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 tried a baked potato bar at a friend's gathering and everyone loved choosing their own toppings. It's now a go-to for easy weeknight dinners when we want something fuss-free but fun.
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 (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 the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Prick each potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake:
- 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 the Toppings:
- While the potatoes bake, cook and crumble bacon if using, chop vegetables, and arrange all toppings in separate bowls.
- Finish Potatoes:
- Remove potatoes from the oven. Let cool slightly, then slice open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Serve:
- Set up the baked potato bar: serve potatoes with toppings arranged buffet-style. Let everyone build their own loaded baked potato.
Save My kids love helping set out the different topping bowls and choosing their own combos. It turns dinner into a playful occasion and everyone leaves the table happily satisfied.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, fork, small bowls for toppings, knife, and cutting board are all you need for assembly.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, butter, sour cream, yogurt) and pork (bacon, ham) if using. Gluten-free if toppings are chosen carefully and labels checked. For egg, soy, or nut allergies, review all packaged products for safety.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (without bacon or optional extras): 340 calories, 8 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein.
Save This baked potato bar brings everyone together and makes for a memorable delicious meal. Best of all cleanup is a breeze.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure potatoes have crispy skins?
Rub potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt before baking at 425°F. This helps create a flavorful, crispy skin while keeping the inside tender.
- → Can sweet potatoes be used instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes make a delicious alternative and can be baked similarly for a slightly sweeter flavor and different texture.
- → What are some good vegan topping options?
Use plant-based cheeses, vegan butter, and non-dairy sour cream or yogurt. Add beans, corn, and fresh herbs to keep it vibrant and flavorful.
- → How long should baked potatoes cook?
Bake potatoes for 55-65 minutes on a foil-lined sheet at 425°F until skins are crisp and insides are soft when pierced with a fork.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this meal?
A baking sheet, fork, knife, cutting board, and small bowls for toppings are needed to prepare and serve the components efficiently.
- → Are there gluten-free options included?
Yes, russet potatoes and most toppings like cheese, sour cream, and veggies are naturally gluten-free. Check labels on processed items to be sure.