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.
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
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.
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.