Save A fun interactive meal featuring perfectly baked potatoes and a variety of affordable flavorful toppings for everyone to customize their own plate.
The first time I set up a baked potato bar was for a birthday gathering and everyone loved being able to build their own plates. It was simple to prepare and turned dinner into a fun memorable event.
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 and Bake Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Prick each potato several times with a fork and rub with olive oil and kosher salt. Bake directly on the prepared baking sheet for 55–65 minutes until skins are crisp and potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Toppings:
- While potatoes bake cook and crumble bacon if using chop vegetables and arrange all toppings in separate bowls.
- Serve and Build:
- Remove potatoes from oven let cool slightly then slice open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. Set up the baked potato bar with toppings arranged buffet-style. Let everyone build their own loaded baked potato.
Save My kids especially enjoy choosing their own combinations at the potato bar and seeing what everyone creates is part of the fun. It's become a regular family tradition during movie nights.
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 (double-check processed toppings). For egg soy or nut allergies review labels of packaged products.
Nutritional Information
Per serving without bacon or optional extras: Calories 340 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 58 g Protein 10 g
Save Serve immediately for best flavor and texture. Leftovers can be wrapped and reheated for a quick lunch.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Large russet potatoes are preferred for their fluffy interior and sturdy skins, ideal for holding toppings.
- → How do I achieve crisp potato skins?
Rub potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt before baking at 425°F on a foil-lined sheet to get crisp skins.
- → Can this dish accommodate dietary preferences?
Yes, it can be tailored with vegan cheese, plant-based butters, and nondairy yogurt for various diets.
- → What toppings complement the potatoes well?
Classic toppings like cheddar, sour cream, and bacon mix well with veggies, beans, and fresh herbs for flavor balance.
- → How long should I bake the potatoes?
Bake for about 55–65 minutes until skins are crisp and interiors are soft when pierced with a fork.