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 set up a baked potato bar for a family gathering when I wanted something festive but simple. The kids loved choosing their own toppings and everyone went back for seconds!
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 (15 oz/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
- Prep & Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Prick potatoes several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 55–65 minutes until skins are crisp and potatoes are pierced easily with a fork.
- Prepare Toppings:
- While potatoes bake, cook and crumble bacon if using, chop vegetables, and arrange all toppings in bowls.
- Assemble Bar:
- Remove potatoes from oven, let cool slightly, slice open lengthwise, fluff insides. Set up baked potato bar: serve potatoes and toppings buffet-style.
Save Setting up this bar made an everyday meal feel like a celebration. It instantly became a new favorite and is now our go-to for movie nights and birthday dinners.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, fork, small bowls for toppings, knife, and cutting board are all you need to get started.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, butter, sour cream, yogurt) and possible pork (bacon, ham). Gluten-free if processed toppings are checked. For egg, soy, or nut allergies, review packaged labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (without bacon or extras): 340 calories, 8 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein.
Save Try this baked potato bar for your next family dinner and let everyone create their own plate. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that adds some fun to the table.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I bake potatoes for crispy skins?
Coat each potato with olive oil and kosher salt, then bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 55-65 minutes until the skins are crisp and potatoes are tender.
- → What toppings pair well with baked potatoes?
Classic options include shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and butter. Affordable choices like black beans, corn, tomatoes, and fresh herbs add flavor and texture variety.
- → Can this be made vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, use vegan cheese, plant-based butter, and dairy-free yogurt to suit vegan diets. Confirm all toppings are gluten-free to accommodate gluten-free needs.
- → How long does the entire process take?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes 55-65 minutes, totaling approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
- → What are some optional extras to enhance flavors?
Consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese, cooked ham, or hot sauces like sriracha for extra zest and richness.