Save to Pinterest A fun, interactive meal featuring perfectly baked potatoes and a variety of affordable, flavorful toppings for everyone to customize their own plate.
I’ve always loved hosting baked potato bars because my friends and family get excited about picking their favorite toppings and making each potato their own.
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: 6 strips, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 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
- Prepare oven and baking sheet:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Season 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.
- 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 and fluff potatoes:
- 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 to Pinterest Everyone in our family gets really creative with their potato combinations, and it's always fun hearing about the wildest flavor mixes at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Set out toppings in colorful bowls, keep potatoes warm in a towel-lined basket, and encourage guests to experiment with different flavors.
Allergen & Dietary Info
The base recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly. Review add-on topping labels to accommodate nut, soy, or egg allergies for all guests.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Without Extras)
Each serving (without bacon or extras) provides approximately 340 calories, 8 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Save to Pinterest A loaded baked potato bar brings people together for easy meals and memorable conversations.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure the potato skins turn out crisp?
Rub the potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt before baking on a foil-lined sheet at 425°F. This helps dry and crisp the skins during the cooking process.
- → Can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute vegan cheese, plant-based butter, and non-dairy sour cream or yogurt for the dairy toppings to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What toppings pair best with baked potatoes?
Classic options include shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and bacon. Affordable toppings like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños add variety and flavor.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, potatoes and most toppings are naturally gluten-free. Just check processed toppings to avoid hidden gluten.
- → Can other types of potatoes be used?
Russet potatoes are preferred for their texture, but sweet potatoes can be a tasty substitute for a different flavor profile.