Baked Potato Bar Fun (Printable)

Fluffy baked potatoes paired with an array of tasty, budget-friendly toppings for a customizable meal.

# What you'll need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 6 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Classic Toppings

04 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
06 - 4 green onions, thinly sliced
07 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

→ Affordable & Inexpensive Toppings

09 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
10 - 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
11 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
12 - 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
13 - 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
14 - 1/2 cup salsa
15 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

→ Optional Extras

16 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
17 - 1/2 cup cooked chopped ham
18 - Hot sauce or sriracha, to taste

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
02 - Prick each russet potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
03 - Place potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until skins are crisp and potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
04 - While potatoes bake, cook and crumble bacon if using. Chop vegetables and place all toppings in separate bowls.
05 - Remove potatoes from the oven. Allow to cool slightly, then slice lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
06 - Arrange potatoes and toppings buffet-style. Invite guests to create their own loaded baked potatoes.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • Perfect for parties or family dinners
  • Allows guests to build their own plate with flavor and dietary flexibility
02 -
  • For a vegan bar, offer vegan cheese, plant-based butter, and non-dairy sour cream or yogurt.
  • Sweet potatoes can be substituted for russet potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
03 -
  • Start baking the potatoes early—they're best when piping hot and fluffy.
  • Offer extra toppings like chili or sautéed mushrooms for more choices.
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