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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. For egg, soy, or nut allergies, always review labels of packaged products.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (without bacon or optional extras): 340 calories, 8 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein
Pin 
With creative topping choices, your baked potato bar will be both simple and memorable for any occasion.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the potatoes bake evenly?
Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place directly on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F until the skins are crisp and insides tender.
- → Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russets?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be substituted. Adjust baking time as needed since sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster or slower depending on size.
- → What are some vegan topping options?
Use plant-based cheeses, vegan butter, and dairy-free sour cream or yogurt to accommodate vegan preferences.
- → How should the toppings be prepared for serving?
Chop vegetables finely and arrange all toppings in small bowls to create an inviting, buffet-style presentation for easy self-serving.
- → What tools do I need to set up this meal?
A baking sheet for potatoes, a fork to prick and fluff insides, knives, cutting boards, and small bowls for toppings are essential.
